Two weeks ago we introduced our Children’s Hospital makeover project, and this week we finally began installing the room. We’re still waiting on about 40% of the deliveries, but we’ve already completed four simple, low-cost DIY holiday projects that bring a lot of warmth and cheer to the space.
Here are the four projects we finished so far:
- A faux fireplace with real branches
- An interactive paper bulb garland
- Gilded cardboard letters spelling “PEACE”
- A blue gradient menorah
1. A Faux Fireplace With Real Branches
Because a real fire isn’t an option, we created a removable faux fireplace to make the niche under the TV feel cozy. We started with a thin sheet of plywood cut to size at Home Depot and stained it gray. That became the backing for the “hearth.”
Instead of painting logs, we used real fallen branches split in half so each piece had a flat side to mount against the plywood. After drying, we sealed the logs with several coats of spray polyurethane to prevent crumbling, glued them into an arrangement that looks like stacked logs, and then added screws from the back for extra security.
Sherry painted simple, graphic flames with a terra cotta red paint sample we had on hand. We liked the bold, single-color look, so we left it minimal and modern.
To keep the piece temporary and damage-free, we mounted the panel in the alcove using 3M Command Velcro strips. We also added a few mantle decorations and some handmade chevron stockings graciously donated by a local Etsy shop, which have already brought smiles to families in the room.
2. An Interactive Christmas Light Garland
Next to the faux fireplace we hung an interactive paper bulb garland so kids can add their own artwork. We cut card stock into oversized bulb shapes, attached them to clothespins, and glued silver paper “sockets” to the clips so the papers read as string lights when clipped onto silver twine.
To encourage participation, Clara colored a few bulbs before we left home. While we were installing, a 10-year-old named Jessie arrived with her nurse and enthusiastically decorated several bulbs, including a self-portrait. Seeing the kids engage with the display exactly as we hoped was the best part of the day.
3. Vintage Cardboard “PEACE” Letters
Above the garland we installed a “PEACE” sign made from cardboard craft letters. We chose the word because it felt appropriate for a room meant to be calming and welcoming.
We carefully removed the front face of each letter, sanded the edges smooth, and spray-painted the sides gold. For the interior faces we hand-painted a blue gradient—from turquoise to deep navy—using craft paints. The combination of metallic edges and rough-cut interiors gave the letters an aged, vintage-metal look that surprised people who assumed they were heavy metal rather than painted cardboard.
4. A Gradient Menorah
To represent Hanukkah, we painted a gradient menorah that echoes the blue tones used in the PEACE letters. We started with a simple white menorah and sprayed a deep blue at the base, a mid-blue through the middle, and left the tips white for contrast. The whole update took about ten minutes and added a thoughtful, extra touch to the room.
Those are the four projects we’ve completed so far. We’ll keep working through the remaining items on our list and will add more personalized elements that many of you generously sent in — thank you for those thoughtful contributions.
Current to-do list (most items are underway or finished):
New paint job on walls.Done!Build and hang a large custom chalkboard for messages and doodles.Done!Assemble and decorate the tree.Done!Buy and paint menorah.Done!Make clip-up garland for kids’ drawings.Done!Create a removable fireplace panel and decorate the mantel.Done!Cut, paint, and hang our big PEACE sign.Done!Receive and prepare custom art for the kitchen area from a reader in Australia.Done — just need to hang it!Add a white (non-ceramic) animal friend somewhere.Done!Add snowflakes to all the windows.Done!- Make wintry, washable tablecloths and add small snowy tree centerpieces.
- Hang wreaths in the kitchen area.
- Pick up and install window treatments.
- Paint and hang die-cut trees around the room ledge with help from a local company.
- Decorate pillars near the entry and the arch between them.
- Bring in a cozy armchair for the corner.
- Paint and hang two cork boards filled with messages from readers.
Create three wood-slice art pieces for the wall between the cork boards.Done — just need to hang them!
Working on this room has been a deeply humbling experience. Spending time around the staff and families at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond has been eye-opening and moved us in ways that are hard to put into words. It reminds us how small holiday decorating stresses really are compared with the important, often difficult work that hospital staff and caregivers do every day. We’re grateful for everyone who contributes care and compassion to families in need.
Update: You can check out our favorite holiday decor finds—many of them under $15.