Put a birdcage on it. That’s right, why stop at putting a bird on something when you can put an entire birdcage on it?
Follow up question: why stop at one when you can go with three?
Sidenote: we’ve gotten a few questions about the brown sheet on the daybed, so the deal with that is that we still haven’t picked up sheets for the bed, but they’ll most likely be navy and most definitely won’t be that crazy old tan sheet that has been on this daybed for around six years! Haha. So just try to ignore that for now if you can.
But back to the birdcages. I’ve been itching to hang these guys since we started this room, so it’s really exciting to finally unveil the “secret 3D items that we plan to hang to balance that off-center window” as we so cryptically referred to them a few times. Why birdcages? Well, it all started over a year ago when we came across the big white birdcage at a local thrift store during book shoots (we were there grabbing some other things and couldn’t leave without it, so we bought it for thirty beans and I hugged it the whole way home).
Then back in September when we got those $8 thrift store chairs in West Virginia on the drive home from redoing Granny’s bathroom, we also grabbed the red birdcage at the same thrift shop for $10 (it was white when we got it though).
So we had two birdcages sitting around forever, but I knew I’d prefer one more to make a nice grouping of three. And of course, per Murphy’s Law, the third one wasn’t as easy to come by. We tried a bunch of thrift stores and even stalked craigslist (where some folks wanted $90 for their birdcages, eeks!) along with online decorative birdcage vendors (yes they exist, but they also want lots of money for them). Then when I had almost given up all hope, I found that guy on the left at Hobby Lobby (which was $19 after I got 50% off thanks to their all-the-time sales).
That one came in the darker pewter color and I had originally planned to spray it white to go with the other two white ones I already had, but then I realized leaving it that color (it ties into the navy curtains) and spray painting the $10 one from the thrift store bright red would make for a fun little mix.
We wanted this to be a surprise for Clara, so she didn’t see me paint that one or watch us hang them (they’re all very light, so we just used plant hooks that are guaranteed to hold much more weight than these birdcages along with anchors, just to be on the safe side). She was so excited when she woke up from her nap to see them all hung up. Wish we got it on video. There was lots of pointing and laying down on the floor & daybed and gazing up at them. And then she brought in all of her stuffed animals to see them too.
Speaking of careful, since the white and the red one are especially light (they’re made entirely of wicker) we opted to hang the dark one on the end, so it’s not over the daybed at all, which is clearer from this shot:
And even though the white and red wicker birdcages are extra light, we still didn’t want them hanging directly over the daybed, so as you can see from this angle they’re set back a lot and the daybed is pulled away from the wall. That way they’re not in a spot that a jumping-on-the-bed Clara could hit her head. So in the end, they’re just like hanging a mobile or a model airplane or anything else that you might find hanging on the ceiling of a kids room. We’re big fans of making things that Clara can gaze up at (like her flower mobiles) so these birdcages were an especially fun little addition to the room for us.
So that’s the story of the birdcages. We love that they add interest, pattern, color, and playfulness to the room – especially since there’s already a frame collage on one wall and we have those postcard ledges on another wall. It’s fun to keep thinking about ways to add dimension and interest beyond the ol’ picture frame, ya know?
Bam. I just hit you with a birdcage detail shot.
And now for a few tiny updates that have also gone on. I found some thin red ribbon from my leftover-from-Christmas box, and ran it around the bottom of Sir Moose, just to balance the patterned shade a bit more. Diane actually mentioned the possibility of painting it here in a sweet comment back when we shared the new shade (thanks for the idea Diane!) but I opted for ribbon since it’s so easily changed.
As for how I attached it, I just taped it around the back to hold it in place with regular old scotch tape about a week ago. Still holding strong!
The room’s really starting to look finished in certain areas. We definitely still have lots more on the to-do list, but it’s coming along slowly but surely…
Speaking of the list, here ya go:
paint the room(more on that here)cut down our old den side table to make a play table(more on that here)bring in a dresser (we’d love to find something secondhand)(more on that here)
make/hang some curtains(more on that here)
add a rug(more on that here)
paint the backs of the chairs along with her play table(more on that here)hang our postcard ledges and fill them with favorite flashcards(more on that here)install a new light fixture(more on that here)hang a few 3D objects that we have in mind for wall decor (how’s that for cryptic?)- get a new set of sheets for the daybed (most likely in navy) along with a cushy mattress pad
- refinish or paint Clara’s new dresser (which we got here)
- turn the junked up closet into an actual clothes closet/reading nook
- add crown molding (along with tackling the other un-crown-molding-ed bedrooms on this side of the house)
- possibly paint the ceiling once the crown goes up and we choose a color…
- add accessories like more pillows, storage bins for toys, etc
Oh and we did frame and hang one more thing…
Isn’t it cute? I love that you read it right as you walk in, and that it’s full of so many colors that you see when you step further into the room. It’s by Katie Daisy (I’m a crazy rabid fan of her amazing work) and I actually pinned it around a year ago, only to find our new friends Lauren and Steve at our book signing in Palo Alto holding it out to us (all rolled up and tied with a ribbon). Is that sweet or what? It really is amazing how thoughtful people are. When I said “I pinned this so long ago!” she said “I know!”
I don’t know if I’m just a sappy mom, but it gets me all misty-eyed. It’s so true. Clara is loved like crazy, and every time I see it I send some love to Lauren & Steve for their amazingly thoughtful surprise.
So that’s what’s up in Clara’s big girl room. What did you guys do this weekend? Anyone else hanging giant 3D objects or pretty little prints? What about “put a birdcage on it.” Thinks it’ll catch on? Come on guys, we can make this happen. The question is, do we want it to…?
Psst- Ahhhhhh! The secret video thing we hinted about on Instagram is finally out! It was actually for BBC and not only do I rock a side ponytail, there’s lots of talk about our big goal this year. Nothing like trying to stick to a resolution by chatting about it at length to BBC News. You can watch the video and read the article here. If nothing else, the Clara & Burger shots are priceless.
Ohmygosh that is the best!!!!!!
I just ordered that same print last week to go in my daughter’s room! So cute. :)
Cute y’all!
Hey are they still light enough that there could be a menagerie of stuffed animals that spend time being displayed in there?
Totally! We didn’t put anything in them yet, but who knows where they’ll end up!
xo
s
I have a birdcage on my front porch with a stuffed moose in it so I was thinking the same thing! They look really cute in Clara’s room!
I was going to suggest the same thing! I would have loved that as a kid!
love, love, love the birdcages. Birdcages are crazy hard to come across in our city (I’ve been looking for years with no luck), so you are lucky that you were able to find 3! I bet Clara loves them.
I love these bird cages. I am so into birds right now not sure why maybe it is the way I alwys think of Spring!!!! Clara is a lucky girl that big girl room Rocks!!!
Awhh, I love the birdcages! Good pick guys, you are doing fabulous with your progress!!! Such a fun room to just be in, it’s slowly turning into my favorite room of your house!
Me too! Is it weird that I want us all to move in there?
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s
Not at all – I would want that too! Hmm, since Clara’s not technically living in it yet. Maybe it needs to be “broken in” first to just make sure that it’s cool and all. You know, no monsters under the bed, the lighting is good at all times of the day and night, is it tea party-friendly, that kinda thing. Serious stuff. Yeah, it’s totally necessary = green light on move-in! Haha! :)
Haha! I need to have a sleepover party in there with me, myself, and I (and a bunch of magazines). Hah!
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s
I think I’ve seen you mention it in the comments, but can’t remember, and sorry to ask a question you’ve mentioned, but why is Clara’s bed not up against either wall? Is it because of the birdcages? Or will this change? It seems a little funky to me. I remember my bedroom growing up had really wide and thick molding on the bottom and so my bed (also a daybed!) wasn’t flush against the wall and EVERYTHING fell back there (magazines, my phone, etc.) and it drove me up the wall. I feel like wouldn’t that be the case here? (Not that Clara has a cell phone yet, ha.)
It’d just centered on that room (directly across from the dresser on the opposite wall, which is also centered). The reason we pulled it away from the wall is mentioned in the post as well (didn’t want her to jump on the bed and bump her head on the birdcages, plus it’s nice to let it breath a little (thanks to the molding it can’t be right up against the wall anyway). Her crib has been the same distance from the wall in her nursery, and the occasional stuffed animal gets back there but since there’s that distance we can easily just bend over and grab it, so it actually helps :)
xo
s
Gotcha. Thanks for clarifying!
Sure thing!
xo
s
Yes, I love them! Put a birdcage on it! Get stillettoed!!!
The print is adorable! How could you not love seeing that every time you walk into your room? :)
I love birdcages!!! And those, in particular. Really nice upgrade to the room. And, as far as the sheet, I thought it matched the grayish brown color in the bedspread. Shows you how much I know!
Okay, I have to comment again – Clara is too sweet in that video! I love her little glance at the camera before petting Burger.
Isn’t she so cute!!! We were beaming at the screen like crazy people.
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s
Not room related – but you looked so pretty in the video, Sherry!
Aw thanks Sarah! I’m already regretting the side ponytail, but it’s funny to see myself in a bright color (red!) – might have to do that more often :)
xo
s
Love the bird cages! However, on your to do list, you forgot t cross off hanging up the ledges and decorating them with flash cards. You did that already!
Love the way it’s all coming along!
Oh yes, all fixed!
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s
By your title I am assuming you have watched Portlandia…check out Vancouvria on You Tube. My husband is from Portland and he equally loves how Vacouvria makes jokes about how Vancouver across the river is so much better than Portland! BTW, I love the bird cages…simple and cute and you coul do so many things with them!
Haha, never heard of that!
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s
the bird cages are beautiful! Imagine the possible stories that they will create (birds, songs, who knows what else)!
I once made a frog-and-lily pad mobile for my college dorm room, Alexander Calder style. It didn’t turn out as well as his, but that’s okay.
That sounds so sweet!
xo
s
Love the birdcages, and especially how the colors work so well in the room. Love how it’s all coming together and getting that layered over time feeling. What a special room for your special little girl.
Love it! Have y’all thought about painting the wall with the ‘you are loved’ art with chalkboard paint?
That could be fun! We’re not sure if it would look like a black hole from the hall though (you see that wall from the hallway, so we’re not sure if we prefer a chalkboard wall to be more tucked away… we’d love to find a spot for one though!
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s
You can do chalkboard paint in any color you’d like, it wouldn’t have to be black. It could be magnetic too. Cute idea!
That’s true! Could be fun!
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s
I really like the birdcages!! I admit, I wanted one as decor but my husband thought I was crazy, haha. So no birdcage for me (at least for now).
Anyway, what I really wanted to say is that I really enjoyed the BBC piece. Very insightful, and I hope you’re able to accomplish your goal this year.
Aw thanks so much!
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s
Congrats, guys!
The video is awesome (and Sherry, our side ponytail looks great!)
I work from home too – as a literary translator – and I struggle with the same work/life boundary issues so, I hear you!
;)
Clara’s room looks ADORABLE!
Love from Portugal!
Aw thanks Ana! You’re so sweet!
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s
You could aways paint birds in the corner of the room or put a few framed bird up. Depending upon placement the birds could look like they are free of the cage from one stop in the room or in the cage from another spot in the room.
Cute!!
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s
Aww, I loved that video. Very important advice from the sweetest family. The birdcages are so unique!
Love it! What a great, creative idea!
Loving the bird cages!
Also loved the BBC article – it’s cool seeing you guys featured on our news sites! :)
And when Clara smiled at the camera while stroking Burger – crazy adorable!
Isn’t that the cutest part?! We were beaming at our computer when we saw that. Haha!
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s
Thats such a cute idea! And the video for BBC is cute too!
What a fun idea!! I also love that heart pillow!!
I love these! My friend once gave me a birdcage for my birthday with a little plant in it – some light weight ikea fakies could look lovely in these!
So cute!
xo
s
I LOOOOVE the birdcages! They are so pretty! Her room is really coming together
Very cute!!
OMG!! BBC!! I mean, this side of the world, getting featured in BBC is the only way to get famous. Now you are truly truly F.A.M.O.U.S! Congratulations J and S. :)
Haha thanks so much! That’s so sweet. We were shocked when they contacted us and their crew is so so so nice!
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s
BBC! Glad you are getting more international attention! You guys are just so darn cute. I just realized watching the BBC video that as a U.S. citizen who has lived abroad for the past 3+ years with my husband (first Europe, now South America), I think one of the reasons I visit your blog every day is because you have come to represent a slice of “home”; people I can relate to regardless of how many new and different people we’re meeting and experiences we’re having in the country we’re living in. Your stability, honesty and humor are a fantastic dose of what I think of as “comfortingly normal and loveable”. Keep up the fantastic work and thanks for being part of my U.S. “roots”. xo!
Aw thanks so much Sarah! That’s so sweet!
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s
I’m loving most of Clara’s room, but I’m not a huge fan of the birdcages (sorry!). In and of themselves they’re beautiful, but I don’t get them in the context of the room.
I’m sure you’ll make it all tie in together in the end and I’ll be smacking the side of my head going “Oh, now I get it!”
Oh yeah, we’re definitely not done in here – hope it comes together for you someday! :)
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WOW!! Amazing!!
You’ve probably thought of this 2 million times over already, but your 2nd book should be “Decorating for Kids!”
I’ve scrolled through the photos 4 times, it looks spectacular!
Aw thanks so much Stacey! That’s definitely a fun idea!
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s
The BBC!! So impressive guys – Congratulations!!
Clara’s room is very sweet too. I also love that print – I think it’s time I ordered it…….
$90 for a birdcage! It must have been a mansion or something!
I’ve always had a thing for birdcages, but never thought to spray paint them. I would think it would be hard to get in all the nooks and crannies, but so worth the final product!
The bird cages look really neat! I love how her room is coming along!
Love the bird cages! They are amazing, and give a lot of interest into the room! And the bbc article and video are great to! In the (near) future maybe you guys could give us an update on how you are doing with your new year goals (Like writing fewer posts). :-)
That would be fun Ashley! Thanks for the suggestion!
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s
I love the addition of the bird cages, what a whimsical touch. And congrats on the Beeb interview, I’m originally from the UK so it’s nice to see you getting recognition on the little island too. I spent this weekend making giant mustaches out of old wire hangers. No joke!
Haha, sounds like a great way to spend the weekend!
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s
Your family is just adorable! I feel so motherly towards all of you, I am so proud of you. Weird, right! I hope you are able to make your resolutions work for you, you deserve it!!
Aw thanks so much Marguerite!
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s
I love the sculptural effect the birdcages add. Much more fun than some flat art in that corner. I also like the commenter above’s suggestion of letting Clara put a few stuffed animals in it. A zoo in her bedroom!
This might sound weird but I’ve noticed y’all do a lot of interviewing and video’s with the kitchen as a backdrop, Any reason for that?
Camera people say it has great lighting (there are tons of recessed lights in the ceiling) so they seem to pick that spot a lot! Haha.
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s
Love the progress on Clara’s big girl room! The birdcages are great – they remind me of my obsession with paper lanterns as a kid. I loved the idea of hanging things from the ceiling…still do…but in an apartment, that’s not easy to pull off!
Hope Clara is enjoying her new space!
Clara’s room looks awesome! What if you decoupaged the bottoms of the bird cages with funny photos to look at when laying on the bed?
Such a cute idea!
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s
I love the bird cages ! Last year on holiday in Indonesia you could see bird cages all over and I wished already then I could have brought some home to hang up. Now even more so ! Love the colours as well !
I had already read the article on BBC newsite this morning. You guys are so wonderful !
Aw thanks Annelies!
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Wooo! I am happy you’re creeping over to the other side of the Atlantic :-)
Wow, adorable! The shapes go so well together that I can’t believe you found them in all different places. They would make swell little night-lights that would make pretty shapes on the walls. Could you sneak in a little battery-operated LED light/lightstring? Glad Clara loves them! She is so cute– give her a hug from me!
That would be really cute!
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s
Memories. When my girl was a little older than Clara, she discover her dollhouse people were just the right size for our hanging 3 tier rattan birdcage (no birds). Everyone would do a double take when they saw people swinging from the bird swing!
That’s so funny!!
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s
Oh my gosh, those bird cages! I’ve been hunting for a similar accessory to hang in my living room, and you’ve totally inspired me. Love the little additions of style & whimsy that you two work so seamlessly into your decor. Awesome!
Side note: You were on BBC! So cool! Great vid. Also: Clara’s shirt?? Can I get it in a big-girl size? Adorable!
Haha, I know right? I love her clothes so much more than my own.
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s
What a great idea. I love the way the colors play together, and the title of the post have me a big grin.
Her room looks like something you’d see in a studio apartment! Very chic and fabulous!
We’re in process of re-doing our son’s “big boy” room now, and I’m having more fun decorating and designing it than anything else in the house! :)