Neat Things: Pottery Barn Clearance

bowl with dominoes $60


glass frames $15-$25

colored glass finial vases $20

pressick lanterns $15-$25

FOUND HERE.

Series: Displaying Art and Photography - Inside Glass

Photo displays can be both fun and practical. Using everyday objects as photo frames can add an element of surprise and amusement. Look around your house for ideas and dream up something new and unexpected!

Use photos as labels or to hide the contents in a jar of dry goods.

Copy a photo and display in a covered vase to avoid humidity in the bath or kitchen.

Display a photo with a favorite object under glass in a collector's box.

Series: Displaying Art and Photography - Ribbon Display

Prior to the end of the nineteenth century, pictures were often displayed on a strip of ribbon hung from a picture rail. This DIY project gives a modern twist to achieve the same effect.



Creating a changeable display
4 framed pictures 1 small empty frame 1 large empty frame 5 ft shaker tape or canvas webbing upholstery tacks drapery hooks measuring tape hammer picture nails

This project uses Shaker tape, a heavy-duty canvas strip used to weave chair seats. You can find Shaker tape at craft, sewing, and upholstery stores. Resist the temptation to use ribbon as Shaker tape is stronger, and you can pierce it without causing it to tear and fray. You can change this display frequently, without making new holes in your wall: just lift off the pictures and move the hooks. Hang one, a matching pair, or several side by side to fill up your space.

Choosing frames
Frames change the way pictures look: dark frames make them appear more vibrant, and metallic frames are reflective and draw attention to their edges. Create a floating effect by placing a larger empty frame around a small framed image instead of using a mat.

1. Calculate the length of the display by arranging photos or art on the tape and measuring. Add 1 foot, cut the tape to that length, and finish off the bottom with a V-cut.



2. To create a decorative hanger, loop the tape through the small empty frame, curling the cut end beneath the loop. Secure the tape to the frame with drapery tacks.



3. Lay the tape and pictures on a table and use a tape measure to help evenly space the frames. Attach drapery hooks to the tape at measured intervals.



4. Hang the tape on the wall and position the frames on the drapery hooks. If a picture leans forward, staple the frame to the tape from the back.




Photo credits: David Matheson for Pottery Barn.

Series: Photo and art display - Hang it up, clip it on

To create unique snapshot galleries try these simple ideas. Use toggle hooks from a boat or hunt down a postcard rack (check retail fixture supply shops or vintage venues) to create a flexible photo display that's easy to update every day.


click grid to enlarge

YOU WILL NEED:

Retractable clothesline--check your local hardware shop or find one online like this, this (in white), this (in chrome) or a vintage one like this. Want it even more inexpensive? Just hang string, twine or cord from screws, nails or pushpins.

Clothes pins--wood, plastic or metal, choose your favorite to fit your decor.

1. Choose your display space--a wall, a window frame, along the edge of a shelf, etc.

2. Install your clothesline or hang your string. If you can use nails on your chosen space they are the most sturdy option.

3. Hang your pictures using your clothes pins.

Note: Moisture, humidity and heat can all cause your photos to curl so keep your rotation of images fresh or consider printing on heavier photo paper or quality card stock. Color copies or lamination may work best for long-term displays.

This post is Part 2 in my new series about creative displays for photography & art. I am creating this series to share fresh ways to look at your fine art and fine art photography, how they can enhance your home (or office, etc), and to inspire you to seek out more. Please visit again for future posts with ideas, how-tos and plenty of photos to show you options beyond traditional framing methods that will add personality and fun in your space!

Photo credit (pics 2, 3 & 4) - David Matheson, copyright 2005.

Design Inspiration: Americana Family Room

This room makes me think of summertime. However impractical it might be, I really like that crazy goose neck lamp. Like the flag art (I bet I could replicate that), the exposed ceiling beams, the built in shelving and hooray for that sectional with the removable, washable slipcovers!



FOUND HERE.

Design Inspiration: Modern Dining Room

My dining room needs a bit of an overhaul. The fantastically RED chairs in this photo grabbed my eye and wouldn't let go--love the color, love the lines. I'm also drawn to the chandelier, wall art, exposed brick and, of course, large open window bringing in all that light.

The brain wheels are turning trying to figure out how to create this look on the cheap. Ideas? Suggestions? Your comments are so very welcome!

FOUND HERE.

Neat Things: Wall Decor

t 2 b: tree wall panels $99 each (2 shown), fly bird vinyl wall decals $45 (pkg 6 birds in 3 sizes - variety of colors available)

FOUND HERE and HERE.

Design Inspiration: Media Storage

andover media cabinet $699 each (2 shown)

FOUND HERE.

Neat Things: Wall Art

t 2 b: wall numbers $10 each, linen pinboard tiles $29 each, convex mirror panel $200

FOUND HERE and HERE.

Design Inspiration: Pottery Barn Office

This is just the type of space I would LOVE for my office. Fresh, clean, open, white, natural light. Plenty of storage. Wall of windows with a view (well, I've got that already!)

A girl can dream...

FOUND HERE.

Design Inspiration: Keep It Cozy

Home is the most important place in the world. So sayeth IKEA, so sayeth I, so sayeth we all*.

our street, front steps, urn on porch

In many of the blogs I follow I enjoy looking into other people's lives. A big part of many people's lives is where they live...in their homes. Many of the bloggers I follow are at some point along their journey of home building, remodeling, decorating and designing.

entry hall, festive front door, dining area

For example, Fiona, of Cafe Cartolina, shares daily photos of home decor inspiration. A woman with wonderful taste (so similar to my own..*eh hem*). I always leave her a comment because I always see something I like. Liz, over at Mabel's House, frequently shares photos of her home. Simple and cozy with a slightly cottage style...plus her writing is engaging and full of amusing stories of life.

living room and office

So, today, for anyone that might have wondered, I am posting a few photos of OUR home. Like many of yours, it's always work in progress. We're very big on the cozy factor and try to incorporate as much of it into our 900 SF as we can. We used to be all beach-cottage style but are now slowly morphing into a modern-traditional look. Or, more simply translated = Pottery Barn on an IKEA budget.

snippets of kitchen, bedroom and bath

So, if you're following along and writing your own blog, be brave and show me where you live. Leave a comment to let me know when you've posted so I can come take a peek!

*Kudos to anyone who caught the BSG reference! ;-)