Unexpected (Affordable) Art

I am always looking for new, clever ways to decorate my home. Preferably with affordable, unique accessories that tell a story or mean something special. Art is a great way to bring personality into a space, but let's face it, it can be so expensive. I'd love to have a collector's piece just as much as the next person, but with this college girl budget, that's not in the cards. So, I've done some online shopping and curated affordable options to bring art into your home using unexpected items!

A while back I saw this constellation print framed in a home tour online and I thought it was the coolest idea. I wish I could remember who's home I first saw it in, but I love that it is completely unexpected. I am not an astronomy whiz and probably couldn't name the planets in order, but I still love the idea of hanging this print somewhere in my home. When I first clinked on the link I found out it is actually wrapping paper for $5! You can't beat that. There are so many pretty scarves, why not hang up your favorite as art? This is one of my all-time favorite tricks. Instead of a headboard, I hung a printed scarf above my bed and saved hundreds of dollars! Another favorite is maps. I have a fascination with beautifully illustrated maps and hanging them as art. This Barcelona map takes me back to my days when I was traveling with my Spanish class in high school.

What are your creative ideas for bringing art into your home?

Constellation Print | Highlighter Scarf | Tea Towel | Sea Animal Print | Calendar | Barcelona Map

The Animal Print Shop

I'd call myself a moderate animal lover. As a kid I spent hours playing with my kittens on the farm and I like my fair share of trips to the zoo. So when it comes to sweet, precious, animal photos, that is something I can get behind.

Sharon Montrose is not new. Her amazing photographs have been spotted all over the Internet and in homes for years. But after clicking around her website I found myself loving them ALL, so obviously I had to share them with you. I mean, who doesn't like photos of baby animals?

Sharon's amazing photos are commonly spotted in nurseries which might be the cutest thing ever. They would be perfect for my niece's safari themed nursery, who was actually due yesterday and we're still waiting to meet her!

All images are available for purchase at The Animal Print Shop

Worth Stealing: Clipboard Wall

We all know I love a good gallery wall. So of course I instantly loved this take on it- the clipboard wall. It's genius, actually. Instead of keeping papers, fabric samples, notes, and receipts on our already crowded desk, make art. When life gives you lemons make lemonade, right?

The possibilities are endless. You can make a wall for the office with weekly announcements and dates to remember or hang inspiring quotes. My favorite is the DIY clipboard version by Design*Sponge. All you do is pick up some pre-cut acrylic sheets, clips, and some hooks to hang them from. Acrylic sheets come in all sorts of colors so get creative :)

1, 2, 3, 4,

Make It {Custom Wall Art}

Art can get pretty spendy, especially when you're trying to decorate an entire apartment or house. I have a few prints of my own, but I want a new piece for my kitchen area. This fun DIY is impossible to mess up and it takes less than hour! Let's get started...

The Supplies:
painting/art - $10, Hobby Lobby
stick-on letters - $3, Hobby Lobby
acrylic paint - $1, Hobby Lobby
paint brush - $1, Hobby Lobby
Total Cost
$15

Visit your local thrift store or rummage through your parents attic for an old piece art. Since you will be painting over the majority of the painting, it doesn't matter how ugly it is. Just as long as it has some color to show through for the letters. 

Step 1// Come up with a saying or phrase
Since I need a piece of art for the kitchen area, I wanted it relevant to eating or drinking. Mojitos are my favorite mixed drink so it makes sense!

Step 2 // Arrange the letters on the painting
To ensure even spacing and proper placement, arrange the letters where you want them on the painting. DO NOT peel the sticky part off the letters until you have the entire sentence laid out. I used 2" letters, but there are smaller options if you go with a smaller painting.

Step 3 // Remove the peel and stick each letter down.

Step 4 // Paint
Squirt some paint on the canvas and brush away! Start with a little paint and go from there. I did 3 coats and let the painting show through a little for a weathered or worn look. You can choose to paint it as opaque or translucent as you wish. 

Coat 1

Coat 2

Coat 3

Step 5 // Peel off the letters
Once it is completely dry, peel off the letters.

Ta-da!

This is a great, affordable way to customize the art in your home. Use whatever phrase or color you'd like! I will probably frame mine and hang it above my bar cart. 

Happy Friday, and as always, share pictures of your own creation!