A Little House Makeover

By the time December 1st rolled around last year, I had finished my Christmas shopping.  Some of you are done way before that and some of you are pretty impressed by that fact.  I had never been done so early before, but I tell you, it wasn't that hard - and it's my plan for this year as well.

I started having friends unload toys and books or do swaps and instead of letting my children see it and want it right then, I just stuck it away in my closet.  I visit a couple of fabulous second hand shops pretty regularly and did the same when I found some great $2 or $5 deal.  Our kids get three gifts each (from us) and so this was pretty easy to finish up quickly when I got sneaky.  And the best part was that I only spent about $50 total on all their gifts!

This little house was a give away by a friend of mine; her daughter was getting a newer one for Christmas.  I did have a nice "before" picture, but can't find it since I took it in December...but it was just wood...no colors.

So my fun little design project began.  I went to ACMoore and found the scrap-booking paper that was going to be my inspiration and at night started painting and pasting.  It took, well forever, it felt like.  I actually wasn't completely finished on Christmas morning when we gave it to her, but she didn't even notice.  Her entire reaction was completely what I was hoping for as you can see here, but I kept telling myself - she's only 2!  She will love it someday.  

Anyway, here are the pics of the finished product (and the doll furniture was a free find my mother-in-law found on the side of the road!!)

window box :)

tried to add some shingles to the roof!!

grandpa reading the morning paper in the kitchen

A little info on the kitchen:  I LOVE this paper and come to find out, I didn't buy enough of it and guess what?  Yup, they stopped carrying it!!  Behind the stove you can see where I tried to pain the rest of the wallpaper.  The upper walls I haven't decided what to do with yet.  I'm still holding out that I'll be able to find the paper somewhere!!

The kids bunks

brother doing some last minute homework...

Mom, Dad, baby and sister sitting around the fire!

grandma putting on her make-up