Bathtub Painting

To make Bathtub Paint all you need is:

•  1 Cup of body wash
• 1/2 Cup of Cornstarch
• 1/2 Cup of Water
• Kool-Aid (food coloring will give you brighter colors)

1. Mix the cornstarch and water in a {sauce pan} until it is dissolved – it should still be a bit pasty, but not clumpy. Then bring the cornstarch water to a boil – stir constantly to get out all the chunks
2. Add the soap and mix, heating on medium until just boiling. The soap should have a gel-like consistency as it cools. 
3. Add Kool-Aid. {I guess that food coloring has the best results- I just didn't want it all over hazel's body.}

 *You can store your paint in an airtight container. The paint will separate slightly when stored, so be sure to stir well before use.*

Easy DIY Bookshelf Makeover

 This was such a fun, cheap, easy way to make our space a little more fun. I visited a local wallpaper shop, where they sell left over rolls of wallpaper for $5!! So, needless to say, my mind has been reeling with possibility. I finally decided on adding the wallpaper the back of a hand-me-down bookshelf. The process was simple, once I had the wallpaper that I wanted;

1.   I choose a matching paint color (we went with black chalkboard- something a little funner to keep the 2 year old busy)
2.    I painted the shelf- we did about 2.5 coats (I used a mini-roller for a smoother finish, spraypaint also does the trick -find spray-painting tips here.
3.    I cut out wallpaper pieces (TRY TO BE VERY EXACT) -Using a measuring tape and a straight-edge for your cuts saves you lots of time and mess.
4.    Then once the paint is fully dry, I applyed a layer of glue to the back of the shelves, then press your wallpaper to the glue as carefully as you can. (Use wallpaper glue from home depot) It is helpful to have a wet rag to clean any excess glue.
5.    Then lay books on top of the wallpaper for a few hours so that it drys without too many bubbles. 

-and voila, you have a new bookshelf! It's amazing how such a small piece of furniture can make a space feel nice and new! It brings a smile to my face every time I come into Hazel's room.