Hang art like a pro

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art, hang art like a pro, photography

I love it when art is displayed in a creative fashion. The focus is the artwork of course, but it’s also how the art is displayed that really matters!

Are you a budding photographer? Wouldn’t you love to show off your work and have the flexibility to update your pictures? Using a clip system against a dramatic charcoal wall allows you to display your master pieces and change them as you improve! via

If you like shabby chic or country French style, why not hang antique style art onto a salvaged old door for extra impact! via

Hanging art symmetrically with white frames and matting always looks crisp and professional. via

Hang a plant in a funky pot from a knob on the wall. Instant art on a budget! via

Don’t forget the bathroom. Hang over-sized art in a casual arrangement so you can enjoy the view. You’re sitting down anyway (most of you – ha), might as well have something to look at! via

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Weekend wisdom

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art, glitter, illustration, mascara, party, style, youth

I created this typographic art myself using a free downloadable glitter background and text. This was my mantra in my younger, party hard days.

I think I’ll hang it on an inspiration board in my home office as inspiration. An ode to my youth. A reminder to keep my state of mind fresh and current! And when noone is watching… I’ll dance and sing until my mascara runs!

Have a great weekend, whatever you do!
M

Etsy Find – Faux Kiss

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art, arts, botannicals, illustration, shopping, style, vacation

I accidentally found the Etsy Shop Faux Kiss while I was searching the internet for botanical prints. Shop owner Jean Cody makes art in her studio near Portland, Oregon. Her passion is exploring ways in which artwork integrates so curiously with vintage book pages. I love these unique pieces of artwork – especially the whimsical “princess” animals that she creates!

Decor How-to

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art, book ends, decorate, Ikea, Lisa Congdon, reading nook

I love to read, don’t you? What better way to enjoy a good book than to create your own reading nook? Tucked away nicely in a corner of your home!

This is how I envision mine. I would start off buy purchasing the Petrie Chair. I love the modern, clean lines paired with a classic tufted back. This chair is so versatile – it matches almost any decor.

The Geobloom Rug (at the bottom), from CB2 packs a punch of bright colour. I feel as though this green is perfect for the summer months, but it is also neutral enough to go with autumn colours, Christmas decor, and right into spring!

Mixed metals are perfect for the accessories and shelf unit. The table lamp and bunny book ends add a touch of modern glam to this restful reading area.

Adding a rustic piece like this Carved Wood Side Table from West Elm lends an eclectic vibe to this tiny area without over powering it. Some colourful cushions and that fabulous paining by artist Lisa Congdon finish off this nook with stye and flair.

 

What do you think? Would you like to sit back with a glass of wine and read a great book in this space?

Keep cool

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art, beach, DIY, fashion, invitations, Nina Nolte, summer

I sincerely hope this is the last day of the horrible heat wave we’ve had in T.O. The temperatures have been around 35 degrees Celcius, with a high humidex (making it feel like 40 degrees). Yikes!

That being said, summer is the time to create memories with friends and family. These DIY popsicle invitations via Martha Stewart are the perfect invite for a birthday party or backyard BBQ! Click here for the clip art and how-to!

I would love to have a huge lofty living room with white walls so I could switch up my decor for summer. I would hang this brightly-hued acrylic painting by artist Nina Nolte.

This season the accessories are big, bold and bright! If I can’t keep cool, at least I can look it!

I really, really want a pink lounge chair and umbrella for the beach. Welcome summer!

Typography is not a lost art

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ampersand, art, font, illustrative, ornate, style, Typography

I taught a night course in typography years ago and I always wondered if it was a dying art. I am happy to let you know that it is back in full force and better than ever. Today I’m curating some of my favourites for you….

shockingly clever, via etsy

ornate and detailed via graphic-exchange

fabulous business card via vintage me oh my

fun and colourful, just like ice cream via wink

illustrative type via ilovedust

Big laughs, small paper

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art, cartoon, drawings, flickr, Marc Johns, post-it notes, sketches

I laughed out loud at some of these clever post-it note drawings by Marc Johns. I love his cartoon style sketches and the subject matter is quirky, thoughtful and fun! There are more post-it note drawings on flickr. To visit Marc’s blog click here.

Artist Spotlight: Christina Empedocles

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art, Christina Empedocles, In The Make, realism, talented artist

Christina Empedocles draws with wax pencil on paper, using obsessive realism and mixing images with reality in a unique perspective. She folds and cuts images, meticulous work that reinvents everyday objects, people and nature. The result is a breathtaking portrayal of the subjects she chooses to render.

Check out an interview with this talented artist at In The Make.

Etsy Roundup

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art, Etsy, handmade, photography, purchase, roundup, unique, vintage

If you receive some money for the holidays, why not buy something unique from Etsy? It is the place to purchase handmade or vintage items as well as art, photography and craft supplies.

Here are a few of my favorite picks.

Modern Wall Clock by ArtGlamourSligo

How adorable is this fox plushy? By rileyconstruction

A chic and waterproof camera travel bag! By sizzlestrapz

I love this!!! New York City photograph by Raceytay

Delicacy, black sheer lace shirt by Minxshop. Gorgeous!

Bird shabby pink print by hunterandmoon.
These dreamy pastel colours match with any neutral decor!

Affordable art… really!

Tags

20x200, affordable, art, gifts, photography

This is so fantastic and cool I can barely stand it! Do you ever go into a store looking for a unique photo or artwork to hang on your wall, only to be disappointed time and time again by cookie-cutter prints? You know what I mean. The huge black and white flower that is always cropped way too close and slightly off-centre. Landscapes that lack colour and imagination…. the list goes on and on and on.

WOW – I just discovered 20×200, a website with a fabulous selection of great art at affordable prices. You can browse by art, category, price, colour, artists or gifts!!!

Does it get any better than this? Here are a few of my favorites.

Reindeer by Lisa Congdon

 

After the Rain by Chikara Umihara

Car Free by Tatsuro Kiuchi

 

The Tortoise by Carrie Marill

 

Chocolate Electric by Martha Rich

 

Blizzard by William Wegman