I thought I’d add another idea to Mitch’s last post on making your own art. His was so inventive and original using the beautiful handmade papers. A wonderful artistic statement in a room for next to nothing in cost. Its amazing what can be “art” if you can just look beyond the obvious.
I also needed a couple of “super cheap” pieces of art for this den. I had 2 old frames with white mats that were ready to be tossed. I had a variety of colored art paper from another project.
The room had a little contemporary feel so I decided to use the paper in some way to reflect a fun colorful, abstract feel. I first painted the old white mats a red color, to reuse them. Then I tore pieces of the colored paper into shapes and pieces and arranged them a number of ways until this seemed to work. I don’t think I spent any money on this. It was just what I had to work with and provided the color and pattern the space needed for now.
No, this design and style is not for everyone. Its just to illustrate that “ART” can be anywhere and can be made of anything for little or no money. A piece of beautiful fabric or scarf can be stretched over canvas and can be wonderful art. Press and mount leaves from your yard (fall leaves or ferns). Take large paper and do “rubbings” on anything that has a raised intricate surface. Frame a series of old botanical calendar prints, use all 12 in rows of 4 across 3 down (a great design look). Hang colorful paper kites on a wall in a childs room. These can all be done for little or no money.
(A close up of torn paper art.)
If you’re in need of art. Look to places and at things you might not have considered before. The most interesting homes have unique, original, one of a kind pieces that have been found or made. We’d love to hear about any interesting art you’ve done.
1. Hi Cathy,
I agree with you and Mitch. I took my daughter’s art, that she made when she was two years old and some of her art work when she got older, and had them framed and transformed into art to be displayed in our home. It is always wonderful when people ask about the picture that she did at two years of age, and I tell them that it was done by my daughter at that young age, they marvel. It looks as legitimate as one on the high price pieces of art that people purchase for large sums of money. Up until of age of 15 years, she did considerable art that has claimed wall space in our home.
It’s such a wonderful feeling to frame that which might initially appear scribble and then you see something very precious and magical in it. Framing also gives the child a sense of importance as an artist, especially if you have art throughout your house.
My daughter is now a great artist and decorator for her home- only.
Thanks for sharing!
by Betty — 9/28/07 at 10:31 am #
2. Hi Betty,
I love childrens art, its so pure, natural and free. Children draw and paint what they feel and enjoy. Its a great way to display art. So spontaneous and uncomplicated , but its really great art as well.
Your daughter sounds like a natural artist from a very young age. Hang on to those special pieces of art. Something you will treasure aways.
Thanks for reminding us of this wonderful source for art. They feel very special when their art is framed and displayed as well.
Always good to hear from you.
by Cathy — 9/28/07 at 5:36 pm #
3. Loved the idea of scrap paper made into art. I am always looking to add interest to a rooms walls without spending alot of money. I will have to go through my kids art work that I have saved since they were little and see what I can use.
by Dee — 10/11/07 at 12:26 pm #
4. Hi Dee,
Kids art is great art. You can give them paper to cut up in the colors you want and let them design a picture for you.
Thanks for writing.
by Cathy — 10/16/07 at 12:53 pm #
5. Put together very well, nicccceeee.
by Nedella [...] — 10/27/07 at 9:47 am #
6. Thanks so much Nedella!!!
by Cathy — 10/31/07 at 3:46 pm #
7. I would love to duplicate this but in a bright yellow room with a beach theme. However I am not sure what kind of paper to use that won’t fade. Love this idea oh too much to botch up!
by jennifer — 12/10/07 at 4:57 pm #
8. Hi Jennifer,
I don’t think you could botch this up to much. Keep arranging the pieces until you get the composition you want. Then glue it down with a good glue stick. As for paper. Go to a good art suppy store and ask for colored art paper that is fade resistant. You can buy big sheets of it for a couple of dollars. This would work well for your beach theme. Buy a sand color paper, an aqua color and a sky blue color. Tear a long uneven strip for the sand. Another wider strip of the aqua for the ocean. Another for the sky. Contemporary, but has the feel of an ocean without all the detail. Give it a try and let me know.
by Cathy — 12/10/07 at 6:37 pm #
9. Hi Cathy! I made them! I made two sets! Torn paper to resemble the beach and the shore line getting bigger. And the second are two home goods frames (4.99 ea) with matting…all I had to do was add fabric for 2 dollars total. In the photo are also items from home goods/ each being no more than 4.99. The lamp I already had. You are awesome in your suggestion and creativity in art! Thank you a ton! Jennifer
by jennifer — 12/12/07 at 5:36 pm #
10. These frames with the fabric in them!
by jennifer — 12/12/07 at 5:37 pm #
11. Non glare visual…
by jennifer — 12/12/07 at 5:39 pm #
12. WOW Jennifer,
I’m proud of you! How exciting to hear you made such great art. Did you send photos of them? I looked in the “Customer Finds” and I didn’t see them. Did you upload them there? I really want to see them!
You did both a torn paper and a fabric set? How cool. I’ll keep looking for them in “Customer Finds”. Try again if they didn’t go through.
Its so nice to hear when someone tries something and it comes out well. You’ve made my day! Bravo!
Cathy
by Cathy — 12/13/07 at 12:52 am #
13. fabric
by jennifer — 12/13/07 at 9:19 am #
14. torn paper picture
by jennifer — 12/13/07 at 9:20 am #
15. front view
by jennifer — 12/13/07 at 9:21 am #
16. Jennifer,
I’m still not seeing any of your pictures. Did you upload to “Customer Finds”? Go there and follow the instructions to post your pictures. Or, you can e-mail them directly to me. If you want to do that , let me know and I’ll contact you first on your e-mail.
Hope to see what great things you’ve done!
Cathy
by Cathy — 12/13/07 at 12:59 pm #
17. Cathy, I posted them on the customer find area this time…I am goint to home goods tomorrow to pick out two shelves to put home goods items on and then I’ll take a picture of the whole room complete, it really has turned out well! What is so funny is…I DO NOT like to shop…but home goods helps me get over that! The bonus room will be complete with ALL Home Goods items and your designer art work help!
by jennifer [...] — 12/13/07 at 3:25 pm #
18. JENNIFER,
I just saw your pictures in a preview before they’ll come up in Customer Finds. FANTASTIC!!! These are unbelievable!! What an artist you are.
I love the three slightly different torn art pictures. looks like the beach at different tides. Sooooo Cooool. Also love the fabric art. Isn’t this simple but so neat! Love your whole room with all the HomeGoods accessories. Sofa and pillows..nice. Send more when you do more.
I told you this was so much fun and it looks like expensive art… we fooled them!!!
Your pictures should come up in Customer Finds once they’ve been approved. I’ll look for them again.
Proud of you!!!
Cathy
by Cathy — 12/13/07 at 11:51 pm #
19. Thanks for the enthusiastic pat on the back! Your creativity and savvy … is infectious! I look forward to sending more pics…I just got the shelves at Home goods today…but need to customize them by painting them to compliment the colors in the room…hopefully I’ll be done this weekend; want to show off my new artwork in a completed room to my guests coming for Christmas. (smiles to you for a lovely weekend of Holiday playtime!) Jennifer
by jennifer [...] — 12/14/07 at 3:47 pm #
20. Jennifer,
I look forward to seeing how the shelves from Homegoods look when you get everything done . I just can’t get over how great those pictures look. They pick the colors in your sofa and blue pillows. Love the accent pillows in the coral and green.
Your guests for Christmas will think you’ve hired a decorator… you did…you!!
Take Care and Merry Christmas,
CAthy
by Cathy — 12/15/07 at 12:30 pm #
21. I just came across this topic and, because of it, have been inspired to make my own art for my bedroom walls. I’m having a difficult time finding art in the colors I need (black, white, red), so I’m thinking that I could either make it, or find fabric in these colors. Thanks for the great idea.
by Janice — 3/13/08 at 5:51 pm #
22. Janice,
This would be something great to try…expecially when you can’t find art in colors and style you want. It’s so easy. Fabric would work well also. You can stretch the fabric over some canvas or wood bars. Let me know how this turns out Janice. You’ll have you own orignal art as well.
Take Care.
by Cathy — 3/17/08 at 2:30 pm #
23. Well, I haven’t done it yet, but I have found the fabric — at least, I think it will work. Remember how I’m going to use chunky black mats and red, black and white subject matter for the pictures in the bedroom (the one with the black wall)? While shopping this weekend, I spotted a single curtain panel in a clearance basket. It was originally $24.00 but marked down to $2.50. No one had bought it because there was just one, and what would a person do with one panel. Wouldn’t you know it — the fabric was a floral print with bright red flowers on a white background. At first, I thought the fabric was toile, but it wasn’t. The print is all floral, and much larger than a toile print — and, of course, no French scenes. It doesn’t have any black in it but with the black mats, it may work. Even if it doesn’t work for the fabric art, it would be perfect pillows for my rockers on the front porch. How could I go wrong for $2.50!
by Janice — 3/17/08 at 4:34 pm #
24. Janice, You lucked out! …Love when you find something that will work in a room AND it’s marked 90% off…LOL. It doesn’t get better than that!
by Cathy — 3/18/08 at 12:21 pm #
25. You’ve got that right, Cathy. LOL I’m sorry to keep popping in, but just wanted to tell you about something I saw in the latest Ballard Design catalog, which arrived at my home yesterday. It is filled with black and cream damask — pillows, throws, patio cushions, even umbrellas! I immediately thought of you, and how you use that pattern in your home and stenciling projects. The only problem is — the damask fabric is black and cream (light tan) — and not pure white. You had suggested that I use black and white damask pillows on my bed, which has the white matelasse coverlet, and in the bedroom which will eventually have the black focal wall behind the bed. Does it MATTER if the background of the damask fabric isn’t white, like the coverlet?
by Janice — 3/19/08 at 10:55 am #
26. Hi Janice,
No, I wouldn’t be too concerned with all the “whites, creams and ivories”.
They all blend. I don’t like a room that totally “Matches” I like “Blending” colors better. More relaxed and not so “perfect”. So as long as the whites are of similiar VALUE, you can mix them freely.
by Cathy — 3/19/08 at 1:26 pm #
27. I have a feeling I’ll be mixing them freely, because I sure do want some of that damask fabric! LOL Thanks for the reassurance, Cathy. If you happen to see that catalog, or on-line catalog, you’ll notice there is a gigantic piece of art that is in the damask print. That could be done so easily with the damask fabric, which they also sell.
by Janice — 3/19/08 at 2:14 pm #
28. You’re always thinking Janice!!! Thats how you save money and still have “The Look”. I’ll look at the catalog, Thanks
by Cathy — 3/19/08 at 3:40 pm #