Fluffy Wall Clouds with Teddy Bear Pockets

I wanted to incorporate clouds on my daughters wall so that the blue looked more like a cartoon sky, but I had to think hard about how to do this, as I didn't want anything that was going to be a pain to paint over when my daughter decides she wants skulls and crossbones instead. 

I knew it had to be

• Something tactile for her to touch, helping with those baby sensory skills 
• Easy to pull off the wall at a later date
• Washable (well at least wipeable) if she gets mucky hand prints on it

and this design meets all those aspects so I think its a winner.

Before I start, this is just one tutorial in a range that will help you make a whole woodland nursery so if you would like to see the others then click on the image below

What you will need:

• White Felt
• Toy/Cushion Stuffing
• Chalk
• A couple of different sized circles (I used mugs)
• Needle and Thread
• Scissors
• Sewing Machine
• Command Strips

Step 1 - Create your Cloud Shape

Taking your felt and making sure it is folded in half, draw on your clouds with chalk. I used mugs to get the curves but you could draw it free hand

Then pin the material together (remember that it should be folded in half) so when you cut out the cloud, you have two the same size

I also cut out a circle and then took the top off it to make a pocket shape for the teddy.

Step 2 - Add the Command Strips

Unpin your cloud shape and take the side of the cloud that has the chalk on it, sewing half of a command strip on it, so the Velcro side is facing out (the other other part of the command strip will go on your wall). I used 1 strip for smaller clouds and 2 for bigger ones. They are light enough that 1 command strip should be fine but I wanted to make sure they sat flush against the wall by placing one at either side.

Take the other side of your cloud, that doesn't have a command strip and sew your pocket on, using your sewing machine. 

NOTE: Make sure when you put the cloud sides together that they line up with the pocket and the command strips both being on the outside. You don't want to end up wit the pocket accidentally being on the inside of the cloud.

Step 3 - Sew the Cloud Together

Pin the two sides of the cloud again and then sew around the edges, leaving a gap big enough to put the stuffing in.

Normally when sewing a cushion you should sew it inside out and then flip it out so that the seams are on the inside but I found it made a better shape with the seam outside and less hassle, therefore yours command strip and pocket should be facing out the way when sewing.

Step 4 - Fill it Up

Fill the cloud with stuffing, making sure you get into all the bumps. You don't need to put a lot in, just enough so that the cloud looks puffy.

You can then sew your cloud closed. You might wish to do this by hand but I found it easier to finish it up with my machine. I moved the stuffing into the middle as I stitched and then flattened it back out once finished.

Step 5 - Add your Teddy and get it on the wall!

What cloud would be complete without a teddy. My daughters have mine and my partner's childhood teddies as long as the first one we put in her cot, so that its a nice way to show off her extra special ones.

Then put the backs on the command strips so the Velcro sticks together. Following the instructions of your strips, remove the backing paper and push the cloud against the wall holding it on firmly for 1 minute.

And there you have it - fluffy wall clouds that are a cute storage idea. Hope you have fun adding a bit of 3D fluffiness to your room!

 I'll be back,

Patchwork Woodland Tree Decal

I spent ages thinking about how I could make a tree on the wall for my little girls room. I've painted murals before and also thought about making one out of cardboard but when I found out you could stick material to the wall using cornflour - I was sold! My daughter loves looking at all the patterns on the leaves and the owl perched in the middle so I'm glad I made my own, rather than buying an expensive decal.

Before I start, this is just one tutorial in a range that will help you make a whole woodland nursery so if you would like to see the others then click on the image below

What you will need:

• Thin brown material - I used linen
• Different coloured material for the leaves. I bought some fat quarters as it was a cheaper way to get a few different patterns
• Cornflour

Knot in tree for owl (optional)

• Same brown material as above
• Oval or round plastic container ( you could make it out of cardboard as well)
• Wadding
• Cardboard
• Glue gun
• Drill & screw

Step 1 - Make your paste

Mix a cup of cornflour with boiling water until you get a thick wallpaper paste consistency and then leave it to cool to room temperature. 

I didn't do this before I started and then was frustrated that I had to wait for it to cool so please remember to do it first!!!

Step 2 - Carve out your tree trunk

I bought 2 meters of brown linen and then just cut my design out freehand, although we may want to draw your design on the material before you start.

Step 3 - Cut out your leaves

Cut out leave shapes from your patterned material, trying to do different sizes with the same colour so it looks more realistic. I arranged mine round the trunk on the floor as I was going, so I could see how many I needed.

To save a bit of time you could layer up your material and cut a few leaves at the same time.

Step 4 - Paste the tree onto the wall

Now as you can see from the pictures below I brushed the paste onto the wall but this left a slight mark on the wall as it didn't dry completely clear so I would recommend applying the paste to your material, putting it on the wall and then brushing another layer of paster over the top of the material.

I'm not very good at cutting straight so I let the bottom of the tree flap over the skirting board and then once dry I cut it with a craft knife

Good news is that this paste does come away with a clean cloth and bit of warm water so I was able to wipe away some of the excess but be careful as this will lift some of your paint as well. you can also use this method to remove your decal once you no longer want it on your wall

I also put a sheet on the floor round the tree so that any paste dripped onto that, instead of the carpet

Step 5 - Making the knot (optional)

Cut a bit of cardboard that fits neatly inside your plastic container (it doesn't need the cross cut out inside, that was already on my piece of cardboard). If you don't want to use a plastic container then you could make an oval shape from a long strip of cardboard but it would be more flimsy over time.

Using the left over scraps of material from your tree trunk, cut a piece that is a bit bigger than your cardboard and you can either glue it down or do a drawstring stitch round the material and gather it all in, like I have. You can see once you turn it over, you have a backing for your tree knot which will cover any screws etc.

Then cut a piece of wadding that is double the hight of your container and glue it all the way around. Fold the wadding over the top of the container, gluing as you go and then repeat the process with more material from your tree trunk (making sure its slightly more than double the width of the container this time). You don't need to glue the material on the inside the container as your cardboard backing will hold it in place.

Place your tree knot on the wall and then screw it in place using a drill. Then making sure all the material is folded into the middle, insert the backing to hold it all in place and hide that screw.

Step 6 - Add your animal

My friend Tatum bought this gorgeous patchwork owl from Monsoon, which fitted perfectly in our tree but you could add in any woodland creature, or even have a go at making your own sock animal!

 I'll be back,