posts tagged ‘playing house’
pictured charm
[ click for a larger view. ]
I’ve been collecting frames for the past months, with the intention to liven up a big, blank wall in our living room. It’s huge, beige and boring. Today I finally pulled out the stack of frames, boxes of photos (both family and found images I’ve bought at antique shops over time), and some scrapbooking supplies–determined to add a bit of personality and color to our “problem wall”! I thought it would be fun to show you all how I did this, especially since it’s both easy, colorful and inexpensive (the latter being the catchphrase for most of my decorating!). I know it’s a take off from the usual fashion-centered fare here, so I hope someone will find it useful!
[ click for a larger view. ]
To do this project you’ll need: a frame (the picture area being larger than the photo you intend to frame), a snapshot or old photo, scrapbook paper (old wallpaper, wrapping paper, etc. would work just as well. Just realize these tend to not be archival safe; a concern especially for older photographs), stick on labels (optional; mine are from the Martha Stewart line of scrapbooking supplies), ruler, pencil, pen, and scissors.
[ click for a larger view. ]
Begin by measuring the photo area of your frame and measure out on the backside of the scrapbook paper. An easier way to do this is just remove the paper insert that comes in many new frames and trace it. Cut out.
[ click for a larger view. ]
Measure your photo, and mark where you would like to center it on your piece of scrapbook paper. I positioned mine slightly above the horizontal center mark, to allow for a label. Attach the two top photo corners. I found this worked best when the photo was slipped into the corners.
[ click for a larger view. ]
Attach the bottom corners.
[ click for a larger view. ]
Attach the stick on label. This is totally optional, but I thought added a bit of charm to the piece. You can write something in, or leave it blank!
[ click for a larger view. ]
Slip the entire piece into the frame, secure the back on, and find a wall to add a bit of color and fun to! I’ve also done this with a handful of other photos and love how it sets the pictures off, without the fussiness of using a mat (or annoyance of cutting your own!).
[ click for a larger view. ]
I hope you enjoyed this! I’ve been pumping out loads of budget-friendly decorating ideas lately. Especially Christmas ideas. We just found out last week that Sailor Husband’s family is going to be celebrating both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in our little apartment, so ideas on how to add a bit more festivity (we don’t have many Christmas decorations yet!) on a shoestring have been my newest brainstorm! hehe!
post link
email me del.icio.us digg stumbleupon
Posted to: creativity, playing house, tutorial. | 28 lovely thoughts
playing house | the patio
Sailor Husband and I have taken to grilling on the weekends (mostly his job… I do the inside stuff!), and love the fact that Florida weather allows us to do it almost every weekend. But the only hitch in the whole experience is the fact that we still lack proper patio furniture. I want to create an area that is an extension of our living room; where we can relax, unwind and eat meals while enjoying the weather. The space isn’t too terribly small, but we have our bicycles out there, as well as a small chest freezer. So at most, we have space for a couple of chairs, and either a small dining table or coffee table, some decorations, and a folding screen (to cover the freezer; I’m tired of looking at it!).
Finding the perfect pieces are proving difficult. Either we’ve deemed things too ugly, expensive, or the pieces are in sets that are far too big for our patio. Of course, several weeks ago I spotted the perfect vintage metal patio set (and it was sunshine yellow–so cute!!!), but it was 6 pieces. *sigh* The hunt continues, but if I had an unlimited budget, this would be my dream small-patio decor:
Tropica Folding Chair, Thomas Paul Zinnia Pillow, Ricci Room Divider, Tea Bowl Lanterns, White Sugar Sack Pillow, Grainsack Cushion Pillow, Obi Coffee Table, Herb Garden Kit.
post link
email me del.icio.us digg stumbleupon
Posted to: playing house. | 7 lovely thoughts
Next Entries »