Decoration for the Reading Area

I created this decoration to place in my library area. It gives it a more natural cozy, cabin-like feel and it replaced a set of paintings that were currently in that area.

If you notice to the left of my reading area, I also changed the colors of my family picture frames to more jewel tones to get rid of the brightly colored ones. The white trees above the picture frames have all the names of the daycare children I have watched since I began doing child care in 1998. It's a great way to see how many lives I have touched over the years. Each time a new child enrolls, they will be added to the tree.

The process for making these was very time consuming, but the end result was worth it.

Step 1: Create a template. (I used a piece of construction paper and drew the letters)

Step 2: Trace the templates onto a piece of cardboard.

Step 3: Cut out the template. (Tip: you will want to make them fat enough so they aren't too flimsy to work with)

Step 4: Gather sticks of various sizes. I tended to use smaller sticks because they were easier to break or cut with a small pair of pruning shears.

Step 5: Hot glue the sticks in place. (Tip: I did not want the cardboard behind it showing. So I did my best to layer sticks when needed or used smaller sticks to cover the holes)

Step 6: I used command strips to stick the letters on my wall.