May 11, 2011

DIY Artwork...

Many times when we think of art for our homes we only imagine going out to find a framed print or an oil painting...right?  Well, there are other ways, one of which I will show you today.  This one is from our "Look for Less" tips...

Are you familiar with this Cavallini print?  It happens to be from the front of a wall calendar. We will sometimes suggest ideas like this for particular design projects. It's a great, economical way to get that "look or less".  This particular one is from Two Hands Paperie.


Cavallini Wall Calendar- Butterflies


Isn't this just lovely?  I love butterflies anyway!
The 2011 Cavallini Butterflies wall calendars measure 13" by 19". These vintage images from the Cavallini archives are printed on ivory laid paper stock and are suitable for framing. 

After you have made your print selections from the calendar you can actually even tape them up on the wall to layout your collage (assuming you are wanting more than one). This will help visualize what your finished wall will look like (when framed of course) and how many it will take to achieve the look you are after.

Pemaquid
Next, shop for some inexpensive frames...black is always a good choice since any room can stand a small pop of black. Or, even white...use your imagination and be sure to take a print with you when you shop.  The frame needs to be larger than the image will be since you may want to add mats as well.  Michaels, Hobby Lobby, even WalMart are good places to find these frames you will need.

Mat Frames - Precut -   60 White - Assrted Sizes
Now you are ready to find the mats.  You can possibly find pre-cut ones in the sizes you need, but you can always just take the prints and frames and go have the mats custom cut to fit.  For these Cavallini calendar images (which are 13" x 19") we had mats cut to 11" x 17" (outside measurements) and the inside opening measures right at 8 1/2" x 12" (since the picture itself is longer than it is wide). Keep in mind that not all images you may find to use will be the same size!


12in Cutterpede Paper Trimmer Cutter CutterBee
Now that you have everything you will need for this project...simply trim the edges of your Cavallini calendar pages.  I use the Cutterpede Paper Trimmer by Cutter-Bee for a clean cut, but you can use scissors.


IMG_6712     
 Place the images in the mats and position with clear tape on all for sides to hold in place.  Now you are ready to place in the frames and install.


 A great trick (in case you need one) to installation is to lay out paper on the floor and then lay your framed art work on it.  Draw around each frame (exact size) and press hard enough on it to make an impression in the paper where the hanger is.  Then cut around each one and tape on wall (to assure arrangement and spacing) then go ahead and tap your nail into place through the paper (since you'll see where it goes on your template you made).  Then all you have to do, once all the nails are in place, is to remove the paper and hang your frames.

  Voila...you have exquisite art that makes a statement in your room.  By they way, YOU are the only person that will know just how inexpensive it was!

Here are a few lovely examples of artwork created in this same fashion...


Tobi Fairley Wall Decor


Seashell Art













I think by now you probably get the idea of how this simple and inexpensive wall art idea works...and what an impact it can have on your decor.  It doesn't have to be Cavallini wall calendars, but can be from any print or poster that catches your eye...or you can even try fabric and wallpaper...these make great wall art as well and can be done the same way.  Be creative, be bold and daring...add a little unexpected flair to your rooms and get...the "Look for Less"!

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!


Photo Credits: Two Hands Paperie, Mirrormate Frames, Cutter-Bee,  Fabrics Curtains Chairs, Love your Room, Pinterest, Coastal Style Living, Tobi Fairley, Domino, House Beautiful 

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

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