Daniel Watson's Harry Potter Nursery

It is no secret that I am a huge Potterhead. I am not a fanatic of many things, but Harry Potter is the major exception. Get me started and it will be difficult for me to stop. I have read all the books through several time, have the entire bluray collections, read up on JK's thoughts on her world that wasn't included in the books, and get seriously frustrated with people who have only seen the movies and think they know all about HP. I was the second person in my class at school to get Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone. I was 13 (I think) and in 7th grade any my mom brought it home because it was supposed to be the best new young adult's book. I was skeptical and thought the cover looked ridiculous. But I read it... In a couple days. Hooked. I got every book after that the day they came out and read them in 1-3 days depending on thickness and my schedule. The 7th book came out when I was spending the weekend at  college friend's house and I forgot it was coming out! I bought it and read it at her house- how very antisocial of me! I saw several of the movies at their midnight premieres and saw a few of them twice during opening weekend. Most of this decor I already owned... Yup. 

So, when it came time to deciding on a nursery theme I pleaded with Matt to let me do Harry Potter! I wouldn't go over the top or buy expensive decorations. I wouldn't go crazy with an owl cage, custom made HP font monograms, or official quidditch brooms. It would be mild enough that it would be a lovely looking nursery, but HP enough to make me giddy. Reluctantly, he agreed. He doesn't mind Harry Potter, but h is a casual fan.

The room was already painted green. I considered repainting it but just didn't want te extra work. So I found bedding that matched the green color. I ordered the matching changing pad cover, a matching snuggly blanket, and a matching decorative pillow for the chair. I wanted a bright contrast color so taking one of the colors from the bedding, I ordered red curtains and crib skirt. 

I found five digital designs of quotes from Harry Potter. I got the downloaded file and made the prints myself to frame. Again, simple but definitely has the spirit of HP. These two quotes: "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good" and "mischief managed". 

On the changing table are wire baskets I bought back in Michigan not knowing exactly what I was going to use them for. I just loved their look. The long basket holds our newborn cloth diapers. The taller baskets hold burp clothes and blankets. 

I found this upcycled dresser online through  local retailer. I love the color and how distressed it is. Definitely reminds me of something I might have found in a bedroom at Grimauld Place. The bookshelf holds many of our children's books. I restock the bookshelf in Jackson's room every once in awhile by swapping out the books. 

Above the dresser hangs a custom print I had done by Shelby at Honeysuckle Blog and Shop. She is a friend of mine from college and does such beautiful work. I took a verse from Daniel 6:9 and reworded it slightly to be a personal life verse for Daniel. The wording is "May men find no ground for complaint or any fault in you because of your faith." 

On the dresser are my copies of the HP collection. I recently re-read them in order and it was like experiencing my coming of age all over again. The owls are votive holders and I had them, but thought they would make perfect bookends. Those boxes are official Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans and Chocolate Frog boxes from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando. My mom sent then to me when they visited. I have yet to visit but am sure I will get more souvenirs when I do, like a wand. 

It was nice having the changing table, crib, and rocker already. Those are the major furniture purchases when having a baby. I considered repainting the changing table and crib, but again, didn't want the hassle. Baby will sleep in our Fisher Price Rock N Play Sleeper for at least the first three months before we transition to crib. 

Above the crib are the other prints. They state: "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light" and "It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities" and "Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress adventure". The top two are pretty common HP quotes, but I was so excited the shop I ordered the designs from had the last quote. When I first read that quote (HBP) when the book first came out it was one of my favorites. 

I bought Daniel this Jellycat Lion because he is so adorable, snuggly, and because Daniel is named after my favorite Biblical character (most known story is Daniel in the Lion's Den). It fits perfectly because this can also double as a Gryffindor lion. Ironic because if Matt and I went to Hogwarts he would most likely be in Slytherin and I would most likely be in Ravenclaw. But we imagine our children in Gryffindor. 

Then every little wizard needs an owl! My mom used to obsessively collect Beanie Babies. She sold her collection but still has tubs full of extras that she takes with then to Mexico to give away to the kids. The last time we were in Michigan I let Jackson look through her tubs to see if he liked any of the Beanie Babies, which he didn't. I saw this little owl (one of the older collections) and almost brought him home with me just because he was so cute. He was always one of my favorites. But I couldn't justify another trinket to just lie around my house. We we settled on a HP nursery I called my mom to go get it so she didn't take it to Mexico with her. Perfect little friend for Daniel.

I really like the space in our nursery. It is full without being crowded or cluttered. There is enough room for everything to be comfortable. I especially like the placement of the rocker. It took me awhile to decide where I wanted it but this corner will be so cozy for Daniel and I to nurse and cuddle. 

The light box gives off enough light for me to see what I'm doing in the dark, but not enough to disturb Daniel while he's sleeping. It has the happiness quote again, but it is a good quote so why not have it in two places? The table doesn't have a fully covered top so I needed something I make a flat surface. Enter The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Add a little clock to keep track of feedings and we have a perfect side table.

I have had this timeturner for awhile. It came in a box and I thought it was going to be the size of a quarter, not and Oreo! So needless to say, it had not been worn. But it is perfect for our rocking corner! I wrapped it around this frame that my dear friends, Erika and Lauren, have me at my baby shower they threw for Jackson. I wrote out another HP quote (POA) and pinned it above the time turner. It reads "It's a strange thing, but when you are dreading something, and would give anything to slow down time it has the disobliging habit of speeding up." Having been through the infant stage once already, I know how quickly it will pass. Before I am ready Daniel will no longer be a baby and will be a little boy. This is a reminder to cherish our time together, even the long nights. 

I credit this idea to Pinterest, like so many clever ideas and crafts nowadays. There were several available to buy, but some simple stickers and we're good to go! It really is ridiculous how happy this little detail makes me. For those who aren't HP fans, "lumos" is the spell to light the end of one's wand and "nox" is the spell to extinguish the light.

Both boys' closets have these annoying shelving units. They are not very sturdy and make it difficult to put things in the bottom of the closet as the center rack divides the open space. I managed though. These clothes are just newborn, 0-3 mos. and some 3-6 mos! The dresser is full of Jackson's other old clothes. Daniel will not be wanting to outfits!

Yes, this nursery makes me happy. I like to come sit in the rocker and read or blog. Jackson comes in here to play on the floor while I sit here. So far he hasn't pulled all the books off the shelves or destroyed the things on the changing table. I leave the door open so he can get used to coming in and out and not disturbing everything. 

Soon, baby Daniel, soon you and I will spend many hours here. This will be your new home. This will be your own little fortress. I cannot wait to bring you home!