Just Do it… Yourself!
Whether you rent, own, or are just squatting on a friend’s couch for a few months, there’s nothing like having beautiful things to look at when you’re at home. The harsh truth, though, is that not everyone’s adept at the whole home-decor thing; in fact, it can cause a bit of panic for some for lots of reasons. Does this odd metal wall “sculpture” really speak to who I am – or is it just appealing because it’s on sale at HomeGoods? Do I like this weird painting just because it’s $650 and looks like “real” art? Does this random frame with a quote in it really represent me or am I only getting it because quotes are “in” right now? It doesn’t need to be so difficult! You can make your place look beautiful – and like you – using things you already have, whether they’re actual things or just inspiration from something you have or love.
I realized this when I was frantically searching for something to hang on the wall above my couch. I was agonizing over it for weeks, wondering if I should splurge on the vintage prints I found online because they looked cool or if I should buy a cheap canvas set I saw on some artsy website. The stuff I was considering would have been ok for me, but I decided that I really prefer to have art that means something, not just a random, mass-produced something-or-other. So I drove to the three most meaningful places that my husband and I share (aww) and took some photos. (Ok, you want details? I went to the three restaurants located at each of the meaningful places we share. We love to eat – what can I say?! You can choose any photo(s) you want, I promise!) Anyway, I took a bunch of pictures, picked my favorites, uploaded them to a photo website (I use Kodak Gallery, but any site will do), ordered prints, found some inexpensive frames at Target, and am impatiently waiting for the prints to be delivered so I can complete my project. I’m getting giddy just writing about it! I never felt this way after looking at the framed “Live. Laugh. Love.” poster, let me tell you.
So my advice to you is this: If you can’t find art/decor/anything that makes you crazy-happy when you look at it, get creative and make it yourself! Take some photos, have your kids work on some drawings, frame the menu from your favorite restaurant (see my theme here? Sorry!), cut a piece of your favorite fabric and put it in a frame, frame your most cherished greeting card… the list is endless if you really take the time to think about it!
Already tried your hand at creating your own artwork? Share your project(s) with us!