Category: DIY Decor & Crafts

Don’t you love Martha Stewart?  I do.  Her ideas are fantastic, like this tip to keep a gallery wall looking organized, and this family tree art.  When I saw this idea, I knew I had to try it.  So, I painted a canvas and bought paint pens from  Michael’s and made a family tree for Ben’s side and my side of the family.  You can see one peeking through the door in this photo. 

While I like the sentiment, I hate my handwriting.  I guess I’m like my friend Jen in that regard.  When I went to IKEA last summer, I snagged two 20 inch square Ribba frames.  They were silver (they were $5.00 cheaper than the white) so I spray painted them white while painting some other frames for the hall. 

Then, I got to work in Photoshop.  My mat opening is 11.5 inches square, so I recreated the design, updating with babies and marriages in our families since 2008.  Once I completed the designs, I went to FedEx Office, formerly Kinko’s and had the designs printed as 12 inch square prints on plain white paper. 

I taped the design to the back of the mat and placed the new designs in frames.  I used the Century Gothic font at 9 point, but because the designs are in a hall, they will only be viewed close up.

I really love the cleaner, sleeker look.

Now, we have two custom, framed family trees hanging on either side of the main bathroom door.

Martha has great ideas for other family tree styles, too.  Do you have a family tree?  Any other art to show off your family?  I have a different family tree art piece as well, for sale in our Etsy shop.  I’m considering adding a printed version including a customized option of adding family members names within the rings.  Are you interested?  I’d love to work with you to create a custom art design.

We had a variety of both domesticated and wild animals you’d like to have for pets.  I would choose a penguin, because I think they’re adorable and funny, and the kids might like it.  Ben would choose a moose because they are large and majestic.

Getting down to business, the winner of one 4 inch by 4 inch custom pet portrait is number 97, Kris, who has orange tabbies, but thinks a Beagle would be fun.

Happy weekend to all!  We’ll see you back here on Monday!

And in the Etsy shop!  I’ve been working on a cool, modern, abstract art series.  Our new pieces are one-of-a-kind and hand cut by me. 

You caught a glimpse of the new art in the small basement bedroom.  This is the smaller version:

Small designs measure about 3 inches tall by 2 inches wide on a 5.5 inch by 8 inch piece of cardstock, which fits perfectly in a matted 5 by 7 frame.

Large:

The large design measures approximately 4.5 inches tall by 3.5 inches wide on an 8.5 inch by 11 inch piece of cardstock with a large border for framing. 

Each piece is hand cut, so each design is unique. 

Also, I am now taking three orders for custom pillow covers on a first come, first serve basis.  Please convo me through Etsy to discuss your preferences, options, and for a price quote.