Cute Craft Ideas for a Nursery

Ideas for Wall Art

• One simple idea for the wall is to write an inspirational message or words. You can paint directly on the wall using stencils. Stencils can be purchased at any craft store. Or you can purchase wood letters, also available at craft stores, to paint and affix to the wall. Choose colors that match the baby's bedding. Or consider using high-contrast colors, such as a dark blue against a light colored wall. High contrast objects are the easiest for a baby to see.

  Another wall art idea is to frame baby cards in large, colorful picture frames and create a grouping. This is a good way to preserve and enjoy cards you may have already received with baby gifts. You can purchase inexpensive frames at craft stores or big box stores. Choose a colored frame, or paint the frame yourself. Buy frames that are several times larger than the card. Then use colorful paper as a mat for the card.

Ideas to Dress Up Windows

• Many parents use blackout shades in their nurseries in the hopes of encouraging the baby to sleep past daybreak. You can get inexpensive roller shades at most big box stores and then dress the shades up to match the nursery decor. Unroll the shades all the way, flat on the floor. Paint the whole shade using your wall color or another complimentary color (if you are doing this while pregnant, make sure to use a low- or no-VOC paint). Then sponge paint, stencil or stamp images onto the shade. Once they are completely dry, roll back up tightly and mount.

  Window decals are a cute way to spice up the nursery when the shades are up. You can get translucent decals that shimmer in the light. Or cut your own shapes out of contact paper and apply them to the windows. Make the shapes large enough for the baby to be able to see.

An Idea for Baby and One for Mom

• Make a photo collage or a photo book for your nursery. Include photos of family, close friends and other children. Take close-up pictures of family members' faces. Studies show that by two months of age, a baby begins to pay attention to facial features such as eyes and mouths. Your baby may enjoy looking at the facial features of her cousin or great aunt! Some people think this is a great way to get your baby familiar with family members that she won't see as often.

  For moms and dads who spend late nights rocking next to the baby's crib, decorate a box and fill it with books, magazines, hand lotion or other comfort items. Take any sturdy flat-sided box that is open on the top. You'll need several yards of fabric. Apply spray mount adhesive to the box and let it get tacky, according to the adhesive's manufacturer directions. Then wrap the box with the fabric like you would wrap a present. Press and smooth the fabric as you go. When you get to the open top, simply wrap the fabric down inside the box. You may want to trim some of the fabric at the corners.