Easy As 1-2-3...DIY Large Scale Wall Art Fixes

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A group of paintings in the same/similar palette makes a stunning large scale piece

A few days ago, I decided to get rid of a large scale painting I had on my living room wall.  Sigh.  It was one of those paintings that you like but not love.  You know the kind, almost but not quite the right fit for the space. Well, since I moved the painting which was an original piece and fairly large, I was left with this huge open space.  As you know, large scale original Art is very expensive, so, there I was wondering, "now what am I going to replace this with?".  

Well, whenever I am need inspiration I make a beeline for the internet.  And so I did. I found so many neat ideas there I just had to share.  Most of the these pieces are so very simple and economical but they add so much grandeur and style to a room.  Check them out...  

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You know those black and white photos you've been meaning to print?  Well, here's the perfect place for them. How gorgeous is this!

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It doesn't get easier than this.  Just hang a piece of tapestry or decorative fabric and you have instant transformation.  Absolutely gorgeous!

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Who would have thought that plates could look so chic!    I bet you will look at plates a little differently from now on....

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This look is one of my personal favorites.  All you have to do is find some images of birds or animals and print them out.  (You can borrow a book from the library and scan them or get them online.)  I like to collect old frames to frame my prints but if you don't, not to worry.  Any group of simple frames will do.  Just keep them within the same color palette.

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This is basically like the look above but showcasing plants instead of birds.  So lovely and classic.

I adore this look.  It is so romantic and easy to make.  Poster boards were covered with burlap and then a print was centered (and glued) on top. Industrial screws were used as accents at the corners of the prints.  I love that little touch, it really gives this a little bit of an edge.

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Framed wall paper??!!!  Oh yeah baby!  Super fast, ultra easy and your pocket book will thank you.

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And finally this look.  How's this for the "wow' factor. Of course your frame does not have to be this big. Just get a large glass or acrylic frame and lots of family photos. Perhaps this can be a family activity....  The extra hands would make this project fun and fast.

Well, I hope you found something here that sparks your creativity, I know I did.  Have a wonderful week!

Cherio!

Are You Ready For This!

About a month ago I on a whim entered a major gallery showing.  It was competition based so my sketches/ideas had to beat out numerous competitors to qualify. I sent the sketches and forgot about....that is until I got an email saying I had made the cut!  O. M. G!!!!  

And so, just like that I had a life changing opportunity in my hands.  I was so happy to finally have a major platform to express my heart through something that I love so much.  Art.   But then, I starting looking at the formidable competitors and envisioning what they might be bringing to the table and the more I did that, the more nervous and apprehensive I got.  My ideas were not coming together properly and the ones I did like soon became "not good enough".  I was second guessing myself and it was getting me nowhere.

The back and forth and vacillation between excited and overwhelmed continued until my son put an end to it.  He looked me dead in the eye and informed me "you gat this mom!".......gave me a big hug and and walked off.  Well, turns out that was all I needed.  After that I had fire in my eyes.   No matter what happened I was going to create something amazing. Something I can be proud of. 

 The first piece I made took a whole day to make but it was a little off so I scrapped it and started over from scratch.  I did not let it get me down, I just knew I could do better....... and I will.  At the moment I am working on two of the three pieces required for the show and everything is coming together quite nicely.  I am started to get excited now because I can envision/see the final product......the finish line.  I will probably have a Steve Urkel moment at the end, like "Did I do that???!" but in a really good way.  I am going to make sure of that.  

Well, back to work I go but I will be posting the pictures here when everything is finished.  Have a beautiful weekend everyone.

Cherio!

Upcycling - Turn Your Trash Into Treasure!

Welcome to my latest obsession.....I made these two necklaces from recycled vintage beads, chain and exotic seeds. 

Lately I've become really fascinated with upcycling.   I especially enjoy making new and 

interesting pieces from vintage jewelry "odds and ends" and interesting fabrics from old 

 clothing.  Just thinking of the stuff I can create makes me all happy and bubbly inside.  It is so much fun!!!!...and it is also very relaxing.  Who wouldn't want that? 

But what is UPCYCLING? 

The term "upcycled" refers to vintage items that have been either re-done, re- 

made, re-vamped, or re-purposed.  An "upcycled" piece includes one or more 

vintage elements. Some upcycled items contain 100% vintage materials that have been combined or re-done. Others may have 1 or 2 vintage elements that have been re-vamped with new pieces.  

  

Upcycling is eco-friendly. It allows us to recycle and re-use.....to make something gorgeous 

from odd pieces, broken jewelry, and bit and pieces that are useless or invaluable by 

themselves.  

Two weeks ago I ordered six pounds of assorted broken/mismatched vintage jewelry on Ebay.  (Cost me $16.00)  I had read up on upcycling so I knew that this would be perfect to make lots of beautiful original accessories.  I was not disappointed!  Look at this, I know it looks like a heap of junk but there are so many nice pieces and opportunities for greatness in this pile......I'm serious. 

I made this cute little hair comb from a broken clip-on earring. Not bad for a piece that was headed to the trash can.

 And yet another broken earring became the perfect centerpiece for my new handmade hair 

band. Perfect! 

The hair accessories below were made from pieces of vintage fabric and elements from broken jewelry.  I made flowers from the fabric which with the help of my trusty glue gun, was a snap!  Check out the easy flower tutorial here. 

And finally the Pièce de résistance.... this vase I made from recycled vintage magazine 

paper. It's my favorite piece so far.

As I said in a older post, I switch into hyper craft mode whenever I have something 

traumatic going on in my life. Lol, as you can see, the crafts keep-a-comin!  Good new

though, my dad's condition has stabilized and he is doing much better.  Thanks to all of you 

for your encouragement and prayers.  God bless you! 

Cherio! 

Chic and Wild Safari Style!

When I think of Safari style, I am always amazed by how such wild and primitive elements can become so chic, sophisticated and understated at the same time.  The mix of khaki, furs, animal prints and bold dramatic jewelry creates such a striking look.....one that I can never get enough of. Ever.

Safari style is a staple in decor and fashion. And, it has been for eons… well almost.  You can find it pretty much everywhere.  From high end furniture and couture clothing to dishes and throw cushions, the products are endless, the prices varied.

When it comes to animal prints though, a little goes a loooooooooooong way, especially in decor. Go wild but not too wild if you know what I mean.   Start small. Try adding an accent pillow, rug, or accent chair.  Stay away from too many pieces.  Trust me, I have seen what too much animal print looks like and it aint pretty.

One of the wonderful things about Safari pieces is the way they easily blend with all styles of decor and fashion. From super traditional to the contemporary, this style is so versatile. Here are some of my favorite Safari fashion and decor looks/pieces.  Take a walk on the wild side. Its hot!  Cherio