Please sing this to the tune of The Brady Bunch Theme Song.
Here’s the story… of two cheap black framies…
… found at Target and then spray painted bright white…
… then they both looked pretty sleek… like twin brothers…
… they make me want to twirl.
Ok, that didn’t quite work out like I hoped. But I’m sure you got the crux of the story. I grabbed two inexpensive black frames at Target (they didn’t come in white and I think they were $21), sprayed them with the same built-in-primer-plus-spray-paint that I always use (Rustoleum Universal in Satin White), let them dry, and then framed some prints (like the one I mentioned here) which had been sitting around giving me the stink eye for a while.
For those looking for framing specifics, I just flipped the paper that came in the frame over (so it was white) and centered the print on that, taped it down gently with loops of tape in each corner, and popped that behind glass. We’ve heard from framing experts that it’s best to use mats so your print doesn’t touch the glass (which I guess over time can cause issues) but we’ve used this method with inexpensive prints for the last 7 years or so and they’re still going strong. But maybe if you have a super spendy item that you love (or you’re framing something in an especially humid/moist room) it’s probably better to do the traditional cut-mat thing instead of just the quick-fix of using white paper behind it to create a faux mat like ours.
This is the other print. Forgive me for trying hard but apparently not hard enough to get a few close ups of this one (they all had crazy-weird reflections in the glass). But if you click over here, you can see it perfectly since they’re pros so their shots are nicer. Haha. We got the 17 x 23″ print for $26 and the frame that we used had a 22 x 28″ opening – so it just floats in the middle.
I love how both prints are animal related. Are we sensing a theme? I’m that crazy cat lady. But instead of just keeping the focus on felines I’ve somehow managed to work narwhals and eagles and bears and manatees into the mix. Oh yes, it’s a diverse cast of animals around these parts.
I love how it goes with my crazy HomeGoods pillow and the seven on the wall (which is actually the letter L from a Dollar Tree sign that we got secondhand).
And for those asking where I hung the bee painting that I got for John… oh… a few years ago (!!!)… it finally found a home. Strike up the band. Seriously. Someone. Anyone? Can I get a little cowbell?
The bee painting actually now resides with the awesome Burger portrait that I got from my friend Lesli for my birthday (mentioned here). I loved it leaning casually on the mantel, but giving it a true spot on the wall with the bees was sweet. Two birthday paintings sitting together like old pals. Ohemgee and I just realized these are two more animal-related things. I officially need some sort of professional help. Am I an animal portrait hoarder? Is there some sort of county quota for how many animals I’m allowed to have in the house if they’re of the painted and ceramic variety? I hope not. You guys will pay my bail if there is, right? Or are you going to give me tough love and make me sell them on craigslist to make bail?
Wait, I just realized that this should be categorized as a “Dude, Get On That Already” challenge! It’s definitely something that I’ve been meaning to get on for a few months (well, in the case of the bees, a few years). Yesssss. I did it. I actually got on that, yo. Now I only have 100 other things to paint/hang/figure out. Just sitting in the playroom. Mocking me. You know I’ll keep you posted!
What have you guys been tackling that’s way overdue? Any frame-spraying or art-hanging going on in your neck of the woods? Have you ever noticed some crazy theme when it comes to the subject of the art you’re most drawn to? Tell us we’re not alone in our Noah’s-Arc-ish love of mass quantities of animals.
Psst- Speaking of updates in song, check out Clara dancing (raving?) her heart out over on Young House Life. It’s official, I’ve been dethroned as the best dancer in our house.
Megan says
We have a one of a kind piece of artwork from my husband’s grandfather’s time in WWII while on his ship. They were made for each sailor as they crossed the Equator and it’s in perfect condition (thankfully my inlaws keep great pieces like this!). We ended up with it and had it professionally framed. It was an odd size to begin with, causing some issues for us doing it ourselves but with the age and how meaningful, we didn’t want to mess it up. It is actually double matted to keep it from everything and I believe it has something on the back to keep it from touching the back of the piece too. It’s great. We did it at Michael’s and saved a lot of money finding a frame on sale (instead of ordering a speciality one) and then had them custom mat it. I highly recommend it for more expensive/meaningful items. I wish I had a picture to show you but I don’t.
But, like you guys, most of my frames are diy and are with either photographs, which can always be reprinted or cheap prints. I have noticed that sometimes pictures will stick to glass due to the humidity in a home.
YoungHouseLove says
That sounds amazing!!
xo,
s
Nina says
Yes!! I have many many MANY “dude, get on that already” project around the house. I don’t talk about it too much, but one was inspired by the pops of yellow in your own kitchen! I re-spray-painted the memo board by our entryway and our keyholder – you can see it in the first picture of this post (which also includes a huge wop-wop moment I had):
http://ninasquared.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/bedroom-updates/
I look forward to ya’ll’s posts so much during the week! Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow – you’ve been busy! And don’t worry- we’ve all had those womp-womp moments!
xo,
s
Tracy K says
You should make it your life goal to represent every animal on the ark somewhere/somehow in your home! I’m willing to do the research for you! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I like the sound of that!
xo,
s
Carla says
Those frames are boring, blah, bland.And it’s starting to look like too many mismatched whites in your house. Have you considered buying some vintage wood frames and painting them?
YoungHouseLove says
White frames are just our jam and we like them layered (aka: all not the same tone) – you’ve seen our frame hallway, right? As for vintage wood frames and painting them, we just made some for the kitchen. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Melissa Devine says
love it! and I just watched clara’s 2nd year video, what was the song title? I loved it!
YoungHouseLove says
If you check out the end of the video it has a url for the musician. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Eileen says
I’ve got too much blank wall space in the family room where our teenagers hang out with their friends. I wanted something cheap and easy, so a few days ago I hit a sale at the fabric store and bought a half dozen or so “fat quarters” for 99 cents each. They’re bright graphic prints that will look great framed in yard sale frames sprayed black. You’ve lit a fire under me … time to go dig out those frames.
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Go get ’em.
xo,
s
AJ says
We have kind of a tree picture thing going on at our house. I just got a bunch of prints from a photog friend and most of them are tree related. And anytime the hubby and I are in home stores I am always drawn to those. I don’t let myself go for most of the supe generic ones, but it is funny how we tend to like certain themes .
YoungHouseLove says
I love that!
xo
s
Lauren says
I love posts like these. Simple (and fairly cheap) changes in your home that I can get inspiration for mine! Thanks! I enjoy 10am and 2pm more each day because of you!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw shucks, Lauren. You’re sweet. Thanks!
xo,
s
Diane says
Art themes? I have two, and I’m having trouble trying to figure out how to make them be friends!
1. My sister is an accomplished artist. Her work is very bright, colorful, abstract & contemporary. She creates her work at Latitude Artist Community, an art based program for folks who some may consider to have disabilities. My sister is an artist. She also has Down Syndrome. Her work has sold locally in Central Kentucky, as well as in NYC, California, Texas, & Paris, France. Her work is currently part of a display that is touring in Russia. She also currently has art on display in NYC & in Paris, France. One of her beautiful creations sold in NYC for $1,300.00. So, as you can imagine, we are very proud. Her beautiful artwork covers our walls and brightens our days.
2. I LOVE vintage portraits. I have tons that I inherited from family members. Not only are they amazingly awesome, some of them are of people that I have actually known, and others that lived before my time, and I am related to most of them! I want to proudly display them in my home, along with the antique furniture that I love & inherited from my grandmothers, aunts, & my mom.
Ok YHL fans, any ideas on how to incorporate these two very special & much loved art themes in one house? Sherry, should I spray paint the portrait frames in bright, fun colors? :) yikes! Any ideas?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I would totally mix them all in a big gallery wall. Like our hallway. Maybe using similar frames to tie them together and making a big grouping? It’ll feel balanced if half are moderns and brightly colored like your sister’s art and half of them are quirky and traditional like vintage portraits. Maybe try understated frames so they don’t add business (ex: all wood, all silver, or all all white)?
xo,
s
Maryann says
With all of the deer, squirrels, and even bears outside, 4 cats, a dog, and a turtle inside, and numerous animal prints on the walls, it is sometimes like an episode of Wild America around here.
I stumbled upon this artist on Etsy that you might like :-)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TevaGallery?ref=pr_shop_more
Her drawings are amazing!
Cheers!
Maryann
YoungHouseLove says
OH MY GOSH! She’s amazingly talented. I’m in awe. Thanks for sharing the link!
xo,
s
Lia Lane says
So funny! And your is soooo beautiful! Love it!
liniv says
Dear youngsters, I have a question relating to your white corian countertops, but this is off-topic from your post, so if you don’t answer, I totally understand! I fell in love with how crisp and clean your kitchen countertops look. Our kitchen floor though, is smallish white tiles with teeny black spots and black grout, and everyone is telling me that white countertops would be stupid (our cabinets are wood). Do you have any kitchen inspiration photos that feature white floor/white countertops?
YoungHouseLove says
I think your best bet would be to get white butcher paper (or even just a ream of white printer paper) and tape it all over your counter to sort of “slipcover it” in white to see how it looks. Then stand back and take pics (sometimes in photos it “reads” better) and then judge it from there. You could also try Pinterest for pics since they have so many pretty kitchens! Good luck!
xo,
s
Grete says
Haha – I love that you always refer to it as “the playroom”… How many times has Clara been in there to play amongst the pillows and paintings? ;)
YoungHouseLove says
I know, right? It’s like how we called our family room “the green room” growing up (decades after the walls were no longer green). Weird how things like that stick!
xo,
s
Sarah says
I’m so glad you posted this! I kept seeing frames at target, but they didn’t come in white. I thought about painting them, but worried they would come out blah. Then, there you are! With the perfect post about how to remedy this situation! Joy to the world! Will be trying this very soon so I can actually get my frame wall up!! Thanks Sherry!!
Kelsy says
I think you need to stop calling it the playroom haha… Art storage room maybe? Btw, I love those bees! I wish I had a reason for some :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I know, right?!
xo,
s
Dana says
Love the cowbell comment! Now I must go to YouTube and watch Christopher Walken! How does he keep a straight face anyway? Ha, thanks again, love you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I have no idea! Just thinking about it has my laughing. Haha.
xo,
s
Kat says
Love the “Northerns friends” poster
Emily says
I would totally pay your animal-hoarding bail! i seem to be on the same spree – in the past month, I’ve purchased a 2.5-ft tall copper elephant from Pier 1, a blown-glass chicken from HomeGoods, and a faux mercury glass owl from Kohls. I may have the same problem…
Leah says
Wait a minute! What happened to the egg chair that you just spray painted white and decorated with the faux sheepskin pillow/blanket thing? It’s been replaced by a brown leather chair? Already!?
Sorry if this has already been address in prior comments, I have trouble reading through them all, so many, popular kids :)
YoungHouseLove says
No, that’s another corner! Haha. The egg chair is in the living room with a rhino over it. Still there! This is the corner of the office with a 7 over it.
xo,
s
Lisa PM says
Love your artwork! Just used this site and made my own art. Check it out!
http://southernbellesoulmountainbrideheart.blogspot.com/2012/06/quotes-of-amazing-father-diy-quotes-on.html
YoungHouseLove says
So sweet and meaningful. I love it.
xo,
s
Carly says
Seriously? I need to do this TONIGHT! I have a black frame from target that I bought because it was cheap, but what I really wanted was white. It is for an 18×24 map to hang in our newly renovated half bathroom. This room was completely covered in maps from the travels of the previous owners….which they modge-podged to the walls. It was an unbelievable job to get all the maps off. Don’t get me wrong, I love maps….but just not that many haha. So I bought a cute map of the world that we marked with our world travels to hang in there as an “ode to the map room.” Thanks for the great tip guys! Congrats on the book.
Angie says
As a matter of fact, YES. I spray painted frames too! I think I bought the paint about 3 months ago… and FINALLY took the frames down and painted them on Sunday. I ran out of paint! I need one more can to finish up, but who knows how long THAT will take, so I just hung the frames back up. This time I hung them with a definite plan in mind first instead of just willy nilly on the wall. It looks so much better, even with one frame unpainted and the rest needing another coat.
Deb D says
Framing tip from another professional photographer and previous custom framer….tape your print with only one piece of tape (top centered) as warping of the paper can occur when you tape all four corners with changes in humidity. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip Deb – that’s great to know!
-John
Cristina says
Yay! You guys have a Rosalyn Young painting! Isn’t she a fun artist?
Love the 7! And very exciting to see the deck taking shape. Clara is so adorable.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, we love Roz! She’s so awesome.
xo,
s
Ashley says
The Burger and the Bees… love it!! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahaha!
xo,
s
Kristin says
Hi Sherry (And John, Burger, and Clara!)
I love that portrait of burger, and was wondering if your friend Lesli still paints? My guy’s birthday is coming up and we are in the process of buying our first home. Our pup is also the center of our universe, and after seeing what a great job your friend did, I’d love to get in contact with her and commission a pup portrait!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes she does custom portraits! If you click the link in this post when I mention her it’ll take you to a post with a link to her site. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Aisling says
S & J (that’s what I call you guys!),
I love all the framed prints you’ve put up over the years like the ones you mentioned above. Where do you find these things? Do you have an idea in mind of what you want and just start with google or do you have websites you visit regularly?
thanks!
Aisling
YoungHouseLove says
Sometimes we just find them (or a friend emails us something they think we’ll like) and sometime we check places like 20×200 or art.com or allposters.com to see what they have. We also love etsy!
xo,
s
Shawn Murphy says
This is great – it even inspired us to get some prints and change the walls up a bit.
Quick question though – are all of your frames white? We were thinking of going form the black standard frames to all white with white matting like the post above but were curious if there was a reason you did this. Regardless, it looks great!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s just one of those personal preference things. We love a crisp white frame (Ikea sells tons of them along with finding them at yard sales and Target). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Elizabeth says
Your “Dude, get on that already!” challenge has been the best inspiration yet! Especially now that some free lance work has settled down for the summer, I’m starting to chip away at the ol’ to-do list!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Good luck Elizabeth!
xo
s