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. :)

JON AND I IN WATERCOLOR

I have been meaning to share this beautiful portrait with you for awhile! The way-too-talented-for-words Beca of Tales of a Tumbleweed did this piece for Jon and me. After seeing her beautiful portrait work for Katie and Amy, I knew I wanted to add her work to my portrait collection.

The following pictures were taken by Beca. My portrait is still in it's packaging in a corner of my room waiting for a frame and a new home. :) I have a lot of picture hanging plans when we make our big move in July. I can't wait to find a wall for this beautiful piece.

Thank you, Beca, for sharing your amazing talent with me! I LOVE how it turned out. :) You can check out Beca's blog here AND you should also take a look at her AMAZING wood veneer eyewear while you're at it. They are pretty. darn. snazzy. ;)

WE ARE CUTE

I mentioned in this post that I was starting a custom portrait collection of Jon and me, and eventually our kitties and future youngin's. ;) I've been admiring our sweet little paper dolls from Jordan and I can't wait to get a great frame for them and hang it up in our new place in August! :) A couple weeks ago, Victoria of Batzy Rockshop contacted me about doing a portrait of Jon and me. I took a look at her work and loved her quirky art style and beautiful portraits.

I sent her a few pictures of Jon and me to reference and she created the above digital portrait of us. I love it! It's adorable and definitely shows off our more rock-n-roll side. I'm planning to have it printed and framed to hang along with my paper dolls. My little collection is growing! Yeah!!

If you're looking for a custom portrait as a gift or for yourself, I definitely recommend checking out Victoria's shop and blog! She has fabulous style, is way talented AND her blog is a great read. ;)

Thank you, Victoria, for my beautiful piece of art!

I'M A PAPER DOLL!

A couple weeks ago, I commissioned Jordan Grace to make custom paper dolls of Jon and me to start my collection of custom portraits for our home. I have been in love with Jordan's work since I first met her last September. You might have seen my post about her here or here!

Yesterday, I received my package and was completely amazed and excited about her work. Her packaging was so put together and the little dolls represent Jon and me perfectly! They are so, so cute!! I love the dainty little details. :)

 

 

 

I'm planning to put these in a shadow box and hang them up in our new home when we move in August. :) Have you ever gotten a custom piece done? What are some of your favorite artists?? I'd love to hear your thoughts and add to my new collection!

Disney Princesses in Accurate Period Costume

I came across these beautiful illustrations by Claire Hummel and just HAD to share. I'm a huge Disney fan and I love Hummel's portrayal of how the princesses would be accurately dressed during their time period...

Snow White: Based on early 16th century Germany

Sleeping Beauty: Based on year 1485

Pocahontas: Based on 17th century Powhatan costume 

Cinderella: Dress based on mid-1860s

Jasmine: Based on rare drawings of pre-Islamic Middle Eastern fashion

Ariel: Dress based on 1890s evening gown fashion

Belle: Dress based on 1770s French court fashion

Aren't they stunning?! I so want to go to Disney now. :) See more of Hummel's beautiful work here. 

ART JOURNALING: ILLUSTRATED PIECE OF YOU

Year after year, I get into the bad habit of juggling at least five different notebooks for journaling, lists, dreams, goals, notes, and art. I'll have a new idea or goal and instead of returning to the one of five notebooks I have already started, I am tempted to grab a brand new one. The problem is, we don't always think, "Hey, I can put everything in one place!" Instead, we torture ourselves with countless notebooks and just end up loosing track of these elements of our life in the first place.

The idea of art journaling was recently introduced to me by a friend. One of the main thoughts behind this type of journaling is to collect everything in one place. Dreams, Goals, To-Do's, Artwork, Inspiration, Notes, Lists, and Diary Entries. The possibilities are endless, even though this idea is simple. It revolutionized how I thought about journaling and organization. I love the idea of containing everything in one place. I made it a goal this year to start keeping such a journal. While I have only touched the surface of what art journaling can turn into, I have loved the convenience and beauty of putting all aspects of my life into one place that can go with me wherever I go. 

I am currently using a black, graph paper Moleskine journal. I absolutely love using graph paper and I love the sleekness of the Moleskine. 

Let's take it a step further. Now that you have the idea of keeping everything in one place, why not make that place an outlet for you to explore your own personal creativity? Here are some art journaling tips that will help get you started. I'm also featuring some gorgeous original art journaling from Katie Holley. Please click on any of her photographs to see her personal blog.

Steps to Begin Your Art Journal:

1. Get a Journal: Find a journal that would be good for gathering all your thoughts, art, and lists in. There are hundreds of different journals you can choose from, but be sure to consider whether or not you will be painting or fastening any found treasures to your page. If so, you will want to consider finding a journal that has sturdy pages. I have even heard of people recycling old books and making them into journals by adding new paper into the pages and journaling right over the content already in the book. 

2. Collect Supplies: It always motivates me to write and journal when I have brand new supplies. I recommend getting a storage basket to put your supplies in. These can be kept in your room and a small to-go bag to toss into your purse for that trip to Starbucks. You can purchase any type of supplies you prefer. That's the beauty of art journaling...there really are no rules! You can purchase markers, colored pencils, ball point pens, paint, pastels...any type of medium will work. The more variety you have the more ability you will have to try new things with your journal and explore combining media. 

3. Adhesive: Whether it's glue, masking tape, scotch tape, duct tape, or stickers, find something that you can fasten things to. Notes or other pieces of paper add layers to your journal.

4. Embellishments: Keep on the lookout through your everyday life and travels for things that might make an interesting piece to include in your journal. You might consider gluing a decorative envelop in your journal to hold these treasures as you collect them. Later, you might find the perfect place to paste them onto your pages.

5. Make Time: The important thing about journaling and collecting your thoughts is to make time to do so. Whether that is your quiet time in the morning or right before you go to bed. Make it a goal to work in your journal at least one page a day. That, combined with other thoughts and notes that you write down, will help you to make a place of sanctuary for your thoughts, lists, goals...

6. Take It With You: It's hard to keep everything in one place especially if you leave your journal collecting dust on your night stand. Make it a habit of carrying your journal with you wherever you go. You never know when someone will suggest a book you just have to add to your "To Read" list or if you suddenly come up with an amazing idea about your future business. If you make it a habit of bringing your journal with you, you will not miss those important thoughts and ideas that might pop into your head. 

7. Be Creatively Free: Once you have followed the above steps you are now ready to start! Do not give yourself too many rules or restraints for your journal. Feel free to layer, mix media, and just start putting something together, even if you do not have any plans for what it will look like. The goal is to have fun and have something beautiful to show for it. 

Need some inspiration to help you get started? Check out some of these resources and ideas:

* Art Journaling Prompts - There are many websites that contain journaling prompts. This is a great way of giving you inspiration if you have run out of ideas. It could be a one word prompt that says: freedom, childhood, green, heart. Check out this site that contains a list of websites with journaling prompts.

* Back & Fourth Journaling - Try sharing journal pages with a friend. Take turns adding elements and inspiration to create a unique and beautiful page.

* Art Journaling Workshop - If you live in the Atlanta area and would like to take an Art Journaling workshop, check out Betsy Garmon's blog Wild Thyme Creative. She offers all kinds of information as well as workshops in the Atlanta area.

Have more tips or thoughts on art journaling? Comment with your thoughts and resources! Again, a huge thank you to Katie Holley for sharing her beautiful pages. Be sure to visit her blog: quietworldcreative.

CUTE, QUIRKY & AFFORDABLE ART BY NAN LAWSON

This weekend, I have been in a fury of creative thinking. I met with a dear friend to discuss our dreams and plans for starting up our business. We poured through design magazines and home magazines. I also spent a great deal of time collecting ideas and gathering funds to get my home-sweet-apartment in shape. I now have a plan of action. I usually dabble in a room here and there and the more I dabble, the less any room gets complete. So now, I am going to discipline myself and complete one room at a time. My first two? The kitchen (which is mostly finished) and the living room. 

I have made my list of items and projects I need to scout for and complete. Once I make a budget, I am hitting the thrift store, Ikea, Ross, TJ Max, Target, and anything else that is sure to give me a good bargain. 

One thing I would love to incorporate in my home is artwork. I think a nicely matted series of paintings from different artists in different rooms would really give our home a unique and inspiring touch. My sweet sister actually came across some darling artwork on Etsy by Nan Lawson. 

If you are looking for great pieces to brighten up your room, whether it is a dorm room or home, definitely make sure you scope out artists on Etsy. 

Also note: I am currently making pieces for my upcoming Etsy shop. Be on the lookout for MaieDae Handmades coming soon!

UO: PRINT SHOP

Since I have had the day off to relax and catch up on dusted over "To-Do's", I have been searching around home-shopping corners of the internet in order to continue nesting my little place. I have been wanting to put up some artwork that is unique and colorful. I ran across these little beauties on Urban Outfitters' new sponsored artist community: Society6. Society6 is an international artist community representing more than 80 countries worldwide.

You can choose to have these beautiful prints printed on gallery quality canvas, iphone skins, or laptop skins and they are very affordable.