Now that we’ve landed on a frame layout for the mantel, I took a few hours to fill the frames with art.
The two smaller frames are unchanged, but the rest is new.
In the center, I wanted something with some color, but still simple with meaning. Enter the Venn diagram.
Colored tissue paper left over from Christmas, a salad plate, a large sheet of white paper, and marker (all supplies I had on hand) made up this quick art.
With the plate on the tissue paper, I cut around it to make two circles. Pieces of double-sided tape hold it down. Using Photoshop, I made a B + A, flipped and printed on plain paper. Once cut out, I used small strips of double-sided tape to attach.
For a little more interest, I wrote Je t’aime across the bottom. Voila, geek chic art. Sure, it’s not perfect, but that’s okay.
On the easel, I printed this Lulie Wallace painting and taped it to a small canvas. Don’t worry, it’s only temporary. This afternoon I plan to make a small floral painting (inspired by these), but wanted to test it out. The small shadow box displays the boys’ hospital bracelets.
In the black frame, I cut a silhouette of a statue. She kind of looks like the Statue of Liberty, right? But she’s not. Actually, she is an angel statue I took a photo of on our honeymoon in Savannah.
Once printed out and cut from metallic silver paper, she shimmers just like Robert Pattinson in Twilight. For a rustic/glam balance, I taped her to a piece of wood veneer.
To the right I popped in this blue flower print from Ara133 Photography in the existing mat.
The photo is Ben and his brothers when they were kids. It’s highly adorable and cracks me up every time. All the dark and wood tones on the left were feeling a little heavy. Sure, painting the small square frame white and the small rectangle frame black will help balance (once our weather cooperates!). But a small dose of wood never hurt anyone. Wait, that sounded bad. Lotus pods and fuzzy faux greenery from the Dollar Store in a white Ikea vase fix that.
Just a little warmth and darkness. Seriously, how great are lotus pods? I think they should be the new billy button.
For a few hours of work, I’m thrilled with the result. Art with meaning, happy colors, and zero dollars spent. That’s right, I used frames and supplies we already had sitting around the house.
Much cheerier than the empty frames of yore.
And I can easily swap art out with changing seasons, holidays, or moods. I’m hoping to con, um, convince Ben to install the new door trim, baseboard, and crown in the family room so I can get some paint on the walls. I’m guessing I won’t succeed, but I can hope.
What do you think of the new art? What’s your favorite art you’ve made? Have any big plans for the weekend?
ourhumbleabodeblog.com 
looks wonderful!! mantels are hard—to me anyway. ours stayed empty for more than two years while i looked for the perfect thing. over the bed is equally hard. any tips?
Hi Shootingallens!
Aw, thanks! First off, play around with things. Don’t worry about it being perfect the first try. Secondly, use things you love. You’re more likely to like the outcome. 🙂 We’ve always had a window above our bed, so I’ve never had to deal with art there. But I really like pairs of things that show his/hers. Initials, home state art, birthdays, favorite animal/color/number, etc. are all great. Get matching frames with mats (makes even DIY art look legit) and frame 6 inches to 18 inches above the headboard. Hopefully that gave you an idea. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
It looks wonderful! You have a talent for previsualization that I wish I had!
Hi MEL!
Thanks so much! We’re both so happy with the way this room is taking place. It’s starting to feel like us, not the previous owner. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
The Venn Diagram artwork you made is so pretty, love it!
Hi Katrina!
Thanks, lady! It was super easy, too!
Thanks!
Amanda
I love it all so much. What a difference from what you started with. I love that this space is useful and meaningful. I love that you worked with what you had. I find that I’m more drawn to blogs that decorate on a budget lately. You and Ben should be very proud how it’s all coming together.
Hi Theresa!
Thanks so much! I love meaningful, hand made art. We’re pretty happy with the progress we’ve made recently. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
Free art is the best! Nice job. I’m trying to figure out art for my kitchen makeover and with zero time I bet it won’t be free.
Hi Kristi!
I agree! If you’ve got kids, pull out a few kitchen items and ask them to draw them. Might be frame worthy behind a mat and glass. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
Oh my gosh where have you been??? Since around October every time I tried to access your site it popped up saying it was a private blog and I needed a password 😦
I also couldn’t find you on Facebook to find out what was going on! But today I am happy because I found you again! (And on Facebook too) 🙂
Hey Steph!
Aww, thanks! We’re glad to be back. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda