Handmade Art with Heart

Three Things

Published on June 21, 2013June 21, 2013 by Our Humble Abode12 Comments

Three things to share today. First order of business, the winner of a Sanus Full Motion TV Mount is Erica. Congrats!

Second on the agenda, sharing a super cheap and über easy way to frame out a canvas. Wanting to finish off the painted canvas I made for Ben, I stopped in Home Depot to pick up 2 eight foot pieces of 1 by 2 pine.

To fit these in my car, I cut each into two pieces, five feet and three feet so I had a little wiggle room when cutting at home. Before making my mitered cuts, I sanded the rough wood using 150 grit paper.

Rather than relying on precise measurements, I brought my canvas out to my work table. Yes, I measure the girly (maybe lazy is more appropriate) way. But, it made it so easy. I just marked the edges of the canvas on the inside of my frame, then used a square to mark the top as well. These lines became the inside of my angled cuts, just lined the edge of the saw blade at the corner and cut.

Before attaching my frame to the canvas, I first applied a coat of Dark Walnut stain and two coats of Minwax Polycrylic (both already in my stash). I debated the attachment method.

First I though I’d nail from behind the canvas, shooting into the canvas frame and then into the pine. But Ben said poplar can have weird knots and it might angle and shoot through my canvas. Um, not the look I’m going for.

Instead I used an 18 gauge nailer to go through the pine and into the canvas frame. Worked like a charm, although I did angle my first shot too severely (fearing a blowout on my canvas) and it went into my work table. Lesson learned. While the nail holes are on the outside of the frame, they’re barely visible. You know, until I take a close up shot.

Now the canvas looks finished, with a slim, modern wood frame.

Oh, and I worked up the courage to deal with the ceiling. Not done yet (this is dragging on!), but looking a little better. Especially when the can lights aren’t hanging down like Halloween zombie eyeballs.

One of my favorite things about this frame is the price. Two 8 foot sections of 1 by 2 pine set me back $2.50. I mean, how can you beat three bucks for a huge frame?!

My second favorite thing about this frame is the depth. It sits flush with the canvas back, but has another 3/4 inch depth beyond. I think it’s a nice touch.

Of course I love how quick and easy it was, too. Took between and hour and two of active time to make. Because this frame was so easy, I want to make two more to finish off these embroidered constellations.

Item number three; last but certainly not least. We’re celebrating yesterday’s summer solstice with a big sale. Now through Friday, July 5, use the code STARTSUMMER to save 50% on everything in our shop!

Oh, how about a number four? Have a wonderful weekend!

Shoulda Been Father’s Day Gift

Published on June 17, 2013June 17, 2013 by Our Humble Abode15 Comments

I hope everyone had a wonderful Father’s Day! Ben is a tough guy to get gifts for. He’s not interested in techy things, doesn’t need dressy clothes, and is extremely practical. Because he mentioned wanting one large item on the family room mantel, I decided to make him a huge painting.

Actually, I came up with the idea after seeing two foot by four foot canvases at Michael’s for 30 bucks. Better yet, I had a 50% off coupon. Inspired by Karen Smidth’s paintings, I set out to make a semi abstract landscape painting based on this photo I took several years ago in western Montana.

We’ve been there several times as a quick weekend getaway and have always really enjoyed ourselves, so it seemed perfect. Using acrylic paints I had in my craft stash, I started painting. Then Ben came home earlier than I expected and saw what I was working on. Luckily, he really liked it, but I’m not totally in love with it.

Some of the details I like. Like the snow-capped mountains and grass.

And the size is great. What seemed huge carrying around the store now looks perfectly normal on the mantel.

The overall look is kind of a minimal abstract mixed with Grandma Moses folksy.

But the colors make me smile and the intended recipent likes it, so that’s what really matters, right?! That’s what I’ll keep telling myself, anyway. Who knows though, it could grow on me. Or I could get the urge to change some things. I didn’t bother painting the sides because I want to build wood frame to finish it off.

And there’s still the ceiling to finish. Ugh, I can’t work up the desire to sand it smooth.

In other news, our bathroom is featured in the current issue of Kitchen + Bath Makeovers!!

Ahh, so crazy to see our faces and home smiling back at us.

Is your guy a tough one to buy for? I considered getting a bocce ball set because we’re building a court out front, but that didn’t seem as personal. Do you have a go to dude gift?

Think Green!

Published on April 24, 2013April 24, 2013 by Our Humble Abode10 Comments

We’re teetering on the edge of spring here in Montana. Just a few weeks ago we had sunny filled skies and near 70 degree temperatures. So far this week (and most of last) we’re lucky to reach the 40’s while the snow falls. Welcome to Montana, I suppose. Minnesota and Wisconsin folks, I feel for you. In an effort to usher spring sooner than later, I’m adding fresh green to our house. The more, the merrier, starting with this mint, cream, and emerald-green color block pillow from Jillian Rene Decor.

Jillian was sweet enough to make me a custom pillow. So wonderful and perfect. Everything in her shop is so great, so check it out. Next to the sofa, I’m trying to green up my thumb with a grass-like succulent and a few clay critters.

More greenery on the mantel, this time a planter from Wal-Mart with two bunches of fake succulents.

And finally, my newest art obsession, right in my home; “Heavenly” by Annie Bailey of MT Photo Journal.

Annie lives in Montana and takes beautiful photos of our state. Most Montana photography is wildlife, not my style. Or taken in Glacier National Park or some other mountain area. Which is pretty, don’t get me wrong. To me, that’s not what Montana is really about. This is Big Sky Country after all.

(Ignore the unfinished ceiling, please) Annie captures the essence of Montana, with interesting compositions and vivid colors.

Immediately upon opening the package, I popped it in this cheap frame. Soon, hopefully, I’ll convince Ben to make me a beautiful wooden frame, but I can admire this lovely until then.

So there you have it, two of my favorite Etsy shops. Now, let’s get to spring, shall we? Any new art you’re loving lately?

Stellar Embroiderery

Published on April 19, 2013April 19, 2013 by Our Humble Abode18 Comments

Constellations. They’re just so…cool. In elementary school, we had a special week with the Star Lab, a big, inflatable dome with a star projector. It was awesome. And who doesn’t like star-gazing? That’s what I thought. So, I made two stellar embroidered art pieces for the boys’ bedroom. I started by drawing a constellation map on navy fabric I bought for the guest room headboard (but didn’t use).

Using white embroidery floss, I made stars and connected the constellations together. A large embroidery hoop kept my fabric tight while I worked in sections.

Not sure why, but I thought this would be a relatively quick project. I was wrong. It took several hours to make each 16 by 20 piece. But, it was worth it. After stitching every star, I stretched centered the fabric over an old canvas, then stapled it to the back, pulling tightly as I worked around.

A few areas didn’t stay tight, but that’s okay.

Now the boys can learn the constellations of the northern and southern hemispheres.

Like upside down Orion at the top, holding his bow.

And look! There’s his lower half in the upper left corner.

Getting one small thing done always makes me want to start/finish/fix other things in a room. Like painting the walls a solid color (popcorn, I’ll get to you one of these days!) and maybe spruce up this little hand me down play kitchen.

Do you think these are stellar? (Pun intended). Have you recovered or repurposed old canvases?

Colorful Frames

Published on April 3, 2013April 3, 2013 by Our Humble Abode4 Comments

Spring is slowly making its way to Montana. Our weather this past week has been b.e.a.utiful, hovering in the mid sixties. Despite the nice weather, it doesn’t look like spring…yet. To me, nothing seems more spring-y than colorful florals and leafy greens. I already added flowers, but splashes of green would really help. Last time I stopped in Home Depot, I picked up a can of Rustoleum Leafy Green spray paint to use on a clock and a frame in Handy Sammy’s room. Then I thought, “why not try it on a frame in the family room?”

The mat and print are neutral, so the punch of green is fun, but not overwhelming.

I think a set of colorful frames filled with black and white art would be awesome. How are you adding color to your home? Do you have a color you can’t seem to resist lately? Not sure if you’ve noticed, but I can’t seem to stay away from greens, of any kind. Don’t believe me, just look at Handy Sammy’s room. While I’m talking about his room, here’s a look at the slightly modified, rehung to cover the electrical junction boxes gallery wall:

Two thicker backed frames (the square feather on the left and the bird on the far right) cover the boxes completely. The set is centered on the wall now, too. Ahh, I love that new room look. When I walk down the hall, I always take a few seconds to poke my head in and admire the complete-ness. Okay, I’m off to spend more time with the fam, possibly including a round of mini golf. Maybe even some landscaping.