Psst — we’re still working on the living room (you got a preview of that project here), so we’ll share those details on Monday unless something unexpected happens.
Happy Friday! Time for a quick desk/cubicle/subway/couch dance. After tackling some big DIY projects—laying a stone patio, building a deck, renovating our kitchen, or adding board & batten—we also love the tiny, inexpensive updates that can be done in five minutes for less than $5. That’s why our Projects page is packed with small ideas. We recently added crown molding to Clara’s nursery (see it here) and we’re finishing a few more things for next week, including the living room. For now, here’s a quick, cheerful little makeover that was fast, cheap, and satisfying.
We picked up an old wooden cradle at a thrift store for $11 during the Macklemore Challenge. In photos the natural wood looked charming, but up close it had burn marks, scuffs, and an unpleasant storage smell. I wanted something crisper and brighter, so I painted it white (you might have caught a glimpse of it in this closet post).
White made a great base, but I wanted a pop of color. I found bright red pom-pom trim in the remnant bin at JoAnn for just 79 cents and decided to add that along the edges for a playful touch.
To attach the trim I considered glue or staples, but instead used small nailheads I had leftover from reupholstering an old rocking chair (that project). First I sealed the cut ends of the pom-pom fringe with a tiny bit of crazy glue to prevent fraying, let it dry, then tapped a nailhead through the trim into the cradle’s frame at each swag to hold it securely.
Instead of sewing a new mattress, I used a lumbar pillow I already had (it’s the same old chair pillow from Clara’s first nursery). It made a quick doll mattress and kept the project no-sew and very simple. I added a sweet pink blanket and tucked a doll in—instantly the cradle felt fresh and cheerful with Clara’s favorite colors (she’s obsessed with red and pink lately).
This makeover cost under $15 total, compared to the $59 price tag of a similar new doll cradle. It’s a small upgrade, but it made a big difference in fun and personality.
On the back of the cradle the nailheads create a neat, finished look:
After a few days of play, Clara sometimes drapes the pom-pom trim over the footboard and headboard, but it’s easy to reposition. I worried she might tug it loose, but so far she’s treated it as part of the cradle and hasn’t tried to pull it off. Small victories like this—quick, inexpensive updates that bring joy—are the best. Especially when they involve pom-poms.
Have you refreshed any thrifted kid items lately? Tackled a crib makeover or worked on a no-sew crib skirt? I’m always up for easy, budget-friendly projects and love swapping ideas.
Psst — we picked a winner for this week’s giveaway. Click here to see if it’s you.