Around the House

Thought I'd pop in and share a few random bits and pieces going on around here. My bathroom lights finally arrived and kid's bathroom is really coming together...

The green is a little brighter in person and they're super fun. I'm still hammering out the details but I promise a full reveal when it's worthy.

I broke one of my big design rules and ordered this fabric on a complete whim because it was super cheap...

That rule? you ask. ALWAYS order a sample when viewing fabric online. Those lovely polka dots were NOT visible at all on my computer screen nor was there a description telling me of the lovely tone on tone polka dots. 

Reed wasn't pleased to learn my plans for this fabric included the bathroom he shares with Bryn. "Mom! No, no, no!" he protested. I tried to tell him the dots would "disappear" when it's hung but I'm not sure he was buying it. (Not sure I'm buying it either. shhh!)

Because I have a million and one, half started/half done projects going on, let's move on to the office...

Looks black, but it's not. Bought a sample, slapped it on the wall then lo and behold there was a blank canvas in the same room. Next thing I know, I have a large piece of art that doesn't fit in a single room in my house!

Hummm, what do I do with this now? Add it to the other stacks of displaced items that still haven't found a place since the move. Sounds like a plan.

I guess painting this did accomplish one thing, it gave me long enough to think about the color and realize it was all wrong for the office but would look great in Bryn's room! So, I'm currently trying to muster up the energy to paint Bryn's room along with 2 bathrooms. Fun times, my friends.

Michael Cross Abstracts

If there's one thing Dallas has over Austin, it's definitely design resources. I was poking around yesterday while waiting on our realtor. When I crossed the street and gazed in these windows my heart went pitter patter. I practically ran through the doors to soak up the gorgeous pieces of art hanging in this gallery.

Michael Cross Gallery

The artist, Michael, was in the gallery so I had the pleasure of chatting with him a bit. Hearing an artist describe their pieces is pure pleasure.

If you've been reading for long, you know I'm a HUGE fan of oversized art. Michael's collection of large pieces made my heart sing.  Check this one out...

Wednesday A.M.

It's 8 feet long and 3 1/2  feet tall! Honestly, this image does not do it justice. It's even more stunning in person.

Stanfield's Farm

This one is over 5 feet tall. Michael also makes custom frames for his pieces. Talent oozing out of his pores, friends. He previously worked as an engineer. Isn't it fascinating that someone in such a detail-oriented career could let himself go and create abstract art? Love that!

July 16, 2009 #1

If smaller pieces are more your speed, he also offers "little" art. These are 4.5" x 4.5".

 

June 19, 2009 #1

June 13, 2009

A grouping of these pieces would make quite the statement. The texture, the colors peeking through...fascinating!

Next time I'm in town, I'd love to stop back by Michael's gallery and snap a few shots. Honestly, his pieces are gorgeous and the above images just barely touch on it.

If you're not fortunate enough to stop by his Gallery in Dallas, you can purchase his art through Fine Art America. He offers many great options like prints on acrylic and metal,  greeting cards, and of course, originals.

If you're local, stop by and say hi. His gallery is located in Mockingbird Station. 5307 E. Mockingbird Lane, Suite #107. 

I'm so looking forward to a future client who's looking for fine art. Michael will definitely be at the top of my list. I dropped the hint to John that one of Michael's pieces would be welcomed in our new home (if we ever find one)!  

DIY Acrylic Floating Art

I've always been a fan of acrylic frames and optical illusions. Anything that makes something look like it's floating is fun in my book.

Recently, I've had a few clients itching for something unique. One's looking for a different way to display items and the other needs a creative hanging solution.

I've been brainstorming and here's my prototype...

Is it an "A"? Is it a triangle? How's it attached? That's the beauty of all things abstract. It's left up for you own interpretation.

A view from top to get the full effect.

The sides are painted different colors so this piece can be appreciated from all angles.

White, gold and black.

This is such an easy project! John and I are still working out the details to make it a bit more sturdy though. Like I said, this is just the prototype.

Later in the week, I'll share the "display" option, then give you all the details so you can make you own!

Art turned iPhone Cases

I'm in the market for a new phone case and I'm having a really hard time making up my mind. It seems like a simple decision but have you noticed how many choices are out there?! Millllllions.

During my extensive search I came across a really fun option...art work turned iPhone cases. Of course, I'm a bit partial to the abstract prints.

Golden Black

{Framed Print}

Simplicity at its best. Would it start looking dirty too quickly though? The case, that is, not the art!

Seascape Abstract

{Framed Print}

Ahhh, bring the serenity of the sea to your everyday life. Not a bad thing!

No. 60 Multicolour Modern Art Abstract

{Framed Print}

Fun and funky with a colorful twist.

Silver Lining

{Framed Print}

Perfect for the Neutral Nellies out there.

Long Bike Ride

{Framed Print}

Hee hee, get it?...Long bike ride. It may be fun to bring a giggle to people as they catch a glimpse of your phone. Also, how cute would this print be in a nursery?

Such A Great Height

{Framed Print}

What is it with giraffes? Kind of love 'em. Fun and whimsical.

Bandage

{Framed Print}

And, back to my standard...neutral and graphic. 

The fun doesn't stop here. Each of these prints is also available to be printed on pillows, hoodies, canvases and stationary. Check it out here.

Vibrant Abstracts

Woo hoo, we made it to Friday! I've been a day ahead all week long. Don't you hate it when that happens? I think it'd be better to be a day behind then be pleasantly surprised when Friday arrives instead of bummed when Thursday rolls around and you think it's Friday. If you followed that...I'm really impressed!

I've been searching for art work for a client and I thought I'd share an artist that I'm currently loving, Claire Desjardins. Her name may sound familiar if you shop at Anthropologie since they sell some of Claire's original pieces.

Her originals come with a hefty price tag, but I ran across a site where you can buy prints of her fabulous pieces, Saatchi Online.

Check out the names of each piece, they're just as good as nail polish names...

How to Bake a Cake

Vanity Profanity

Little Kitten

Soft Snow

One Day I Was Dreaming

Shimmer

Did you realize you could buy a print, frame it nicely and still have a very unique piece of art without the hefty price tag? Megan from Honey We're Home showed off a gorgeous print she had framed in yesterday's post. Check it out!

Happy weekend, friends!

Transparent Tuesday: Art (take 2)

Hello, friends! Let's dive right into things today.

Today's transparent topic: Risk Taking

Are you a risk taker by nature? Do you know your comfort zone? What does it take to push you beyond your limits?

I've always been able to appreciate art but never known it from an artist's perspective. As I'm beginning to put the brush to the canvas and make my own strokes, I'm realizing there's a lot of vulnerability involved in putting your art in front of an audience.

Is this a risk I'm willing to take? Sure, I'll put it on my blog and say "Look what I did!" But, what about taking the next step and offering it to be purchased?

That's the risk I'm staring in the face right now. 

What if I 'open' an etsy shop and don't sell a single piece?!

What if beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder and my vision isn't shared?

What if the criticism is harsh?

What if my creativity runs dry and I'm a one hit wonder? What if I don't even make it with one hit?

What if a "real artist" sees my paintings and scoffs?

I'm not going to lie...these are actual thoughts that float around in my brain, but I'll also tell you that these thoughts are the fuel to my fire. I can't stand excuses! And, that's exactly what all these yucky words are...excuses. If I choose to let the 'what if' rule my life then I'm sure to miss out on some crazy good opportunities. There's no doubt I'll experience some hardships too, but you know what?...I'll use them to grow!

Do you have a risk you're scared to take? Do you find yourself making excuses? What's it going to take to get you past that point? I have the answer...prayer. I'd be honored to lift your concerns up and pray for the courage and confidence you need to push through your fears and concerns. Leave me a comment or send me an email: dfrieling1@gmail.com. 

DIY Oversized Art

Whew! You guys definitely came through with your opinions on Tuesday. Thank you to each one of you who took the time to share. I've got lots to mull over so I haven't made any definite decisions quite yet, but I'll keep you posted.

I have made progress on the room though. My oversized art piece is complete and ready to be hung. It weighs a ton so I'm waiting patiently for my hubby to help get it back on the wall. But since you're probably a little curious (and I needed a post for today), I'll go ahead and share some pictures and a few tips in case you'd like to tackle a project like this on your own!

Here are close-ups so you can see the texture and variation in colors.

Want to make your own oversized art for really cheap? Here's the method to my madness...

1) Purchase a piece of plywood from Home Depot and have them cut it to the size you'd like.

2) Make at least 3 notches in the back of the wood for hanging purposes. The nail will slip right in.

3) Purchase a canvas drop cloth and *gesso (painting primer).

*This is important...see the orange arrow? It's letting you know this material is "Super absorbent," which means it likes to drink your paint. If you don't prime the canvas with gesso your cheap project will turn into an expensive project because you'll have to buy a mega-load of paint.

4) Iron your drop cloth then cover the plywood. Pull very tight and staple around the edges to secure it into place. (My plywood isn't showing b/c I had to turn over my previous art so the texture wouldn't come through on the new piece)

5) Time to prime. I used two primers, only because I ran out of the first type and when I went to buy more they were out of what I used originally. This was a good thing b/c I learned that white gesso works much better than clear gesso, on this particular canvas.  

6) All that's left is creating your beautiful work of art, so start painting!

Points of interest:

• Plywood is very heavy so when hanging your art, make sure you find the studs.
• Painter's drop cloths have lots of texture. If you're going for this look, great! If not, you'll definitely want to use a different material.

If you've been inspired to make your own masterpiece, send me a picture of the finished product. I'd love to see it!

I hope everyone has fun plans for the weekend. Our family is going to sneak in some climbing and hiking at Enchanted Rock. It's one of the 'must-do' things in the Austin area and we've never done it!