Transformation of the Den

It's almost been two years since we've moved in. It's still a process to transform the condo into a home that reflects our personality and fits our needs.

This is how it was when we first saw it.

The yellow wall had to go.

The bookcase served its purpose for a year and a half, but we outgrew it pretty fast. We finally commissioned a carpenter to do a built-in. It was quite the process.

To save money, we painted it ourselves. One coat of primer and two coats of paint.

We loved how it came out. It looks like it's been there forever.

DIY: Children's Tshirt Refashion

Here is a refashion I did for my two nephews.



They look so handsome.

DIY: Jaden's Growth Chart

My other nephew, Jaden, turned one today. For his birthday, I made a growth chart since he’s growing everyday. I’ve done a lot of research on the different types out there. There are many cute animal themed ones, but I was afraid he’ll “outgrown” them. I wanted something that’s durable and he can have as a keepsake. Maybe someday he can compare his height to his kids.

I saw this. It’s simple and neutral. The $60 price tag was a little much and I was afraid the vinyl might lose its grip over time.

To make my version, I bought a 6 feet long ½”x4” piece of pine for $13. I just used acrylic paint I already have.




To personalize the board, I added lemon picture frames made from felt that's attached by velcro.

It works better when he's standing up.

Dylan's Christmas Gifts

This Christmas I decided to make as many handmade gifts as possible. For my 2 1/2 year nephew, I wanted to make something that's relevant. He's been to the zoo a few times this year, so I wanted to incorporate that. I wrote him a book featuring himself as the main character of course. My friend,Alice, helped me with the illustrations. I wish I have that kind of talent.



The book featured a monkey, so I made a sock monkey to accompany the story.



Another gift was a toy car carrier. Dyan's really into cars and he travels with a dozen of them in a plastic bag. I stole this idea from Homemade by Jill.

DIY: T-Shirt Refashion

It's been a long time. The fall and holiday season flew by. Since getting my first sewing machine, I'm constantly thinking of new things to make. One thing is refashioning T-shirts. I love the knit tees collection from J Crew. It's casual and feminine.


As much as I love them, $19.50 to $29.50 for a tee is not really in my budget. The seamstress within me think I can probably make something similar.

I found plain tees from Forever 21 and H&M on sale for about five bucks. Here is the tutorial for one of them.

1. Plain tshirt was longer what I needed.
2. Cut 3 inches off the bottom of the shirt.
3. Cut the strip into 3 equal parts.
4. Make ruffles with the 3 strips. Sew one side and then pull the thread tight to make a half circle.

5. Arrange the ruffles on the tshirt and pin in place, then sew.

Final Product:Here's a few more: