Have a Question? Email me at nestyourbestblog@gmail.com I'd love to hear from you!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Tuesday Tribute! - Artwork

One of the quickest cures to a ho-hum wall is to slap some artwork up.  No Monets hiding in your closets?  That's okay!  Anything can be art these days.  And better yet, anyone can be an artist!

Here are just a few quick ideas I've either tried, or seen around town:
  • Pics of your kids, pets, nature, favorite aunt - with all of the online photo developing companies nowadays, you can print photos for pennies, literally!  What's even more fun, edit them!  Zoom in, play with sizing, make it black and white or sepia toned.  You don't have to be a photographer to have great photos around you.  Print off a handful of black and whites and create a quick gallery wall.  Nothing to be afraid of!  A nail is not that big of a commitment, trust me, my hubs has learned to just let me hammer away! (And I've learned how to putty and paint!)

  • Chairs - what?!?  Oh yes.  I've seen it more than once.  Those cute little children's chairs, suspended from a hook right on the wall.  Talk about some 3-D art!

  • Hats - my mom once used a collection of old hats to make a collage on a bedroom wall.  It was an awesome way to display a collection she loves, but also, to give instant visual interest to a space.  You could do it with your son's baseball caps too.  Or baby bonnets...now the wheels are spinning!

  • Wreaths - an oldie, but a goodie.  I love to pop a wreath in unexpected places.  Maybe on the bathroom door, or in the playroom, made out of crayons.  Look at this cute one made of ties!  You can make a wreath out of anything, so customize one to your home colors or a favorite hobby.  My son is a bit obsessed with balloons, so I'm thinking of making a balloon wreath for his birthday.  And don't just stop at one!  I have a trio of amazing bejeweled wreaths above our media center.  A gift from my Nana.  They make me smile everyday.

  • Frame it! - This category can really include anything.  Whatever you love, frame it!  Sporting event tickets, wedding invitations, children's artwork, a note from your mom, a jersey, keys.  I recently saw someone create a piece of art out of dates.  Yep.  They typed out the birthdates of each of their kids, the husband and wives' birthdates, and their anniversary date.  What a unique, meaningful, and easy thing to do!  It's officially on my "to do" list!

  • Empty Frames - while we're on the topic of frames, why not use them to create some negative space?  A few empty frames in the same color can make as much impact as framed art, and sometimes more.  Play with different size combinations and see what you can do!

  • Collections - We mentioned hats already, but do you have a stash of seashells from a past trip?  Or some amazing beaded necklaces?  Or what about colorful spatulas, or silver spoons? Use one of the empty frames from above and fill it with whatever moves you. When we first moved into our home, guests we're arriving any minute and my spare room wasn't quite finished.  Luckily my mom was in town and in 15 seconds she nailed up an empty frame and stuck a mini collection of twine balls on nails inside the frame.  It. Was.  Awesome.  I've gotten so many compliments on the 3-D art that was born out of a moment of desperation.  

  • DIY - can't find a print you love in the colors that work in your home?  Make it yourself!  So you don't fancy yourself an artist?  It's a-okay.  Trace a printout of your monogram on a canvas and paint it in.  Get out your favorite colors and splash some paint around (Jackson Pollock anyone?).  Use sidewalk chalk on black paper. Glue some scrapbook paper you love onto canvases.  Frame a favorite piece of music.  Put a cool looking leaf in a shadow box.  Go ahead and try it.  What's the worst that could happen?  You just might discover a hidden talent.

    In short, the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to artwork.  So those of you sitting there staring at beige walls.  First, slap some paint on there girlfriend!  Then, hang up what you love!  Remember, your home is for you.  If it makes you happy, it will make your guests happy too because it's a reflection of you.  Don't over think it.  Remember the putty? 

    What clever things have you hung on the wall?  Anyone planning a gallery wall?

    No comments:

    Post a Comment

    Popular Posts