They grow up so fast. So why not capture all those adorable memories of your new little one with a do-it-yourself newborn shadow box. You display it in your home and then give it to your child when he or she moves out. It will be a treasure in your family for years to come. Here’s how to do it.

I got the idea for this ridiculously cute shadow box after my fifth and last child. I realized that I hadn’t done anything special for any of my previous kids. So, I didn’t want to miss out on this opportunity. It’s so simple and beautiful memories can be encased in such a small space. Here’s how you can do it too.

Buy your newborn shadow box supplies

This DIY project won’t work without a shadow box. Here’s a few options depending on what kind of look you’re trying to achieve:

• White shadow box display case (11×14)
• Rustic wood shadow box (11×14)
• Flagship Shadow box with back easel (8×10)
• Black Shadow Box (12×12)
• Rustic shadow box with drawers for keepsakes

I like the shadow boxes that open and close magnetically and allow for easy access to the objects inside. You’ll also want to buy some cute push pins to hold the items in place. Here are a few ideas:

• Metallic push pins
• Decorative floral push pins
• Geometric wooden push pins

Gather your newborn memorabilia

Newborns are so freaking cute. But they don’t stay that little for very long. You’ll want to gather all the items that you can that remind you of this precious time. Here’s some ideas:

• Small picture of your newborn
• Small picture of your newborn with the people he or she was named after
• First onesie that your baby wore
• Item related to her gender reveal
• First pair of knitted shoes or stockings
• A bottle or binkie that she used
• Ultrasound picture
• Letters of her name
• Date of birth and weight cut out from paper
• Family picture
• Clay casting of her hand or foot
• Tiny bow that she used

Put it all together

This was the fun part. After I had everything I needed, I assembled all of the items together where I wanted them in the newborn shadow box. Make sure you arrange them so you can see each item. It’s your project so lay it all out however you want.

Hang your shadow box in your baby’s room or anywhere in your house. You could do one for every child that you have and display them together on the wall. Your options are limitless and you will love the way it turns out.

What other ideas do you have to remember your newborn baby? Leave your ideas in the comments below.

Related link: How to swaddle a baby

The post Capture memories with this DIY newborn shadow box appeared first on My Silly Squirts.

This do-it-yourself shark wall hanging is the perfect addition to any boy’s bedroom. Plus, it’s surprisingly easier than you might think and you’ll save money in the process. So, check it out.

So, we originally hot the idea for this wall hanging when we were at Hobby Lobby. My son found a similar shark (see image below) that he really wanted for his bedroom. I took one look at it and thought, “I could make that.” Plus, I didn’t want to pay $50 for it either. And that’s how our DIY masterpiece came about. Here’s how you can make one too.

Gather your Shark Wall Hanging supplies

Most likely, you will have most of what you need at home already. Regardless, you don’t need to spend very much money. Just make a quick run to the hardware store and you’ll be set. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Two pieces of pallet wood or unfinished fence posts
• Jig saw
• Blue and gray paint
• Black permanent marker
• Scrap wood (for the teeth)
• Nails and nail gun
• Wood glue
• Measuring tape

Assemble your wood

First, cut three wood slats into 21-inch lengths. Line the slats up vertically next to each other, leaving a small small between each one. Then attach all three pieces together using a small piece of wood, using a nail gun. The three slats together should be about 16 inches wide. Cut one more piece of wood that is about 20 inches long. This piece will be for the wave at the bottom.

Draw and cut out the shark shape

Using a pencil, draw the outline of the shark directly onto the wood. This will be the template that you will use to cut out the shark. Don’t forget to draw the mouth. But don’t worry about drawing teeth. You’ll do that part later. Then, using a jigsaw, cut out the shape that you outlined.

Paint your wood pieces and nail together

Once everything is cut, paint each piece their correct color and let dry completely. Then, using a nail gun, nail all of the pieces together. Draw two eyes and nostrils using a permanent marker.

Cut and attach the teeth

Your shark wall hanging wouldn’t be complete without some sharp teeth. I just grabbed some scrap wood and cut them into triangles. None of my measurements were precise. They don’t need to since shark teeth are jagged anyway. I arranged them in the shark mouth to make sure they all fit and then I painted and attached them to the shark with a nail gun.

Now you’re done! I think our wall hanging turned out better than the one we found in the store. Plus my son likes it a ton more because he helped make it. It looks great in his bedroom now. This was such a fun activity and we saved a whole bunch of money in the process.

How did you shark turn out? I’d love to see your creation. Leave your comments below.

Related link: Upcycled front door wreath

The post DIY Shark wall hanging for less than $10 appeared first on My Silly Squirts.

This beautiful Book of Mormon poster is the perfect fit for any Latter-day Saint home. It is an inspiring reminder of your beliefs to all who step through your front door. Print yours for free today.

I came up with the idea to do this poster after I designed some LDS poster prints of each of the proclamations. It’s a great way to remind everyone in your home of what you believe. Now, I’m passing it on to you. So, here’s how to print your own right now.

Download your poster of the Book of Mormon

So, I’ve created this poster in two sizes: 30″x40″ and 16″x20″. You can print these at your local printer and frame them yourself or print them on canvas. I printed mine on a canvas through Canvas Champ. It only cost me $40. I offer this printable for FREE to all visitors of my blog, but if you’d like to show your support, feel free to buy me a taco .

Click here for your Book of Mormon 30″x40″ Poster

Click here for you Book of Mormon 16″x20″ Poster

Important note

Keep in mind that this poster does in fact contain the complete text from the Book of Mormon. However, in order to fit it on the poster, the text is 2-point font. In other words, the text is super small and basically illegible. This poster should be considered more of a piece of artwork and isn’t intended to be read line for line.

Download your Spanish and French posters below

Full disclosure. These posters have Spanish and French titles at the top but please keep in mind that the main text is still in English. The main reason for that is it would take ages to copy and paste the Spanish and French text. Plus, as I mentioned above, you can’t even read the small print anyway when it’s printed. I offer this printable for FREE to all visitors of my blog, but if you’d like to show your support, feel free to buy me a taco .

Below are the posters in Spanish:

Click here for your Spanish Book of Mormon 30″x40″ Poster

Click here for your Spanish Book of Mormon 16×20 Poster

Below are the posters in French:

Click here for your French Book of Mormon 30×40 Poster

Click here for your French Book of Mormon 16×20 Poster

What is the Book of Mormon?

For those of you who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Book of Mormon is a book of scripture that takes place in the ancient Americas and is a compilation of spiritual and historical records written by prophets. It is not a replacement or substitute for the Holy Bible but a companion to it and testifies of Jesus Christ and his life and mission.

Latter-day Saints believe that the Book of Mormon is a sacred book. That’s why many members, such as myself, hang visual representations of this book of scripture as a reminder of our beliefs.

How did your poster turn out? Leave your comments below.

Related link: FREE LDS Sacrament reverence book

The post Full-text Book of Mormon poster to hang in your home appeared first on My Silly Squirts.

I’ve had an old rocking chair sitting around my house for years. I figured it was time to spice it up a little bit and refinish it. With a little sandpaper, paint and love, my ho-hum rocking chair became a work of art. It was easy. Here’s how to do it:

Before you get started, just get the idea in your head that this isn’t a project that you’ll finish all in one day. Just take your time to make it look right.

Step #1: Sand your rocking chair

You’ll be tempted to skip this step. Don’t. It will allow for a smoother surface for your paint to adhere to. I use 220 grit sand paper. It’s very fine sand paper. If you have access to an electric sander, I would highly recommend using it just because it’s A LOT faster. However, you’ll still have to sand the little nooks and crannies by hand. Wipe your rocking chair down with a damp towel to make sure all the dust is gone.

Step #2: Paint … then sand again

Buy a can of paint and primer in one. It will save you steps and look fabulous. I chose Frosty Glade for my color since I thought it would look nice in my baby’s room, but you could pick any color you want.  It’s your project!

Make sure you paint the rocking chair with a small foam roller on as many surfaces as possible. It will come out looking smoother without many brush strokes. Use a small paint brush to paint the areas that you can’t get to with the roller. Then let it dry completely. After that, LIGHTLY sand the rocking chair to get out any bumps or bubbles.

Step #3: Paint … then sand again

You’ve got to put on second coat. No questions asked. Follow the same process as in Step #2. Sorry for the dark pictures, I had to paint at night when my kids were in bed. Ha ha.

Step #4: Polyurethane … then sand

If you stop after step #3, the paint will start chipping off your rocking chair almost immediately. All that work will have been for nothing. Polyurethane will provide a glossy, smooth finish and prevent chipping. I used MinWax Clear Satin Polyurethane. I bought a less-expensive brand once on a dresser that I was refinishing and it left a yellow hue to the entire dresser. It looked awful. It’s worth it to pay for a higher-quality brand. It will look better.

Try to use a foam roller or a foam brush for the polyurethane. Keep in mind that you can’t really wash the polyurethane out of the brushes, you’ll basically be throwing those away after you’re done. You can wrap your brushes in a plastic grocery bag however for a few days so you can use them for the second coat as well. Make sure you LIGHTLY sand after the polyurethane has dried.

Step #5: Polyurethane … then sand

This is the last step! Yay!  Follow the process in Step #4 and you’re done!!

Since I’m not a seamstress, click here for a tutorial on how to make your very own cushion for your newly refinished rocking chair.

What other pieces of furniture have you refinished? Leave your comments below.

Related article: Funny DIY felt love notes

The post Drab to fab: How to refinish a rocking chair appeared first on My Silly Squirts.