Cowboy Dresser

I refinished Little Brother's dresser this week! I wanted to share this project with you because it was super simple and cheap! 

My son's room is done in a Cowboy theme. Therefore, I didn't have to worry about all the fine touches of this dresser, since we were going for a rustic look.

Supplies:
Old dresser
Paint of desired color and brush
Fine and rough grained sand paper
Rough rope of desired thickness (I used 1/2 inch) of enough length to create however many handles you have on your dresser!
Drill with bit to match thickness of your rope

First, I took out the drawers, took off the old handles and drilled holes for the new rope handles.  Use the rough grained sand paper to smooth down the rough edges the drill make create around the holes.

 

 

Next, I painted the drawer fronts and the dresser. Most likely you will need two coats! After it is dry, lightly sand the edges with the fine grained paper to create a worn, rugged look.

 



Then came the tricky part. You have to cut the rope and twist it into the holes to create the handles. I just frayed the back of them because they went in so tight I did not need to put anything behind, but you may need to do so.

Finished!

Sometimes you don't have to be a Super-mom to create something new and fun for your family. I don't have much time or money for all the projects I see posted and pinned, but occasionally I can put some simple effort into something great!

Have fun!

Mommy & Me Notebook

First off, this was not my idea. I saw it on Pinterest on various sites, and was inspired to start this with both my daughter and son. We have only been doing it for about a week and it has already given me laughter, tears and precious jewels to "ponder in my heart."

The Notebook: Well, I took the easy way. I got a plain spiral notebook for each child, took a permanent marker and wrote "Mommy and Me" plus their name on the cover. Then I wrote each one a personal opening letter explaining the purpose of the notebook. I have seen others that have bought beautiful journals and others who have created elaborate, personalized covers, either for their child, or with him. There's many options.

The Process: You write your child a letter. From the heart. Any topic. Leave the notebook on your child's bed. Your child will then find time to write you a letter back, and leave it on your bed. Don't put the pressure on yourselves to respond immediately, but make sure it is at least every couple of days.

My daughter was ecstatic about the activity. She wrote to me about how much she loved the idea and wanted to keep our notebook forever. I have enjoyed seeing her sensitive heart in her writing. Sometimes with moms and little girls, there is a lot of "attitudes" in our daily interaction. I have found our notebook to be a perfect opportunity to see past those normal everyday conversations. It is refreshing!

My experience with my son has been totally different! He is much younger and his writing capabilities have not quite developed, though he reads well. I have had a great laugh each time I received the notebook back from him, for instead of notes, he has given me a drawing of a wild cat each time. One day a lion, a tiger the next. I received a "jaygr" yesterday. It took me a moment to realize that was a "jaguar!"

I encourage you, whether in this way, or some other creative way, open up the doors of communication between you and your child. As they grow and mature into young adults, you will be blessed by your relationship, by knowing who this beautifully created person is, and you will be better able to help them and encourage them through the things in their lives, if you know what is going on in their life!