Bookshelf Gets an Upgrade

We bought a small bookshelf for Charlotte's room from IKEA a few weeks ago.  It was the perfect size, but I immediately knew that I wanted to change the color.  Since she has white wainscoting, the bookshelf got lost in the room.

The problem here is that much of IKEA's furniture is laminate, and you can't paint over laminate.  The paint just doesn't stick.  Enter Zinsser Cover Stain.  This stuff is a primer that sticks to the laminate, and then the paint sticks to the cover stain.  You with me?

I usually use it in a can with a brush for bigger pieces (like Gavin's IKEA Billy bookshelves), but for Charlotte's little bookshelf I decided to try the primer in a spray can.  It coated well, and was dry in about an hour.  When it was dry, I went over the bookshelf with some Rustoleum Leafy Green.

And now, it looks so much better!

Let's look at it again before:

And after:

I bought this adorable little girl planter at the thrift store for $3.  I love her.  You can read about my "Some Kid" custom piece of artwork here.

Charlotte thinks the flowers are real, and is always trying to smell them.

The bookshelf even got Nathan's attention immediately.

It was definitely the punch of color this room needed!

Linking Up To:

Charlotte's Dress-Up Area and Giveaway

*THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*

For years before I was pregnant, I dreamed of having a little girl.  I imagined shopping for little smocked dresses, and painting her nails, and clipping pretty bows in her hair.  Be careful what you wish for.

Charlotte is the girliest girl I could ever imagine.  She refuses to wear anything but princess dresses.  She gets frustrated if her hair isn't styled correctly.  She spends hours talking on her "cell phone" and stuffing important items (dolls, granola bars) into her tiny handbag.  I love it, but having that kind of girlie-girl also comes with a lot of stuff.  She has so many barrettes, dresses, jewelry, and shoes that I wasn't sure at first how to keep it all organized.

I recently began creating an area in her room where she can keep all of her girlie things organized.  It isn't complete yet, but here's where we are so far.

She has a few hooks for her dresses and tutus, a mirror to admire herself, and -- my favorite feature -- a Tuck-It Board made for Charlotte by my friend Tracey.

Isn't it cute?  Tracey has an Etsy shop where she sells Tuck-It Boards and other creations.  I use mine to hold Charlotte's barrettes, and sometimes I slip a little note or photo in there too.

Tracey makes Tuck-It Boards for lots of uses.  They can hold photos in a boy's or girl's room, barrettes or jewelry in a girl's room, sweet notes and cards in a nursery, memos in an office, or bills or paperwork in the kitchen.  They would also make a terrific shower or birthday gift!  Here are some of my favorites:

And here's the best news....Tracey has offered to give a Tuck-It Board to one lucky Tulip and Turnip reader!  Here's the one-of-a-kind creation:

And here's Tracey's description:

It's an 11X14 inch Tuck-it board called "Red Blossoms". The width ribbon is brown with green dots.

Keep all of your memorabilia safe by tucking it under the ribbon. Great for organizing or displaying all of your favorite photographs, movie/concert/sporting tickets, cards, notes etc. All boards are one-of-a-kind and hand made by Tracey J Dean.

Tuck-it boards are created on stretched canvas with high quality scrapbooking paper, ribbon and decorative brads. Width of canvas board is covered with ribbon to compliment the composition.

The Tuck-it board easily hangs on a wall; it's perfect for any room in the house.

You have five chances to enter.  Here's how:

1.  Leave a comment on this post.  Tell me how YOU would use the Tuck-It Board if you won.  Don't forget to leave an email so I can contact you!

2.  Become a follower of this blog.  Make sure you leave another comment telling me you did so (or telling me you are already a follower).

3.  Become a follower of Tracey's blog (click here).  Leave a comment telling me you did so (or telling me you are already a follower).

4.  Become a fan or Tulip and Turnip on Facebook.  Leave a comment telling me you did so (or telling me you are already a follower).

5.  Post this giveaway on your blog, Twitter, or Facebook status with a link.  Leave me a comment telling me you did so.

Giveaway open to US Residents only.  Winner will be chosen randomly on Monday, January 31 at 8:00 pm (EST).  Good luck!