My Sister's Suitcase - Packed with Creativity

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From Changing Table… to Ice Cream Parlor!

March 16, 2012 72 Comments Holly & Nat

My “Round 2” project for American Crafter was inspired by my little girl and her love of ice cream {she takes after her mama.} Back to that in a second.

I have had this on my to-do list for quite a while….

With my American Crafter project in mind, {and an actual deadline} I finally checked it off the list 🙂
Pin It

I’m not gonna lie, this project was a lot of work… but isn’t this cute face worth it???
She loves her new “ice cream parlor” and all the goodies that go with it. {Don’t mind the crazy hair… I know she needs a hair cut. But since she is my first girl–and she has so little hair already–I’m nervous to do it!}
So, what do you think of Anna’s Ice Cream Parlor?

I have a lot of different projects going on here 🙂 So, today I am going to show you how I transformed her plain-jane changing table, and created a fabric panel that can fold up into an awning. Here’s the basic overview:

The weather was gorgeous on Monday, so I took full advantage and spray painted this baby! I used Rustoleum Heirloom White, and then dry brushed a little Pure White chalk paint on to give it some texture and a hand-painted look. Next, I added my new vinyl shelf paper {I scored 2 rolls of this for $5.99 at TJ Maxx!} I think it totally makes the new look. To add “walls” to the back of the ice cream parlor, I created two panels out of white foam board {dollar store} and covered them with fabric. Yay hot glue! The final step was sewing the fabric panel that will hang from the front of the changing table. This is where things got a little harder, and coincidentally there aren’t any pictures…
Before we go any further, I just have to say that sewing is NOT my best skill, {in fact I just learned to use my machine last year.} For me, sewing = experimenting, and therefore you will probably never get a sewing tutorial with pictures from me.  I am sure for most of you this panel would be a piece of cake. Here is what I did.
I wanted the panel to be double-sided so I cut my pieces of striped fabric to length, then cut my scalloped border in the pink fabric. I sewed that part first, then turned it right sides out and added a top stitch around the scallops. {This was my first time sewing something other than a straight line!} Then I pinned the scalloped piece inside the two striped pieces and sewed them together. I continued to sew all sides of the panel, leaving an opening to turn it right side out. {I ironed A LOT during this whole process too.}
Now, it was time to add the dowel to the top of the pink scallop border (this will help create the awning shape later). I created a small dowel pocket, then sewed up the rest of the sides of the border. The last step was to create two small pole pockets and sew them inside the seam {on the back of the panel} where the striped and pink fabrics meet. These will hold your awning poles in place.
I think I spent $2 total at Home Depot for my pvc pipe (1/2″) and two caps for the bottoms of the poles. A nice employee even cut them to the length I needed 🙂 I covered them in the striped fabric and I love how it looks!
Once the fabric panel was done, I attached it to the changing table with some home decor velcro {one strip is super sticky, and the other strip is sewable.} I ended up using fabric glue to attach it to the top of the panel because I was sick of my sewing machine didn’t want more stitching showing on the front. I also used velcro to attach the foam “walls” to the back of the changing table. Worked like a charm!
Now came the tricky part… how was I going to get the panel to fold up halfway and attach to the top to create the right length for the awning? After a few failed attempts {snaps… ribbon…} I decided to try this:
The pink and white twine looks cute, and it’s functional! whoo-hoo! I added really small nails up at the top of the table {on the back} so the twine loops would have something to hook on to. It is really easy to adjust and the height is perfect for the awning now.
Just stick your poles in the pockets {cut side of pvc pipe} and then the capped end should touch the floor. The poles will lean back towards the table and stay in place nicely under the bottom shelf. Here’s what it looks like from the side:
I added an ice cream banner across the front of the awning and tied it to the poles. That’s it! Now we’re ready to set up shop 🙂 Here are some of the accessories I had fun making:
For the ice cream scoops, I found the cutest idea here! Adrienne used a ping pong ball to wrap the felt around, giving it the perfect scoop shape. I followed her pattern for the ice cream cones, but added the stitching on the felt to make them look like real sugar cones. Mint choclate chip is my favorite flavor, so I had to have it!
I glued some mini pom poms on the tops of some of the scoops to make “sprinkles”. Then I put the rest of them in a salt shaker… it is one of my daughter’s favorite things to play with!
The menu was made from chalkboard vinyl and a picture frame. I had so much fun accessoring the shop… paper straws, mini wooden “tasting” spoons, and kid-size malt glasses were a few of my favorite finds. I also painted the 5×7 canvases hanging on the wall. I used a chalk marker to draw out my designs then added a few pops of color.
I think my favorite part is the “pick up” window 🙂 I had this crown molding shelf sitting around that was the perfect size…
I’ll take a scoop of chocolate to go please!
I hope this inspires you to take something that is just wasting space, and turn it into a creative play space for your little ones!
Have a great weekend,

Linking to: Dwell on Joy
five days five ways  feature friday free for all Positively Splendid It's Overflowing The DIY Dreamer Skip To My Lou Tip Junkie handmade projects Todays Creative Blog Home Stories A2Z How to Nest for Less shabby creek cottage Whipperberry Chic on a Shoestring Decorating I'm Lovin' It at TidyMom TDC Before and After Visit thecsiproject.com

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Filed Under: American Crafter, Craft, DIY, Kids, Upcycle

About Holly & Nat

2 Sisters. 2 States. Sharing our latest creations keeps us close. We are moms, wives, daughters, friends, creative souls, singers, living room dancers, Jimmy Fallon fans, & consumers of dirty Dr. Pepper.

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Comments

  1. I Know The Plans I Have For You says

    March 16, 2012 at 9:35 pm

    WOW!!! That is AWESOME! My daughter would love this!!! All of the projects are amazing, but yours is my favorite! So much work, doesn’t it make you feel like if you make it next week, what in the world could you do to top it??? That’s kinda how I’m feeling! Great Job!

    Reply
  2. Enrique and Lindsay says

    March 16, 2012 at 9:45 pm

    This is amazing! I voted. I’m pretty sure both weeks now at least one of the judges has said yours was the best. Atta girl!! 🙂 Good luck!

    Reply
    • Nat and Holly says

      March 17, 2012 at 2:11 am

      Thanks Linds! I was actually just thinking today… I bet Lucy and Bella would love playing with this 🙂 Wish we lived closer so they could all play together!

      Reply
  3. Victoria ObSEUSSed says

    March 17, 2012 at 4:31 am

    Amazing project! I just voted for you. Found you on TT&J and am totally pinning this. You added so many darling details with the canvas art, felt food and serving shelf. I love how you re-purposed the changing table and made the awning. My little girl would have loved this when she was smaller. Now we turned our kitchen into a Soda Shoppe/Diner. We had a 50’s sock-hop party for her this past year. And I just made an awning for the long window. You can see parts of our diner in this post: http://www.obseussed.com/2011/04/girls-sock-hop-50s-birthday-party.html

    Reply
  4. Emily @ 52 Mantels says

    March 17, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    Oh my goodness. Shut up, Holly! This is amazing!! I want one for ME to play with!! And, of course, I love all your creative, extra touches. That awning?? SO cute!! Man, you sure do make it tough to win this thing! 😉

    Reply
  5. Dana says

    March 17, 2012 at 10:31 pm

    So cute! We waited to get our daughter’s hair cut until she was 2 1/2, so she could have it done at Disneyworld. She got her own first haircut ears and a special certificate!!!! I can relate!

    Reply
  6. K Coake says

    March 18, 2012 at 1:46 am

    So cute and so amazing that you would think of this idea! So creative!

    Reply
  7. Crafty Mischief says

    March 18, 2012 at 3:25 am

    This is darling! What kid wouldn’t love their own ice cream parlor? Thanks for sharing! 🙂

    Reply
  8. Heather says

    March 18, 2012 at 5:47 am

    This is seriously one of the best things I have ever seen!! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  9. Christine says

    March 18, 2012 at 1:11 pm

    This is FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!! So original!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!

    I hope you’ll share this at The DIY Dreamer… PLEASE
    http://thediydreamer.blogspot.ca/2012/03/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-7.html

    Reply
  10. Leigh-Ellen says

    March 18, 2012 at 9:59 pm

    Oh my goodness! Will you come be my mom and make me things like that? though I imagine it would soon be claimed by my cats.

    Reply
  11. Kristen Duke Photography says

    March 18, 2012 at 11:21 pm

    That is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOo stinkin’ cute!!!

    Reply
  12. Kristen Duke Photography says

    March 18, 2012 at 11:22 pm

    p.s. i see you are attending SNAP–me too! Just found your blog, cute stuff!

    Reply
  13. How to Nest for Less says

    March 19, 2012 at 1:22 am

    Just gorgeous!! Thanks for linking up to the blog hop. I’m your newest follower 🙂

    Reply
  14. Steph @ Crafting in the Rain says

    March 19, 2012 at 5:19 am

    This is fantastic 🙂 The best part is all the details you put into it too…all the pieces to play with!

    Reply
  15. Jill @ KitchenFunWithMy3Sons.com says

    March 19, 2012 at 12:29 pm

    Wow…this is awesome!

    Reply
  16. Danielle @ Blossom Bunkhouse.com says

    March 19, 2012 at 12:33 pm

    This is just darling! I love your creativity!

    Reply
  17. Claire says

    March 19, 2012 at 1:58 pm

    This is one of the most amazing transformations that I have seen in a long, long time. Not to mention adorable! Your daughter must love playing with it. It is so fun and whimsical with SO much attention to detail. All of the felt accessories are darling.

    I have a feeling you’re hearing the same superlatives from everyone who comments because this really is just so stinkin’ cute!

    I hope you rock American Crafter!

    Claire @ alittlesomethinginthemeantime.blogspot.com

    Reply
  18. Maria says

    March 19, 2012 at 3:18 pm

    What an AWESOME idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This looks fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  19. Lisa @ Flour Me With Love says

    March 19, 2012 at 3:30 pm

    Oh my goodness is this the cutest thing! I’d love for you to share this at Mix it up Monday:

    http://www.flourmewithlove.com/2012/03/mix-it-up-monday_18.html

    I hope to see you soon 🙂

    Reply
  20. Jill Lebbin says

    March 19, 2012 at 5:09 pm

    SO FUN! LOVE this idea~ I had fun checking out your Easter Egg from It’s Overflowing! Smiles, Jill from Jaihart

    Reply
  21. Sarah says

    March 19, 2012 at 5:18 pm

    OH my gosh, this is SO cute! Coming over from the Easter Egg Hunt, where I am also participating! So fun to see your egg match up! Pinning both and a new follower 🙂

    Reply
  22. Kristin Jackson says

    March 19, 2012 at 11:07 pm

    Over from the Easter Egg Hunt & all I can say is my daughter would be so jealous right now! This is adorable! I’ll be back for sure.

    Reply
  23. JenniferAStreet says

    March 20, 2012 at 1:34 am

    So, so cute!!

    I’m stopping by from the March Blog Hop. I’m a new follower, would love for you to come follow back!

    Jen- Queen Bee’s Hive

    http://queenbeejen.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  24. Sara says

    March 20, 2012 at 2:42 am

    WOW~!!!!!!!!! LOVE this!! SO beautiful!! Hope you can link this up at my turquoise lovin’ party!! http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/2012/03/turquoise-lovin-30.html

    Reply
  25. Rachel {Lines Across} says

    March 20, 2012 at 4:02 am

    This is too cute! I Have a perfect changing table to do this with. I would love it if you would stop by and share at my Monday link party. I am trying to expand it with high quality projects like this.

    http://linesacrossmyface.blogspot.com/2012/03/cure-for-common-monday-32.html

    Reply
    • Nat and Holly says

      March 20, 2012 at 4:22 am

      Just linked up Rachel! Thanks for inviting me over 🙂

      Reply
  26. Jennifer Dawn says

    March 20, 2012 at 11:14 am

    Oh my goodness! This is amazing! The work that must have gone into all the details just blows me away. Thanks for sharing this! It is such a creative way to repurpose something that no long had a good use. Your little cutie is one lucky girl!

    Reply
  27. Jill ~ Jillify It says

    March 20, 2012 at 2:38 pm

    Soooooo cute!!!! What an amazing changing table transformation! I would love for you to share this at my linky party going on now at Jillify It!

    I’m a new follower!

    Jill
    http://www.jillifyit.com

    Reply
  28. Fancy Schmancy says

    March 20, 2012 at 9:27 pm

    Very impressive!! Gonna Pin it!

    Reply
  29. Andrea at Our Little Gems says

    March 20, 2012 at 9:34 pm

    i am in awe! this is such a creatively wonderful idea 🙂

    Reply
  30. Heather @ Raising Memories Blog says

    March 21, 2012 at 2:56 am

    Oh my word, Holly, this is genious! If you’re interested, I would love to have you share it with my readers at my link party here: http://www.raisingmemories.com/search/label/sharing%20time
    Hope to see you there!
    ~Heather
    http://www.raisingmemories.com

    Reply
  31. Jen Lossing says

    March 21, 2012 at 2:59 am

    This is AWESOME!!! What a wonderfully creative idea! Great job!

    Reply
  32. amber wallace says

    March 21, 2012 at 7:25 pm

    That is the stinkin cutest thing I’ve ever seen!! So much more fun than a play kitchen I think too. Great, great job. You’ve got a new follower 🙂

    Reply
  33. Kristina says

    March 21, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    Stopping by from Jillify It! This is the CUTEST play center EVER!!! Your daughter looks thrilled– and I would be too, if that showed up in my (daughter’s) room ; )

    Great job!

    Reply
  34. crafty gyrl says

    March 21, 2012 at 11:37 pm

    This is so amazing!

    Reply
  35. Jill @Two Yellow Birds Decor says

    March 23, 2012 at 2:06 am

    That is THE CUTEST thing I have ever seen!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!! You did an Amazing job! So creative! Thanks for sharing at Thursday’s Temptation.
    Jill

    Reply
  36. How to Nest for Less says

    March 23, 2012 at 3:15 am

    I’m back with another comment 🙂 Just thought I’d let you know I’m featuring you on my blog tomorrow!! Absolutely LOVE this 🙂 Thanks for linking up this week 🙂

    Reply
  37. Mama Jodi says

    March 23, 2012 at 7:03 pm

    What a cute idea. This is absolutely adorable.

    Reply
  38. Daneilia @ Anchors Away says

    March 24, 2012 at 6:32 pm

    Oh my goodness you girls are too adorable. I love the things you come up with.

    Reply
  39. Brandi says

    March 24, 2012 at 7:42 pm

    This is so adorable!

    Reply
  40. Jill says

    March 26, 2012 at 2:47 am

    Love the idea of play areas that aren’t just play kitchens. And this one is adorable!

    Reply
  41. Jill ~ Jillify It says

    March 26, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    Thanks so much for linking up to my Tuesday party at Jillify It! Hope to see you again on Tuesday!

    Jill
    http://www.jillifyit.com

    Reply
  42. Systems Awnings says

    March 27, 2012 at 7:48 am

    Hi there. Nice blog. You have shared useful information. Keep up the good work! This blog is really interesting and gives good details. awning in India, Awnings.

    Reply
  43. DebbieDoesCreations says

    March 27, 2012 at 1:42 pm

    This is so adorable 🙂 I have all boys and you could so change the color scheme to appeal to boys. I would love it if you could come and share at Toot Your Horn Tuesdays link party going on right now at Debbie Does Creations 🙂

    Reply
  44. Amy @ this DIY life says

    March 27, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    This is great! Now I’ll be hunting for a changing table at garage sales this summer 🙂

    Visiting from Not Just a Housewife linky party!

    Reply
  45. ChaoticallyCreative says

    March 27, 2012 at 5:21 pm

    I wanted to just say that besides how adorable this is you have really created an awesome dramatic play piece for your daughter. I know I have been on here before commenting about your creations and how absolutely appropriate they are for children but seriously you girls are good. Not only do you make things that are so appealing to look at but they are also child friendly, age appropriate and incorporate so many elements that will help you daughter learn through play throughout her early development. Really awesome job! Keep up the good work. Lesley

    Reply
    • Nat and Holly says

      March 27, 2012 at 11:21 pm

      Lesley, thank you for leaving such a sweet and thoughtful comment! I wish I could reply to you with an email, but there is not one listed on your profile… If you do by chance read this, I just wanted to say thank you for always making the nicest comments and letting us know you enjoy our blog! I love watching my daughter play with her new ice cream parlor… it makes all the long nights and hot glue gun burns worth it 🙂

      Reply
  46. Latoya @ The Scott's Crib says

    March 27, 2012 at 7:58 pm

    Definitely voting! This is absolutely adorable!!! Never would have came up with this! If you’d like come on over and join us at our cheap finds and transformations party, hands down this would be a hit! http://www.thescottscrib.com/2012/03/lathriftas-cheap-finds-and_23.html

    Reply
  47. Stacy says

    March 27, 2012 at 8:15 pm

    That has got to be one of the CUTEST thing ever!!! So clever 🙂 I love it!

    Reply
  48. cajungal01 says

    March 28, 2012 at 2:11 am

    I don’t know that I have been this impressed in a LONG time! Seriously! AMAZING! I am in love with the idea, the execution of it, and the DETAILS! WOW! I wish I could pick your brain for ideas for my kiddos!!! Seriously, you are extremely talented!
    :0)
    ~robin

    Reply
  49. Jennifer says

    March 28, 2012 at 3:47 am

    Oh my goodness! Fantastic! Makes me almost want one!! Ha! Very creative! Making this a feature in tomorrow’s Show & Share!

    Reply
  50. Erica says

    March 28, 2012 at 8:18 pm

    This is fantastic. My kids would love this but mommy is not so crafty 🙂

    Reply
  51. Jill @Two Yellow Birds Decor says

    March 29, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    I know I have commented on your cute ice cream parlor before, but I just wanted to let you know I am featuring it at today’s link party!! Wahoo!!

    http://twoyellowbirdsdecor.blogspot.com/2012/03/thursdays-temptation-link-party-11.html
    Jill

    Reply
  52. Christie says

    March 30, 2012 at 1:49 pm

    This is beautiful!!!!! I can imagine doing something similar but keeping the overall designs on the table simple so I can change out the decorations to go with a theme. I can see it becoming a little flower stand in spring or a fruit/vegetable stand.

    Reply
  53. Anonymous says

    March 30, 2012 at 6:02 pm

    Darling idea!!! Very creative! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  54. Kim says

    April 4, 2012 at 1:24 pm

    Shazam! This is the best use of a changing table I have ever seen! This looks professionally made….my kids are jealous.
    Well Done =0)
    Kim@reposhture.blogspot.com

    Reply
  55. Heather L. says

    April 14, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    I seriously can’t handle how cute this is. I would have LOVED to have this as a little girl! I am so sad that I’ve sold or donated TWO of those exact changing tables =( My girls are older now, but I’m wondering what I could make for my little boy now. You are so clever! Great job!!!

    Reply
  56. Blessed x3 says

    April 14, 2012 at 3:30 pm

    Love this! I love how things can be made into other things!

    Reply
  57. Tutus & Tea Parties says

    April 19, 2012 at 1:32 pm

    How cute is this?! I love it!

    Reply
  58. Daily Do It Yourself says

    April 23, 2012 at 11:51 am

    This is AMAZING!! Such a great idea for upcycling an old piece of furniture. We featured you today over at Daily Do It Yourself!

    Reply
    • How to Nest for Less says

      April 23, 2012 at 11:57 am

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      Reply
    • Daily Do It Yourself says

      April 23, 2012 at 11:58 am

      Sorry, I meant Wednesday!! LOL 🙂

      Reply
  59. Shelley says

    April 26, 2012 at 3:29 pm

    That is really awesome!!! Such a great way to upcycle and have fun at the same time. Visiting from the CSI project

    Reply
  60. Kassi @ Truly Lovely says

    April 26, 2012 at 5:49 pm

    Holly, that is ADORABLE! What a fun idea and great play space for little Anna!!! 🙂 Love that you guys are blogging sisters! My sister and I blog together over at our place too! Stopping by from CSI by the way!

    Reply
  61. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    April 27, 2012 at 1:11 am

    how adorable is that! love the colors you used!

    Reply
  62. Christa says

    April 28, 2012 at 4:46 am

    Really nice. This is creative and turned out so cute. . .lucky daughter! 🙂

    Reply
  63. Anonymous says

    May 29, 2012 at 6:59 am

    nice idea.. thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  64. Trudy says

    November 2, 2012 at 9:36 am

    Holly,
    Just a courtesy note to let you know I have pinned your “Ice cream palour” post to a pinterest board with a collection of learning resources to support learning through playing ice cream shops. You will find lesson ideas, learning activities and resources on my boards. You can view my boards at http://pinterest.com/fingerpprojects/
    Warm Regards
    Trudy

    Reply
  65. Danelle says

    March 14, 2019 at 9:22 am

    Just found your site and everything is adorable! Can you tell me what you used to make the containers for the ice cream containers? And how you made the ice cream sandwiches?

    Thank you!!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. DIY Tissue Tassel Mobile + Nursery Reveal! says:
    May 31, 2014 at 8:53 pm

    […] area…. this is actually an old project that I decided to rescue from the basement. Remember the ice cream parlor I made for Anna? Here it is as Ivie’s new changing table. Our 14-year-old sister, Lauryn, […]

    Reply
  2. Escuela Infantil GRANVIA Vistahermosa » Archivo del weblog » Juegos para niños, una heladería ¡en casa! says:
    September 11, 2014 at 6:23 am

    […] Más información: My Sister’s Suitcase […]

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2 Sisters. 2 States. Sharing our latest creations keeps us close. We are moms, wives, daughters, friends, creative souls, singers, living room dancers, Jimmy Fallon fans, & consumers of dirty Dr. Pepper. Read More

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