PROJECT CONDO: ART WALL

It's done!! I put the last pieces of artwork in the frames today. :) Before I go into the details of the dining room art wall, I have to preface this post with the fact that this is the first time, since being married, that I've picked art, bought frames and put something like this together. I had a couple failed attempts when we were living in our old apartment, but ended up taking everything down since we didn't plan to be there long. I've had some of the artwork for over 1.5 years...all rolled up in poster tubs waiting to be used! And now, they're up on the wall...and it's made such a HUGE difference in the dining room. It added so much color and interest. I love it. I also love that as I find new art I can just replace what I already have, I tend to have an ever-evolving sense of style. ;)

For this process I first started by picking the artwork. A couple pieces got cut in the end, but I knew I really wanted my "yes ma'am" piece and my renegade piece to be up on the wall. I started with those as my foundation and began building around those pieces to find other prints to go with the collage. Once I got all of the art, I took a trip to Michael's and bought a variety of wood frames in different colors and styles. I got all of the frames for 40% off PLUS I had a 25% off total purchase coupon, so I ended up being way under budget for the frames. I totally recommend checking out Michael's for frames in the future if you have one close. They have so many to choose from and fantastic prices. The quality is beautiful too.

After all of the artwork was framed, I had my bestest, Jenny, come over and help me collage them on the floor to figure out the right composition. I love the shape she came up with and how she made everything work together. Thanks again, Jenny. I couldn't have done it without you! With a little teamwork, we started at the middle of the collage and began hanging the pieces on the wall. After about 30 minutes we were done! And voila! Art wall complete!

In case you're curious, here's where I bought my pieces: 1// The Universe - Society6 2// Little Trees - Renegade Shop in Chicago 3// I Love My Family - Beauchamping 4// Yes Ma'am - Jordan Grace Owens 5// Construction of a Nebula - Elise Manhan 6// Starlight Symbiosis - Elise Manhan 7// Green Andy Warhol Cat - Art.com 8// Renegade Craft Fair Poster - Renegade Shop

Also, here are a couple helpful posts on how to hang art collages that I recommend checking out:
* Two Rules of Thumb for Hanging Things on Your Walls by Smile & Wave
* Get the Hang of It by Young House Love
* How to Hang Art in Groups (Like Kate Space) by Apartment Therapy

Up next for the dining room? Well I still need to order the rest of my "final touch" pieces, put together a DIY, replace a few things and then I will be DONE, for now anyway. ;) But I'll finally be able to start working on the living room! I'm planning to post about my DIY framed art piece over the buffet table next and then I'll do a big before and after reveal. So exciting!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I'll be over with the beautiful ladies of blogshop, assisting them with their event in Atlanta on Saturday and Sunday. Planning to share pictures next week. :)