A little late to catch this trend

It is a little late in the game but I am just now catching on to this trend...of vinyl wall art and quotes.

I made a stop at Meijer's which is a local grocery plus store (they have clothing, home goods and a nursery in addition to the grocery). As I was meandering up and down the aisles I happened across a clearance section and found this vinyl wall quote for $4.99. SCORE!! 

It was so cute, I had to buy it!

The process for applying the quote was very simple. (I think the most difficult aspect was finding the perfect spot to place it!). I don't actually have much wall space in my kitchen. I decided the space between the refrigerator and kitchen door seemed to be the best spot. The decal came in 4 sections. I used scotch tape to hold the beginning of the quote in places and used the embossing tool to rub the vinyl on the wall. When I was certain it was in place I peel back a corner to check. Once I was certain it was okay, I used a very hot and barely damp soft cloth to rub over the vinyl release sheet then peeled it back slowly, in taut but smooth motion. I repeated the process for the remaining 3 sections of the quote. I eyeballed the placement, as to what appealed to me visually. 

I think it turned out rather well!

My daughter decided she liked it and also bought a kit.  It always makes me smile when I go to the kitchen and see it. A nice statement for under $5 and and 15 minutes of my time. If only everything else were so inexpensive and easy to do.

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A 45 minute inspired project

As promised in my Friday post I am working on projects during my break between semesters. One of several things I worked on was my inspiration board. I mean a real life inspiration board as opposed to to my Pinterest boards. 

Take one plain (ugly) cork board and with a little wave of jazz hands yeah you get a not so plain (maybe kinda nice looking) pin board. You see what I did there, eh eh? Pin board sounds soooo much more fancy than cork board.

I very carefully popped the cork board out from the frame. 

I did a quick sand and tack off of the frame before hitting it with several very light sprays of hammered metallic brown paint (allowing to dry between sprays)

Next I raided my hoard stash of fabric for some material to cover the pin board which I did a rough cut to fit the dimensions of the board (12x24 inches) by adding about an inch to each edge. After cutting I ironed the fabric smooth.

I flipped the pin board over and placed the "good side" of the cork to the wrong side of the fabric. I pulled the fabric smooth and taut while reinserting the  pin board in the frame. once pin board was reinserted, I smoothed any wrinkles and ran a bead of hot glue on the back side of the board to hold the fabric in place.

 

I reinstalled the wall hanging hardware, added 1/2 inch clear bumpers so as to not to scratch the wall and added a few inspirational pictures/ motivational quotes. Now when I sit at my desk, although I may not have a direct window view, I have an inspired view. Oh and I used orphaned earrings as my pins, which makes it funky and blingy!

The quotes are:

"Success is a journey, not a destination"-Ben Sweetland (author of  several self help and motivational books)

"Striving for success without hard work, is like trying to harvest where you haven't planted"-David Bly (Minnesotan Democrat and Farm Labor Party)

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams"-Henry David Thoreau (an abridged quote from hs conclusion in Walden. One of the most renowned  (and still modernly relevant) Transcendental philosophies to be published. 

"If  you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" -Marcus Tullus Cicero (An ancient Roman philosopher)

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams"- Eleanor Roosevelt

I hope you find this as inspirational as I do!

A 15 minute blingy project

I have been working on my nest aka my living room. I spent 4 hours the other night de-crappifying the room, re-organizing and moving some furniture around. Now it needed a little more personality, so I dug through my stash of decorating stuff.

What do you do with a cute little hand painted thrift store canvas this is a little rough around the edges and there is no money in the budget to pay for a frame?

Well the 1st thing I did was add a little scotch tape around the edges to stop the fraying because I was afraid using clear nail polish or superglue would hurt the painting.

Don't worry I am not rednecktifying this...

I dug through my stash of crap crafting stuff and brought out the leftover nail head trim.

Once I tapped all the nails into place it was ready to hang on the wall.

I wasn't kidding when I said 15 minutes. It took me longer to schlep upstairs, pull my craft junk out of the totes and write this post than it did to complete the trim work.

Personally I like it and it gives it some dimension. Not so much  as oomph as a little nudge, kinda like, "Hey there. I got a little sparkle, wink-wink."  Not to mention it was cheap because I already had the supplies. Even better...

Funky and Frugal Finds #9

Funky and Frugal Finds Monday #9   

Except that it is 4 days late (because I forgot to publish) oops! And it is not funky nor frugal. I have not been thrifting is 3 weeks! I think I am having withdrawal. The hubbs was concerned  I was shopping to much...hmmm. So instead of going out thrifting, I have managed to to do a little online auction  shopping. He didn't say I couldn't do that. AND if he NOTICES anything new I will tell him I got it from an auction site. I just won't volunteer the info, HA! Besides he has his "mad money" and he doesn't like when I tell him how to spend his.  I have mine and I will uses it how I see fit. So there!

Anyway here is the art print that I got into a bidding war over. I am very competitive and like to win! 

Ray Eyerly (c) 1966

Which I obviously did several weeks ago. I didn't think UPS was ever going to deliver it! I wish you could see the detail in this transfer print. It amazes me that the original pen and ink drawing was so finitely detailed! While I am not huge fan of the western art genre this particular piece spoke to me! Unfortunately I spent more than I wanted to but HAD to have this. It is still within the price range for this particular artist prints, was professionally framed (Western Picture Frame Co. in Oregon) and most of all I LOVE it! Ray Eyerly was a self taught and prolific artist. There are conflicting reports if he was born in Canton, Ohio or Canton, Illinois. He relocated out West (Sisters, Oregon) You can read more about him HERE and HERE 

Nothing is more country, cozy, farmhouse than a barnyard!

Funky and Frugal Finds #8

Welcome to Funky and Frugal Finds Monday #8

I don't  have much to show because I haven't really been thrifting the last 2 weeks. Between family issues, babysitting my niece, and working on the hubb's bff's mobile home--I haven't had time for anything!

I did acquire this little gem of  artwork. A signed oil painting (maybe a hobby artist since I couldn't find any information)   I love it because the colors perfectly  match the other oil canvas I have. It is also the same theme (i.e, landscapes)

Goodwill for $6

A friend had given me a gift card to Pier 1, which I promptly used for this funky grandmother clock! It is 5 feet tall but only protrudes from the wall 2.5 inches. You actually hang it like artwork. I love it!

Sunday I was on my way to my sister's for Easter and my nieces birthday party when I spied some curbside gems. Since I have a little car I could only grab this over-sized  crock. I really need a truck just for me because there were some awesome things in that garbage pile! The bottom of the crock had come off but was with the crock when I picked it from the curb. it has been well loved. No cracks, chips or fractures. I am pretty sure I can re-attach the bottom since it was a clean cleave. But I won't do anything until I talk to someone since I don't want to ruin the value! It doesn't get better than free!

Star Stoneware, Crooksville, Ohio circa 1892-1945

As I have mentioned a few times, I am re-doing my hubbs bff's mobile home. I had originally envisioned a cool mid-century vibe going on but I had to go where the meager budget took me.  I managed to score this leather couch, art deco inspired dresser, nightstand and armoire (sorry for the color variations in the photos) for $140.00 at a local thrift store. The couch is immaculate (no rips, tears, burns, scratches--just a bit dusty from the truck ride and sitting in my garage until move in day). The furniture needs cleaned up, has a few dings but is solidly built. I like but most importantly my hubbs bff loves it!

What is more dude-ly than a leather couch?

There is talk this may be converted to a liquor cabinet

Not a bad haul! Do you have any good finds to share?

Funky and Frugal Finds #7

Welcome to Funky and Frugal Finds Monday #7

I found some more pristine LP's. I remember as a tween going to my Aunt's house and always playing the Jackson Brown's "Running on Empty" Bread is for the hubbs since he is child of the 60"s/70's. Damn hippie, lol

St. Vincent de Paul, $1 each

I found this awesome water color, terrible mat and no frame but it really spoke to me. It is kinda of moody. Muted and stormy. I LOVE it!

New 2 You, $2.20

This is an Ida Pellei canvas to print. I didn't score the best deal on it but it was definitely with in the comparative cost. Ida Pellei was very popular in the 60's. Canvas to print transfer usually run $25-$50 depending on subject matter and size. Mine is a  fairly large  print 28X22. I love the baskets and sunflowers!

Goodwill, $20

This is an Andrea by Sadek blue net porcelain teapot. Popular in the 80's. It is missing the lid but has a solid brass handle. I plan on using for a potted plant. I love the vivid blue

Valley Thrift $2

Any funky and frugal finds you want to share?

Chump change artwork makeover

What does $3 and some change getcha?

In my case I got 2 crap-tastic pictures. But wait ! There's more!  Remember how I talked about releasing my inner dude because I am decorating a man cave for the hubb's BFF? I was trying to find dude-ly art that wasn't Nascar, a buck, a babe  or a pick up truck. So I went for boats and water. These are kinda manly ...right?

Picture #1 was a cheap-o print framed in an even cheaper fake tacky goldi-sh metal-plastic frame. I sorta ripped it apart before I remembered I needed a before picture.  oops!  It was originally priced $1 at Goodwill but it was 50% off day so I got it for  $0.50

Add to this 1 worn and very blah solid oak picture frame. This was serendipitous because I had this in my garage for some time. I had picked it up for $2 and miracle of miracles it was a perfect fit!

Using 100 grit sandpaper I gave the frame the twice over to remove the gloss/ lacquer so my paint would have something to stick to. I tacked it off when finished. I am left with a very dull  looking frame. But that is about to change.

This is the first sanding. Notice there is still a bit of glossy appearance in 2 small areas? A 2nd  pass eliminated that.

Out comes the hammered bronze paint (it is what I had on hand AND the "hammer" finish hides any imperfections on the frame).  Just remember SAFETY first when spray painting. Avoid open flames, spray in a well ventilated area and use PPE  (Proper Protective  Equipment). I am using a half face respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridges. Any Home Depot or Lowe's will carry respirators and replacement cartridges specific to your application (painting, dust/ particulates, toxic dust, multi-purpose, etc) Prices for replacement cartridges to a full kit can vary from $14-$50. Remember this is a small price to pay to protect your health! (And sorry for the VERY bad picture of me)  

Here's the frame after 2 thin coats, looking kinda snazzy!

Here it is clean glass and everything. Looks almost classy right?

Well I said there was more and here ya' go. Picture #2 was priced at $2 but because it was 50% off day at GW I got it for a buck! Yahoo! This one is an actual photograph which is why it was more expensive than the other. The picture frame is solid wood (but black) and didn't work with the rest of the stuff going in the space.

The back was papered over so I couldn't remove the glass. Instead I used 3 sheets of printer paper, taped them down and painted in place.

Ta-da!

They almost look like they go together. Not bad for $3.50

So I asked the hubb's BFF (for whom this artwork is intended) what he thought of these and HE LOVES IT! Wah-Hoo!  Of course both the guys were completely impressed with my thriftin and handy dandy skills. The best compliment I could get though is when they said. they looked like they would easily cost $20 apiece or more and they looked kinda classy. Haha, I'll take it! 

From Crap-tastic to Fan-tastic! i'm telling you there isn't anything a little paint can't gussy up!

Me=Thrifty Rockstar! (Modest ain't I?)

Linking Up to the following:

 

For art's sake

Replica of a Victorian roof finial, a
gift from my husband

 A carved wooden shelf.

Art is such a personal matter and can cover nearly every subject under the sun. 

Wikepedia defines art as-- "the product or process of deliberately arranging items (often with symbolic significance) in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions, and intellect. It encompasses a diverse range of human activities, creations, and modes of expression, including music, literature, film, photography, sculpture, and paintings." 

I think everyone should have some form of art in their life. You should always surround yourself with things you love. Some people purchase art objects for the investment opportunity. Others for the emotional connection.

I fall in the latter category. And looking around my house the majority of my collectibles or objets d'art (haha-I feel fancy for writing in French) have a common factor of nature. Whether it be the subject or an interpretation via texture, shape or color. I LOVE pictures of landscapes, birds and botanical's. I also tend to favor the colors found in nature. I like the texture rocks, wood and metals. I also try to use plants in every room. 

My design style, including my art and collectibles, is completely different than today than it was 10 years ago. I have grown and changed. My design and art aesthetic reflects this. I like my displays to look collected over time--not picked out of a catalog. I am constantly editing and re-arranging things. Change is good! 

Art, collectibles or chtatkes (as referred by some) should be grouped in a manner, as to set a tone for a room.

I bought these cute (and cheap) little prints up at Walmart. They look like vintage postcards.

   

These items are nice on their own, but grouped together they begin to tell a story.

This display is in my dining room.

Some objects provide a sense of whimsy.

I love this little, metal folk art bird.

It's a bird! It's a watering can! It's cute! 

Others foster a sense of contemplation.

My favorite art.

Others make you feel at home.

Plants, home sign, birds and a vintage postcard vibe. love!

These are but a few of my favorite things. What kind of art and collectibles do you have?