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Friday, March 22, 2013

Creating wall art with fine handcrafted paper

Here is a quick and easy way to add art to a room and in doing so, add color, pattern and perhaps even some texture.

 

This was the fine handcrafted paper I shared with you last week. Both sheets have texture - the flowers are raised - and some sparkle, too.

 
 
The Daisy White and Gold paper cost $6.50
 

 
 
and the Flower Burst Purples cost just $4.95. Both sheets measured 22"x30"
 
 
 
I used 2 canvas boards: a 12"x16" and a 12"x24".
 
 
 
The only other tools: Mod Podge (glue) and a sponge brush
 
 
and a pair of scissors.
 
 
The easiest way to adhere the paper to the canvas boards is to lay the paper upside-down and the canvas as well, over the paper. The idea is to brush on the Mod Podge on the back of the canvas. This is sufficient to hold the paper in place when folded over.



At each corner I cut the paper at a 45 degree angle to the corner of the board (see arrow). I figured this would help me fold the paper more easily and create a clean edge/corner.
 
 
 
Apply Mod Podge (glue) along the edge that will fold over and press it/hold down gently to the board.

 
 
The triangle pieces created by the 45 degree cut were easily folded inwards to make a clean edge.

 
 
Repeat the same on the other three sides.

 
 
Allow time to dry.
 
Clean edges.
 
 
 
 
 

It was getting dark as I took these pictures - the walls are not such a deep lilac. We have not had much sun of late. You can see some sparkle.
 
 
Easy artwork. This did not take me long.
Hopefully, these boards will be up on the walls soon.
 
There is more to share with this room. Stay tuned.
 

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

 
I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

 
 
 
 


Friday, March 15, 2013

Looking at the artwork for a tween room

The artwork for my 11-year-old daughter's room is something we have chosen together. Each piece has either sentimental value or is special for its subject matter. And yes, importantly, it coordinates beautifully with the new wall color, hazy lilac, by Benjamin Moore .
 
As the room is going through change, this is an opportunity for me to create new artwork for one of the large walls which will also hold bookshelves - more on that later. We found some fine handcrafted paper at Paper Source. She picked her 2 favorites because of color (purple) and subject (daisies, a favorite flower).
 

 
I have on hand some canvases (like below) from Jo-ann which will be used to create simple, inexpensive artwork with the paper above.
 
 
 
This adorable framed print of Disney's Belle from Beauty and the Beast was purchased several years ago at the kids' nursery school art auction fundraiser. It has some bold colors and looks stunning against the newly painted walls. We still love Disney!
 
 
 
For the same wall, we shall have room for the much-shared butterflies, created by the kids some years ago. (And yes, the one on the left is upside-down). We were looking at the colors against the wall.
 
 
 
The line-up as we figure out placement. 
 


Now that the color of the walls is a little more grown-up the art will look less early-childhood-like, more tween.
Art in any space must be meaningful or evoke emotion. These pieces will do just that. It is great to be able to reuse some old pieces.
Next week I will share the new pieces created with the fine handcrafted paper.
 
Meanwhile, the desk is being reorganized. Next will be the dresser. We have state tests in April. The room has to be ready for some serious studying by then.
 
Happy weekend and Happy St. Patrick's Day!
 
If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.
 
I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Spring is in the air....

...even though it might be snowing. There is a hint of spring in the air in my house, at least. While I took down the holiday decorations in January I contemplated the post-Christmas/still-winter decor, particularly on the mantle.



I used a couple of branches of these silver berries and just placed them on across the mantel in no specific manner. And then I interspersed 2 votives randomly.
 


Honestly, I had no flowers on here for a while but taller votives. Last weekend I was entertaining and I went in search of some color to herald the coming of spring - soon, I hope. I needed some florals for my dining table, too.

I found gorgeous African roses at the local Trader Joe's in shades of orange and fuchsia which I decided to use together.


I cut them down to fit in my spray-painted Salvation Army glasses now used as vases. This is what the 7" glasses looked like when I first bought them.


 
After some gold spray paint.
 

 
This works in my love for the silver-gold color combination.




 
The day after my party I moved the flowers from the dining room to the coffee table. They were perfect in my recycled salsa and preserves jars with some clear gems for sparkle.

 
A simple arrangement, beautiful pop of color.
I removed all leaves below the rims of the containers and left a few above for some green.
 




 
 
 
This is what I am enjoying in my home today even we have yet another snow day and schools are closed yet again.
 
Tomorrow promises to be in the 50s!
 

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.
 
I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.