After years as the resident fixer-upper and upholsterer at a North Shore antique and lighting shop, she started Fine Diving In Chicago, an upcycling blog with thrifty trash-to-treasure furniture makeovers.  Soon after, she became a monthly columnist for Time Out Chicago Magazine (“Tossed and Found”) showcasing her creative reuse talents, became ChicagoNow’s “Garage Sale Warrior,” and was invited to contribute for Home Workshop, a prominent do-it-yourself design blog.

Since 2008, Diana has been instructing and inspiring “makers” from the US and abroad.  Her finished works have sold in design markets and shops in the local Chicago area, and also through her Etsy shop.  Now, she has taken the next step toward helping people channel their inner Rachel Ashwell with her first book, “Secondhand Shabby.”

Fine Diving In Chicago – Diana’s personal upcycling blog with “before and afters.”

Garage Sale Warrior – Buying and selling in Chicago’s secondhand and vintage markets.

Diana’s posts at HomeWorkshop.com

Diana’s projects for “Tossed and Found” at Time Out Chicago Magazine.

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As a result, I’m not a hard-core “no TV” parent — in fact, I don’t think anything should be vetoed, because that just makes kids want it more. The information I have on letting young kids watch TV implied that they shouldn’t watch commercials, both because of the advertising exposure and because it encourages shorter attention spans. So, regular network TV is out, but that’s ok with me — I still think it’s boring!

Signing Time buys you guilt-free time.

But Signing Time is another matter. I discovered ST videos at the local library. I was desperate for a break — any break — from my 14 month old “velcro baby,” but he simply couldn’t do anything by himself at that time. I tried Volume 3 of Signing Time, which was all about eating and drinking, and he was mesmerized by it all. The kids were either his age or a year or two older, the narration was all kids’ voices, and the music was surprisingly sophisticated.

Since I could only check out videos for 7 days, and it was pretty clear that he loved them, I decided to invest in some Signing Time DVDs (I have 10.) He watched them over and over… and he actually learned to sign. He’s pretty verbal, though, so he only signs for comedic effect these days; however, I think ST has encouraged him in the area he wanted to learn most: music! He learned all the songs, and each DVD has a mode where you can just play the songs without the other stuff.

It’s entertainment, not education.

As far as the educational value, I don’t care that he didn’t sign a lot. He definitely learned some signs, and the videos definitely helped him understand concepts, but these videos are entertainment. I’m not really into that “genius baby” stuff. At over 2 years old, he still watches them and sings along with the songs — just this morning, we did the colors of the rainbow one.

The music is the best part.

There are at least 2 songs in every episode, and they are not typical kiddie music stuff! Not the corny, cheesy Barney or Elephant Show songs, but much more sophisticated. They’re written by Rachel Coleman’s father, who is a film composer and DJ, and sound like adult contemporary music with good arrangements. Rachel herself is a good singer; I think she might have been a career musician before starting Signing Time.

It’s still children’s music, but definitely listenable and repeatable. Each song is short, only 1 – 3 minutes. For musical learners like my son, it really satisfies their craving for rhyme, rhythm, and melody without driving you insane.

Since I discovered this show, I started recommending it to everyone with children aged one or more — especially for first children, since they have no older sibs to interact with.

My son’s favorites.
Here are the “wideos” he requests the most. I’m now a ST affiliate, so if you do buy from them through my links, I get a small commission which helps support this site.

Signing Time Volume 3: Every Day Signs DVD. Apples, banana, cracker, cheese, ice cream, candy, day, night… what could be more interesting to a young toddler?

Signing Time Volume 7: Leah’s Farm DVD. Lots and lots of animals, with good songs!

Signing Time Volume 12: Time to Eat DVD. More cooking and eating, which is awesome since he’s really into making “goop” out of flour, water, food coloring, etc. Cute songs!

Signing Time Volume 11: My Neighborhood DVD. Songs about the park and things you do there, transportation like motorcycles and helicopters, and safety people (doctors, nurses, police, firetrucks!) Some of the best songs on this one.

Signing Time Volume 6: My Favorite Things DVD. Colors of the rainbow, fruit, veggies, and physical activities. Good for teaching about summer.

Signing Time Volume 4: Family, Feelings & Fun DVD. Aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters, brothers… and some seasonal clothing. Good for teaching about winter (hat, boots, coat, etc.)

If I’d known, I would have gotten the whole collection of Series 1, since it’s the same amount that I ended up spending, but more videos ($250.) I’m probably going to invest in all of Series 2 when he gets a little older — you can see by the subjects that some of the DVDs are for more 3′s and 4′s, not 1′s and 2′s.

They also have a DVD of the Month club for $20 / month, which I am considering joining.

Join us in an excellent lifestyle based on creativity, high-quality, and frugality -- become part of the Excellent Living Guide community! You'll be invited to participate in member discussions, projects, events, and special PDF tutorials on making more cool stuff. Read about ELG values and sign up here.