...And It Only Cost Me My Sight & My Sanity

It feels like forever ago that I rambled for an entire post about my lust for patterned walls. Specifically, the one pattern that I loved most but was afraid of committing to because of it's popularity.  Well you'll be happy to know (or probably you don't give a hoot either way), that I faced my fear like the renovating daredevil I aspire to be.

HOW TO RUIN YOUR EYESIGHT AND LOSE YOUR MIND IN 5 EASY STEPS

Step 1: Pick a wall - preferably one in your own home.

Step 2: Print out a template (mine came from here).  Enlarge it to your desired scale, or don't (I didn't.)

Step 3: Trace the shape onto cardboard - anything sturdy enough.  I read a good suggestion somewhere to use the back of a cereal box or, if you happen to have a scary basement full of packing materials and moving boxes, that'll work too.

Step 4: Trace the template in a repeating pattern across the wall with chalk. I would recommend taking your time and being relatively precise with this step.  I wasn't, and have a lot more errant chalk lines to touch up than I would have liked.

Step 5: Paint over the lines with a small craft brush. If, like me, you don't have a steady hand you'll probably realize quickly that this project is going to take you a very long time. I figured it out around this point:

(not a diaper)

...and then keep going.

On the first evening, I did all the outlining, and got this far with the painting:

On day 2, I pushed myself really hard and didn't quit until I spilled paint out of the can all over the floor and my feet - which was probably a sign I should've stopped earlier. I was almost seeing double after a few hours of focusing on the wall at the same distance, which made everything look a little crazy and is probably the reason for this wonky photo.

On day 3, I tried to finish up between work and having company over (you know, to show off...) but failed.

After work on day 4 I just couldn't bring myself to stand on the step-ladder to finish up, so I gave myself the day off.  

Refreshed on day 5, I was done in no time an hour and a half.

I am unbelievably glad that I chose such a small wall.  This project took much longer, and was much more taxing than I thought it would be.  Despite that, I love the way it turned out and can't wait to keep working on the room. I'm also kind of tempted to do another pattern (with straight lines so I can use painters tape - I'm not totally insane) somewhere else in the house.

The next step towards creating a girly crafting haven is, of course, furnishing the room. I've been pinning inspiration for months, and right now my favorite setup is this one:

source

I love the cubbies along the wall, the frosted wall mounted cabinets, and wouldn't a couple of eclectic chairs look cute around such a simple table?

I'll be back with an update when I work some extra shifts to pay for those goodies.  Isn't it a shame that furniture is so expensive!?