Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Create a Window Frame Photo Collage


Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

Design consultant Abraham Hopkins shows how to turn a reclaimed window frame into a family photo collage.

Materials and Tools:
  • reclaimed wooden window frame with glass panes
  • sandpaper
  • mat paper cutter or knife and straight-edge ruler
  • photo-quality mat paper
  • mat board
  • plywood backer board (cut to fit inside each pane)
  • saw or scissors (for cutting backer boards)
  • photographs
  • bendable metal photo frame clips/tabs
  • staple gun
Steps:
  1. Select a paned window with panes that are roughly the same dimensions as your photos. Distress the panes by sanding.
  2. Play with arranging the photos into the panes to decide the preferred grouping. dod2404-frame-figA
  3. Cut mat board to frame each photo and then tape the photos to the back of the mat board. Insert matted photos into the individual window panes.
  4. Cut out 1/4-inch thick backing boards to hold photos in place of each frame. Use the back side of the window as it is less dense and will accommodate the thin backing snuggly.
  5. Place backing boards into each pane directly behind the matted photos. dod2404-frame-figB
  6. Staple metal tabs in place to firmly secure each backing board. The clips can be easily bent to switch out photos.
Impress your family and friends with your very own window frame photo collage; it will touch their hearts...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, February 27, 2017

Framing Mirrors with Crown Molding


Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

A bad, boxy room gets new life with cool new architectural details.

Tools and Materials:
  • laser level
  • pneumatic nail gun
  • table saw or chop saw
  • measuring tape
  • five 20"x20" polished mirrors
  • crown molding
  • wood glue
  • glazing points
Steps:
  1. Lay out mirrors on a flat surface where they will not be damaged. Measure dimensions around mirrors to determine how much molding you will need.
  2. Using the chop saw, cut molding to fit around the mirrors like a picture frame. With the table saw, cut a groove on the back of the frame for the mirror to sit in. The grooves should be the same depth as the thickness of the mirror.
  3. Nail and glue the frame of the mirror together. Once this has dried, attach the mirror to the frame with the glazing points.
  4. Determine where the mirrors will be hung along the wall and measure, making sure they are evenly spaced and level. Use a nail gun to secure the mirrors to the wall.
This easy-to-do project is perfect for this weekend...

Check back for more great framing and artwork ideas over the next couple of weeks from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Friday, February 24, 2017

Oversized Art Pieces That Prove Bigger Can Be Better


Courtesy of Bridget Mallon
Richard Leo Johnson

Hi Friends,

a cluster of coordinating frames. Instead of a cluster of corrdinating frames, let one eye-catching piece of artwork do all the talking. There's something undeniably cool about this style — just check out the 6 examples below.

The black-and-white color palette lends a sense of simplicity to this zebra artwork, but its large size makes it impossible to look away.


Van Chaplin; Styling By: Jan Gautro

Oversized doesn't always equal loud, as this serene-yet-statement-making piece proves.


Sarah Stacey

Woven wall hangings are becoming increasingly more popular, and this brightly colored version perfectly accents the vibrant room in which it hangs.



Pairing a large piece of artwork with a low bed is a stylish alternative to a higher headboard.


Scott Hargis Photo

If you're apprehensive about hanging such a big piece of art, simply leaning it against the wall is the perfect alternative. The look is equal parts low-key and high-impact.


Flynnside Out Productions

Art with a 3D element may seem like it could overpower your space, but it actually creates a stunning look, as long as it's the singular statement piece in the room.

It turns out a single piece of high-impact art can be just as stylish as a perfectly curated gallery wall.

Here's to your oversized are pieces...

Check back for more great framing and artwork ideas over the next couple of weeks from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Thursday, February 23, 2017

How to Make a Framed Child's Silhouette


Courtesy of Marian Parsons

Hi Friends,

A framed silhouette is a classic keepsake and makes a thoughtful Christmas, birthday or Mother's Day gift. A digital camera, computer and printer make this centuries-old craft a snap.

Materials Needed:
  • digital camera
  • computer
  • printer
  • printer paper
  • black card stock
  • cream mat board
  • frame
  • craft knife
  • scissors
  • cutting mat
  • craft glue
  • black permanent marker or paint pen
  • ruler
Take Photo
Use a digital camera to take a profile photo of child; have the subject stand in front of a window or other light source to create a strong, clearly defined profile.

Print Photo
Upload image file to your computer and print photo onto standard printer paper to appropriate size for frame. Example: For a 5" x 7" frame, print a 5" x 7" photo or print a 4" x 6" photo if you'd prefer a slightly smaller scale silhouette. Tip: The smaller the image, the harder it will be to cut around facial features.



Cut Out Silhouette
Place printed photo over black card stock and cut away background from printed image leaving only the subject's silhouette.



Cut Mat
Use a craft knife to cut cream mat board to fit frame. Tip: Use cardboard backing included with frame as a template.



Glue Silhouette Using a ruler, determine the center of mat and mark center. Apply craft glue to back side of silhouette. Tip: Keep glue away from silhouette's edges to prevent excess from squeezing out. Center silhouette, then gently press down and hold in place while glue adheres.



Label Silhouette
Use a fine-tipped permanent marker or paint pen to label and date the silhouette. Allow ink and glue to fully dry before placing in frame. Tip: Silhouettes don't have to be black; consider using colorful or patterned paper for a modern and playful interpretation.



If you missed our post yesterday, check out the post for instructing on to see how to frame your beautiful handy work...

Check back for more great framing and artwork ideas over the next couple of weeks from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

A Wall of Frames


Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

Display several frames in a random pattern to cover up a bedroom wall. Not only does the arrangement look sophisticated its easy to add to the collection over time. Ideal if you collect pricier artwork pieces which are not always available in at a single venue, auction, etc..

Hope you have enjoyed our framing segment the past several days, we are continuing our framing series through the end of the month; share posts with family and friends.

Happy framing...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

How to Make a Large Family Portrait


Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Hi Friends,

Add a creative touch to cherished family photos with cropping, large format printing and framing.

Materials Needed:
  • family photos
  • desktop or laptop computer
  • basic photo editing software
  • professional digital printing house
  • professional or DIY framing
  • heavy-duty picture hangers
  • hammer
  • level
  • pencil
  • measuring tape
  • picture hanging wire
  • picture hanging hooks
  • drill
  • ladder
  • wire cutters

Select Proper Photos
In order to achieve the proper effect, it's best to choose photos in which faces are positioned straight-on. Stick with close-up angles rather than full scenes in which faces are hard to determine. Use the cropping tool of basic photo editing software to edit photos to the proper scale and shape that best fits where the printed images will hang.



Determine Usable Wall Space
Before printing the images at a professional digital printing house, first take proper measurements of the wall along which the images will hang. Use measuring tape to determine the proper width and length, then divide that measurement by the number of images intended for hanging. This number will equal the maximum size for each individually printed image.



Print & Frame
Search local listings for a professional digital printing house, then set up images for large-scale printing on canvas or paper. Depending on your budget, have printed images professionally framed or take a DIY approach by placing paper prints in large ready-made frames or stretching canvas to a wood frame. Tip: Most digital printing houses and professional framing stores will discount pricing when pieces are ordered in volume. Although taking the DIY approach to stretch canvas to wood is a budget-saver, it's also complicated and the end result may end up crooked or unbalanced. A much more successful end result is guaranteed when money can be spent on professional printing and framing.

Attach Hooks and Wire
Depending on the size of the frame, mark the back side approximately 2/3 of the way up from the bottom. This is a great height for installing picture hanging hooks and wire to ensure a balanced installation. Next, use a drill to fasten hooks directly into the frame with attached screws. Unfurl picture wire to about double the width of the frame, thread the wire through the first hook, looping it around, then twisting the wire around itself to keep it secure. Once taut, stretch wire across back of frame, then repeat the same process for second hook, cutting excess wire with wire cutters.



Arrange Art on Floor
One of the most important steps in achieving the proper look is the arrangement of the framed images (Image 1). Lay the frames out along a flat, level surface, repositioning each piece until the proper layout is determined.



Create a Wall Outline with Painter's Tape
Use measuring tape to determine the exact width and height made by the properly spaced grouping of frames. Referring to these measurements, use painter's tape to mark the space along the wall where the frames will be hung.

Determine Spacing & Install Hangers
Determine the center point for each frame within the outline using a measuring tape. Mark with a pencil, then install picture hangers with a hammer (Image 2). Tip: To ensure a perfect fit, consider adding two picture hangers for framed pieces 36 inches or wider.



Hang Frames
Hang frames in position one at a time. First, make sure the picture wires catch the hangers, then adjust each frame until straight. Next, place level on top of each frame until perfectly aligned. Repeat this process until all frames are successfully hung.



Display your artwork with a budget-friendly alternative to custom framing; a Do-It-Yourself (DYI) that you can do yourself - happy framing...

Check back for more great framing and artwork ideas over the next couple of weeks from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, February 20, 2017

Happy President's Day



Hi Friends,

We wanted to share this poem about our leaders who put pride in Red, White & Blue.

Our Presidents

by Winifred Sackville Stoner, Jr.

George Washington, Adams and Jefferson three
First rulers of Uncle Sam's land of the free:
Then Madison, Monroe and Adams again
All clever and upright and good honest men;
The Jackson, Van Buren and Harrison first,
Tyler and Polk whose terms were so curst
By war with the Mexicans who lost in the fray -
Then Taylor and Fillmore and Pierce held their sway.
Buchanan and Lincoln, Johnson and Grant,
Then Hayes, martyred Garfield, despiser of cant,
Arthur and Cleveland, Harrison (Ben)
McKinley the martyr, beloved by all men;
Then most energetic and strenuous Teddy
And plump William Taft for a second term ready
When Wilson was placed in this nation's great chair
And promised to always rule wisely and fair.

Happy President's Day from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!




Live well,
Yvonne

Saturday, February 18, 2017

How to Make a Recycled T-Shirt Rug


Courtesy of Shannon Petrie

Hi Friends,

A creative way to upcycle your old t-shirts. If your T-shirt drawer is overflowing, put the extras to good use with this fun DIY. No matter how many times I thin out my T-shirt drawer, I always have too many. It seems like every time you get rid of one, you somehow get another one for free, right? If you, too, are inundated with tees, try upcycling the ones you never wear into something you'll actually use. You may be surprised by how many cool things a humble T-shirt can be transformed into. Get out your hot glue gun and dress up a plain doormat with colorful T-shirt fabric knots. Don't throw away those old T-shirts — they can easily be turned into a one-of-a-kind doormat to decorate inside your space.

Materials Needed:
  • flat doormat
  • 5-8 old T-shirts
  • scissors
  • hot glue gun and hot glue

Cut T-Shirt Strips
Starting at the bottom hem, cut T-shirts across into 2-inch strips (Image 2). Then cut the 2-inch strips into 4-5-inch long sections (Images 3, 4).



Tie T-Shirt Knots
Tie a knot into the center of each T-shirt section. Note: Prepare all the knotted pieces before you start gluing.


Add First Row of Knots to Rug
Place a strip of hot glue along one side of the doormat (Image 1). Stick each knot into the glue (Image 2). Continue the strip of glue and add more knotted pieces (Image 3). Glue the knots with 1/4 inch between them (Images 4, 5). Tip: If you're using a variety of colored T-shirts, glue the colors in a random pattern. It'll create a nice multicolored effect on the doormat.



Continue Gluing Knots to Mat
Keep gluing T-shirt sections in one straight line along an edge of the mat (Image 1). Continue to glue knotted T-shirt sections all the way up the edge of the mat. Move onto the next row. Place a strip of hot glue 1 inch from the previous row. Stick the knots into the glue strip, leaving 1/2 inch between each knot (Image 2). Continue to add glue and knotted sections until the full doormat is covered (Image 3).



You're Finished!

Use your personalized doormat to wipe off your shoes when you walk in the door...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Friday, February 17, 2017

How to Mat and Frame Artwork


Courtesy of Erinn Valencich

Hi Friends,

Finding artwork you love is a lengthy and expensive process. Make custom art using anything flat, from a vintage album cover to a page from a book or magazine.

Materials Needed:
  • picture frame
  • mat board
  • metal straight edge
  • utility knife
  • tape
  • pencil
  • measuring tape
  • art book, postcard, etc

Find Your Artwork
Lay your knife on the outside edge of the page you want to cut from your book. Score the page enough to lightly cut it without cutting through multiple pages. Pull the page from the book.



Measure and Cut Mat
Measure the size of the opening you want your page to have. Have a local craft store cut the mat board to your measurements or you can also cut the mat yourself with a metal straight edge and utility knife.

Tape the Back
Lay the page face down on a clean work surface. Apply a long piece of tape on the top of the page, with only half the width of the tape overlapping the paper.



Attach Mat
Turn the page picture-side up and hold the pre-cut mat over the page to decide where you want the image in the opening. Do not let the exposed tape touch the mat until you have decided placement.



Secure Mat and Picture
Turn the mat and attached page face down on your clean work surface. Press firmly on the back of the tape to ensure it is well adhered to the mat. Avoid touching the front side of the mat with your hands, as you risk smudging dirt on it.



Frame Artwork
Place the mat and attached art into your frame.



Great demonstration; now there's nothing stopping us from framing our own prints and artwork - Happy Framing...

Check back for more great framing and artwork ideas over the next couple of weeks from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Learn How Art Teaches You About Your Home Design Style


Courtesy of Beth Rucker, Emily Jenkins Followill, Melanie Millner

Hi Friends,

It's a common affliction for homeowners looking to furnish and decorate their home — having an empty room or bare walls and no idea where to start. But for Atlanta-based interior designer Melanie Millner, it's the perfect launching point for beautiful design.

Millner, founder and president of The Design Atelier, loves to start with clean, white walls when working with clients. Where does she go from there? It's all about finding the right piece of art.

"We try to find that thing that resonates with the client and try to build the room around that," she says. "It’s so personal, and it makes a room interesting. It has to have meaning."



When a client falls in love with a piece of art, it reveals more about their tastes — colors they love and styles that make them comfortable — which then sets the tone for the design of the space.

Colors in the artwork inform fabric choices for window coverings, colors of accent pillows and sofas and even wood tones for furniture. Shapes in the brush strokes of paintings can be echoed in the shapes of table legs or in the prints and patterns on the rugs.



Artwork can even inspire the overall style of the room, such as a painting of a cow presiding in a rustic room with wood paneling or artwork of cranes in flight inspiring an open, airy feel in a living room.



All of those design decisions creates a personal feel for homeowners. "You can’t really pinpoint it," Millner says. "It just feels a certain way. I don’t really care to just come in and design a space that I like. I want them to feel like it’s truly theirs."

Struggling with how to spice up the design of a plain room? Atlanta designer Melanie Millner has explained how art can show us how to take a blank canvas and turn it into our favorite space in our home.

Check back for more great framing and artwork ideas over the next couple of weeks from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne