The evolution of a baby nursery

I've been asked  a few times to share more pics of the baby's nursery. I am always hesitant, because it's kind of a work in progress, and not on purpose.  

But, there is a bit of a story behind it, and I'd like to share it with you . 

When I found out I was pregnant with my first over 7 years ago I had never done  a large scale mural. I had never gone to art school and after being a firefighter and then a health care worker,  my art was relegated to mostly sketch pads, but I always had  a secret love of paint. 

Ordinary pink, blue or green were too simple for me (what was I thinking?!!!). I really wanted something cool and dramatic for our little one and didn't have the money to hire someone. Since we didn't find out the sex; I decided on a castle theme figuring we could then do princesses for a girl and knights and dragons for a boy.

So 7 months pregnant I climbed the ladder and got to work with my husband helping and doing all of the heavy base coating.

So we ended up with this, which I was pretty happy with and  ready to add more once baby was here. What I didn't realize is that after that baby comes, there is never another free moment to ever paint anything else let alone take  a breath (Poor number's 2 room was green. Straight, plain, normal green. See, I learned!). So it stayed as it was. The great thing is just from friends and family seeing this room and using me, then referring me, my painting and art business was born... who knew?

So finally, seven years later, I decided I needed to either add to it, or paint over it.  In the spirit of not wanting to prime an entire room, adding to it was the option. So I am slowly adding things as time and kids allow. 

These are my first steps.

A bed side Magnolia tree. 

So now it's becoming the Secret Garden room. 

Castle walls are becoming garden walls.

And a small bush is waiting for some blossoms.

This dresser  is next on the list as well. It's the perfect size for the little room, it just needs some paint and decoration. I realize the color scheme is heavy for a small child and would like to lighten it up a bit.  She is getting a big girl bed next year and I think adding a chandelier will really make it something... Until she wants Hannah Montana too!

Jen