When I first discovered I was having another boy, truth-be-told I was a little disappointed. NOT because I was having a boy (I LOVE having two boys!), but because I wanted to finally create one super girly space in my house. Being the only girl in the house, it would be pretty great if I could have one space just be all girl. I was utterly confused as to how I could go about creating a really cool space for another boy, especially since the typical boy-related decor doesn't really fit me or my family (we are not big into sports, cars, or the stereotypical boy stuff). But after conducting a little "research" on the Internet I came across this blog of a nursery inspired by argyle scrapbook paper. Instantly, I knew that was what I was going to do. (Plain Jane Boutique Blog)
I would have to say when painting an argyle wall the beginning steps are the most important and the most tedious. First, decide how big you want your diamonds. This will dictate how many rows and columns you will have. I actually ended up using this really handy tool that calculated the number of rows and columns and therefore the size of the diamonds based on the proportion of my wall (unfortunately the site is now down). I ended up with 10 columns and 4 rows (23 inches tall by 12 inches wide). Then I drew 10 vertical lines and 4 horizontal lines using a tape measure and level. (It is difficult to see in this picture, but the lines are there.)
I then mapped out the color pattern on my computer simply using a Word document. I wanted something random with pops of color. To save money I bought Valspar samples, two of each color (and I actually have a lot to spare...possibly to use on other projects). It is somewhat difficult to see in the photo, but the colors I chose were a dark brown (it looks black in this photo), light and dark blue, a sage green and pumpkin orange. The dark brown I used to repaint the below dresser.
This is with all the colors finally done. You can see my little helper.
A smaller side-project I began along the way was painting my Grandmother's old dresser. You might also notice from the previous picture to this one: we finally tore out and replaced the aqua carpeting (the previous owners allowed their three year old to pick the color...not something I would have chosen).
The final step of painting the wall was adding the cross-hatching. My husband helped me tape it out. I again wanted it slightly imperfect (something that drove my husband to swearing fits). So the lines are not all the same width, and they aren't really the same distance apart. I like it a little organic. Plus with the really rough surface on the wall I knew I wouldn't have completely clean lines. So this is the completed wall. I LOVE it! I don't know if this is the best or easiest method of painting argyle, but it worked for me with a very textured wall...I was also able to do it over the course of a couple months while very pregnant, working full-time, and with a toddler...So if I can do it, I am sure anyone could do it and probably have an easier time!
I am happy to present the "almost-finished" nursery...the baby came before I had energy to complete the last bit of decorating and I haven't really had a chance to complete it since. However, now that I am done working I hope to finally complete it!
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| Almost finished! |
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| Modge Podge Name |
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