Winter Boredom Buster: Unfinished Basement Playroom

Chris and I have spent some time, effort and a bit of money transforming our mostly unused basement into a functional and fun area for the boys to burn off some energy this winter.  I neglected to take "before" photos because 1.) the space was a bit frightening and 2.) I had my doubts whether we'd be able to transform it into something photographable anyway.

But we did our best, starting with relocating two large wheeled shelving units to the other end of the basement.  We focused on moving all of the tools to one end, where our furnace is, so that the largest area of the basement could be utilized.  It's an odd layout, with our furnace placed in the middle of the floor, rather than against a wall, so it was challenging to work around. 

And while these photos may not look like much, to us, this space is a great addition to our little old house. It's fostered a lot of physical and imaginative play in our kids, as well as their friends.

The concrete floor got some puzzle mats, the kind used in gyms.  That was probably the most expensive part of the makeover, but we're confident that they'll be used in some manner beyond the childhood years, especially that we went with a neutral color.

The steps got a fresh coat of paint. I really regret not taking a before shot of these hideous things; they were brown, dirty, with missing tread mats.

They are SO much more inviting now, painted white with teal and green accents.  And the new tread mats are so much nicer, and safer.  We still need to add a second handrail below the one that's already there, just for peace of mind that no kids will fall or purposefully jump under the railing.

Most of the items in the play space were things I had in storage; the swings (from IKEA) were birthday gifts from a few years back that never were installed, the cardboard rocket was stored in the attic (with an occasional appearance in our small living room) the ticket booth, and the ticket booth was a cast-off from the days when I worked at an art museum.  It had been stored in our garage since I was pregnant with Soren, but finally got screwed back together to be played with.

The paper lantern lights were also in storage; I had saved them from my wedding and use them at birthday parties and other festivities. 

Under the steps, I set up a pretend area with the play kitchen, puppet theater, cash register and a table and chairs.

Christmas lights brighten up the space a little, but we could use some more substantial lighting under there.

It's hard to believe, but many of these items were either found in the trash, thrifted, or hand made by me.  The wall hangings were things I acquired throughout my 20s (hippie chick, that was me) so it's nice seeing these funky things displayed again.

We brought in two lawn chairs that spend their summers outside; they make great seating for adults.  I've been known to knit and drink coffee while the boys play.

I added one of my old paintings too, which was just in storage in our attic.  Can you guess which nursery rhyme I was referencing?

This space will certainly evolve as the seasons change, and as the boys grow.  But for now, it is being enjoyed just as it is.  It's a great way to burn off energy after dinner and before bed, especially that the icy, snowy conditions outside have kept us indoors more than we'd like to be this year.

I encourage you to look again at any unused areas of your home; you just might find a playful refuge hiding within it!

Never Been Stitched {Giveaway}

This time of year, housebound with kids underfoot, I often look for a project that is quick and satisfying.  Sometimes that involves a sewing machine, but often it does not, since even sitting down at mine, uninterrupted takes effort.

Thankfully, Never Been Stitched by Amanda Carestio showed up at my door.  This book, filled with 45 no or low-sew projects is a great way to chip away at the winter doldrums.

There are instructions for home decor items like pillows, pictures and as well as clothing and accessories, like socks and scarves.  One of the simplest projects is the Map Bunting, which uses just scissors and glue to cut a map into a festive decoration.

Some of the other projects use items like fusible webbing, grommets, and wood embroidery hoops.  There are a few projects geared toward kids, like the Fleece Octopus and Felt Pencil Roll, which would be great for making with my son on a weekend afternoon.

I like that this book is a collaborative effort which includes projects from bloggers; it's interesting to see different styles and approaches to crafts within the same book.  The best part about Never Been Stitched is that it's a great way to quench my artistic craving when I'm bored and looking for a quick fix.

BONUS: Lark Crafts is generously sharing three downloadable projects for free via their website,

Click on over and get started on one of these creative projects.

WIN IT!

One lucky reader will win a copy of Never Been Stitched! 

Comment below with your favorite book from Lark Crafts.  Winner will be chosen on February 22nd, and I'll email the winner.  Share the giveaway via Twitter tagging @LarkCrafts for an extra entry, and leave me the link to your tweet.
UPDATE: WINNER is #2, Linda.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.

Warm Hearts

Winter is still in full force around Pennsylvania, in fact I can't recall a snowier, colder winter in my experience.  While I mostly appreciate the snow, I'm tired of being snowbound and having so many interruptions to our routine in the form of snow days, cancelled play dates and the like.

On the bright side (or more appropriately, the snow blind side), my knitting needles have kept my fingers and heart warm, as they should this time of year.  I'm 2/3 of the way finished with the Color Affection shawl, which has been a pleasure to knit.

All that knitting and purling have kept things quiet around this blog for sure.  I would have thought that winter would have made me more inclined to write on my blog, but it's been the opposite.  I've certainly been making and doing lots of things, cooking up a storm (this recent Shepherd's pie was delicious)

but I've not felt like mustering up the effort to photograph, edit, watermark photos, write and edit posts.  Though here I am again, because I do miss sharing things with readers. 

 

I'm revisiting my Valentine banner this week, taking a break from knitting my shawl to knit some warm hearts.

We've just been plowing through the ordinariness of days, some spent baking and eating Skywalker Sugar Cookies

and playing in the snow.

I'm trying to inhabit these days and really be awake with the boys.  I'm a work in progress on that, but we've been enjoying our time together, mostly.  We're all craving more outdoor time, but who isn't?  I hope things are well for you too, dear readers.