Everyone is an artist at heart–at least, that’s what I believe! That’s why I’m always thrilled when even self-described uncreative types can get their hands dirty and have some good ol’ artistic fun.

My Wonderful Walls sells stencils kits with literally hundreds of animals and objects. Unlike vinyl appliqués, your color choice is only limited by your imagination–all you need is a brush or roller and a paint bucket from your local home improvement store, and you’re ready to “roll”!

What if you want to make your own stencils? Cardboard is considered a “poor-man’s” alternative, but with a little finesse and spray paint (or even markers, as shown by schoolteacher Nancy Stone above) you can craft custom reusable stencils for your nursery. Be sure to check out these free stencils which you can download and cut on your own.

Have you used stenciling to decorate a kids room (or any room) before? Were you pleased with the results? Let us know in the comments below!

Some nursery art has a truly timeless appeal, as evidenced by Graziela Preiser’s posters for the nursery (via Babble). Both her Alphabet and Farm Yard prints were created before my time (1970 and 1977, respectively) yet would be perfect in any fresh and modern children’s room today.

Let your voice be heard by leaving a comment below: Would you be interested in seeing a similar ABC print for Ubiki’s characters sometime in the near future?

From Ella, Greta, Zappa, and all of your Safari friends at Ubiki:
Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

1. PoshTots Modern Safari Baby Bedding, $660

There’s no better start for a modern, safari-themed nursery than this three-piece bedding set (seen with my own Safari wall prints above). It includes a bumper, fitted sheet, and crib skirt, all of which feature a contemporary safari pattern plus chocolate and green minky fabric accents.

2. Structured Green Oops Crib, $2,450

Structured Green’s Oops Crib is not only child-safe but eco-friendly. Built from bamboo and variegated strips of reclaimed woods, this beautiful contemporary crib is finished in food-grade tung oil.

3. Jonathan Adler Ceramic Giraffe Wall Sconce/Lamp, $150 each

Premier modern design Jonathan Adler brings his keen contemporary eye to the nursery with his Giraffe Wall Sconce/Lamp. Designed to be mounted on the wall, Adler returns to his ceramic roots with both left- and right-facing versions available.

4. BuggaLove’s Custom Safari Mobile, $45

Support an independent artist and delight your child’s eyes with BuggaLove’s Safari Mobile, which features a variety of animals on an 8″ hoop. My favorite part: BuggaLove will customize the mobile to match your nursery’s decor!

5. Nani Marquina African House Rug, $2,145+

Inspired by the murals of the South African Besotho tribe, Nani Marquina’s African House Rug melds traditional and contemporary design. Handmade and hand-tufted, this handsome wool rug is available in three color themes and three sizes.

6. Structured Green Oops Station, $2,350

Structured Green’s Oops Station is a perfect match for their Oops Crib (see above). Compact yet providing ample storage with two drawers, it provides a standard sized changing pad area and is constructed with bamboo ply.

7. Trend Lab Sweet Safari Moses Basket Set, $100

Intended for newborns up to 8 weeks old, Trend Lab’s Sweet Safari Moses Basket provides a safe place for baby to rest without rolling around. It includes a covered 2″ foam mattress and wrap bumper and comes in both blue and pink styles.

8. Safari Animal Stack Growth Chart, $50

I really like how this Safari Animal Stack Growth Chart gives your baby a room to grow on–and in. The vinyl wall decal measures up to 60″ and is available in multiple colors.

9. Storkcraft Hoop Glider + Ottoman in Khaki, $200

Popular and highly rated, Storkcraft’s extra-comfy Hoop Glider + Ottoman features smooth, silent-gliding action in an ergonomic design. Made out of solid wood, it offers generously stuffed cushions, padded armrests, and lumbar support.

10. Bobles Tumbling Elephant, $140

Charming and geometric, Bobles Tumbling Elephants are not only ideal as kids’ furniture but invite safe, creative play with soft-surfaced firm EVA foam that is free of toxins and phthalates. Even better–it easily wipes clean with a wet cloth.