Art adds so much to your home decor. A great way to add original art or prints to your collection is by attending local art shows, through art blogs or artist group sites on the internet.
Other imaginative ways to find Art On A Budget are old botanical books, vintage calendars and vintage magazine advertisments. (You can click on any picture to enlarge for detail).
It can be expensive to have art matted and framed though. I have found some great frames that included matting at home decorating and craft stores. There are so many choices of frame styles. From very simple to ornate. Choosing the correct one for your piece of art is just a matter of personal taste.
All of the art in this post whether old botanical prints, original water colors from an artist on the streets of Florence, Italy, or art purchased from an artist’s blog, have all been framed and matted with frames/mats I picked up at decorating or crafts store.
1. Thanks Penny! Great post and good information.
by Melissa (Missy) — 9/27/08 at 4:20 pm #
2. Very clever idea. I love the rooster picture.
by Susan — 9/27/08 at 4:22 pm #
3. I love the tips on adding inexpensive art to my home. Mainly, I am always concerned with the cost of framing but by getting them at craft stores, I am sure I can save a bundle. Thanks so much for the information on this.
bj
by bj — 9/27/08 at 5:49 pm #
4. Nice ideas! I love the watercolors painted in Italy! I try to attend an outdoor art show that is held in NYC twice a year iaround Washington Square Park and I purchase prints at a reasonable price.
Thanks
Pat in NY
by Pat — 9/27/08 at 9:24 pm #
5. Great tips, Penny. I have found some wonderful art through many talented bloggers. You are the perfect example!
by Beverly — 9/28/08 at 8:20 am #
6. You have beautiful arts, Penny! And I like the way they are framed …
Thanks for the tips!
by nance — 9/28/08 at 10:37 am #
7. Looks great Penny. I agree.I am always looking for prints and frames.
by Brenda — 9/28/08 at 12:58 pm #
8. Congratulations on this new endeavor! Recently at two different fundraising events I have made bargain art purchases. Many times at these silent auction events, art work gets overlooked for vacation packages and other luxury goods. In the end, you walk away with a new art purchase while helping worthy causes.
by Jojo — 9/28/08 at 2:29 pm #
9. Beautiful art Penny:>) It is always so fun and inspiring to see your decorating ideas!
by Kathy — 9/28/08 at 3:04 pm #
10. always good tips!
by Ele at A bit of Pink Heaven — 9/28/08 at 6:58 pm #
11. Love your framed art Penny! It’s fun to keep your eyes open for unusual frames. I’ve even bought a framed print just for the frame and replaced with a print I liked better!
Rosie
by Rosie — 9/28/08 at 7:42 pm #
12. I love all these ideas Penny! Can use them at the log cabin!
Shelley
by Shelley — 9/28/08 at 8:47 pm #
13. Great post Penny!
by Jen r — 9/28/08 at 11:14 pm #
14. Oh Penny is that the rooster from the outside art show? I loved him when you showed the fair. You have such a creative way of designing. Elegant but welcoming. Karen
by Karen — 9/28/08 at 11:29 pm #
15. Great art suggestions. Sometimes the frame and matting can be the most expensive part of the deal. Good idea to check the thrift stores.
Darla
by Darla — 9/29/08 at 7:20 am #
16. Penny, thanks for sharing all of your great ideas with us. Now I have another place to go to and look at all the great bloggers and ideas.
Your are so talented.
Blessings,
Bonnie
by Bonnie — 9/29/08 at 12:09 pm #
17. Ahhh Penny,
Beautiful ideas and you know how I love those roosters! Great job!
Hugs,
Erin
by Erin — 9/29/08 at 10:41 pm #
18. I love to go to outside art shows. The artists are usually there and you can have a little chat with them. We’ve gotten some great bargains at these little gatherings. Mimi
by Mimi — 9/30/08 at 12:20 am #
19. Great ideas Penny!!!!
I love that Rooster …
by Louise — 10/1/08 at 7:44 am #
20. I always try to pick up art from street vendors/artists when on a trip. They can be so wonderful and very inexpensive! Art in the Park, in many cities, is such a fun way to spend a day.
You always have such good idea and have a keen sense of color and style. You know how to choose great art no matter the price!
Thank you for your ideas!
Sue
by Sue — 10/3/08 at 3:57 pm #
21. A similar idea I did to this was to take pictures of items around my house using the macro feature on my digital camera. This shows an extreme close-up detail of your subject. I also printed them at home on my own printer. Since the color schemes match already, I created an art gallery look by choosing 6 pictures that I liked and framed them in pre-matted frames from a local department store for $12.99 each! I was so proud of my project and it looks great!
by Courtney — 10/8/08 at 3:28 pm #