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Our First Big Art Purchase

That’s what Clara said when she woke up and saw our freshly hung real art in the kitchen. It was cute. And we laughed. And then she squealed “She’s swimming! Look, fishies!” which are most definitely not in there, but the girl has quite an imagination. So hooray for imaginary fishies.

KitchArt Close Angle

I described this gal as “real art” because it’s actually our first big art purchase ever. It’s a large print of an original oil painting by an amazing Etsy artist that we just couldn’t get out of our mind. And at $195 it was definitely a splurge for folks like us who usually frame free art that we make ourselves or hunt thrift stores and garage sales for cheapo options, but we figure that we’ve done a lot of things to save a really significant amount of money on our kitchen (like reusing our cabinets/sink/faucet, getting pendant lights from an outlet and a range hood on craigslist, reselling things like our old granite and over-the-range microwave on craigslist, building our own fridge surround/hood cover/open shelving, getting on-sale tile and clearanced out cork and installing it ourselves, buying inexpensive lab stools from a school supply shop, etc).

KitchArt 2 Samantha French

So yeah, it took a bit of rationalizing with ourselves and saying “dude, you have saved money in so many other places, and you love this art and don’t have any real art in the entire house yet- just take the plunge already!” So we did. And it feels good. In the words of Katy Perry: No regrets. Just love.

Kitch Art Full Room

So yes, we’re calling it our V-day gift to each other (and our beloved kitchen). And it was icing on the cake when Clara got excited about it too. Burger has yet to react but we’ll keep you posted.

Doesn’t our lady swimming with imaginary fish look especially cheerful with two pink tulips leftover from book shoots (yup, those are still going on – they wrap this Friday and today we’re actually shooting cover stuff – ahhhhhh). As for framing our lady, I’m sure one day we’ll man up and pay to have her professionally framed (they always seem to have those 50% coupons at Michael’s) but sometimes it’s a better balance for us when we spend in one area and then work a bit harder to save in another. So for now we have framed it really inexpensively ourselves, just by getting a simple black frame for $21 at Target and a $4 sheet of archival-quality mat-board at Michael’s (they sell it in their framing department for anyone else who wants to try DIYing it).

KitchArt 1 Frame And Mat

This entire framing job was just $25 (for a 31″ x 25″ finished piece!) thanks to already having some white Rustoleum Universal spray paint (the kind with the built-in primer). Yup, I’m completely predictable. You know I spray painted the heck outta that frame (after removing the pane and the backing and laying it out on a piece of cardboard outside). Then I just cut down the archival mat-board to fit the frame and placed the print centered in front of it.

KitchArt Straight At Fridge

So unlike a pro framing job, this mat isn’t a cut-out window that you look through to view the print – the print just floats right in front of it in the middle, with an equal amount of mat around it to beef it up and fit the frame. The luckiest accident of the whole thing is that the mat-board has subtle gray undertones while the print and the frame are bright-bright-bright white. It actually makes for a nice balance since the soft gray-ish coloring in the mat relates to other softly-gray things in the room (the penny tile, the appliances, etc) and the bright white of the print and the freshly sprayed frame ties into the glossy white molding/trim, our counters, and the dishware on the open shelves.

KitchArt Angled

We love that our print (on archival paper with an archival mat, no less) can always be upgraded with a proper frame down the line, but for now it slips right into the room. And it’s refreshing. Like a big ol’ glass of lemonade. Or a dip in the pool. This is actually how we frame a ton of stuff (like all of the things in our hallway of frames, for example) so although it’s not the fancy way, it works for us. Art is definitely one of those highly personal things though, so this method might be heresy for some folks out there! Just do whatever works for you and your house and cover your walls with stuff that makes you smile.

KitchArt Radio Focused

We have to admit that real art is definitely addictive. Our little swimmer lady confirms that sometimes a wall splurge can make you pretty dang giddy. So we’re definitely hoping that the occurrence of saving up for art that we love isn’t just a one time thing! What have you guys been framing lately? Do you have a favorite framing method? Do your children see imaginary fish? Let’s talk.

Comments

  1. James says

    That looks so good in there! I wish I had your gift of colors, I always seem to go very monochrome and I’m trying to break out, which usually ends up with random other colors everywhere! I’m now working with a therapist though… (OK not really). However you’s guys have really helped me! Thank you so much!

    Reply

  2. Alyssa says

    What a great piece of art guys! The colors are so pretty:). Looks like it does fit right in there. Congrats on a buy well worth the moolah. And to answer your question… It’s more about what I haven’t been framing lately. I put up my first ever picture collage wall in my sons bedroom a few weeks ago, then moved it all over to the opposite wall because I didn’t love the location in his room and now it sits, still half empty:( I just need to get in there and add some fun stuff. I think I just don’t know where to start and don’t want it to end up being a wall of pictures of him. As cute as he is I want to have some fun things mixed in that he can admire each time he looks at it. Anyway, maybe posting this will give me the kick in the pants I need to get going? And hopefully you didn’t just waste 2 minutes of your life reading this comment, haha! but you asked!

    Reply

  4. Dream BFF Mandy says

    $herdog! I love that print so much!
    And seriously, it looks a-maz-ing where you hung it!
    Along with the blue vase, the pink tulips, your sunshine-y yellow radio, the greenery, the lemons, the oranges on the cutting board…and those white bowls and the ceramic apple (for some contrast, of course)….you made the scene look spectacularly awesome. And now I want it. I want it all.

    That swimming lady (and the fishes, haha yes – I, like Clara, thought the orange at the water’s surface was a school of fish at first glance lol) make such a beautiful scene (that this water loving Pisces is especially drawn to).

    It just makes me swoon for summer…And your book. I can’t wait to have that on my coffee table. :)
    Have a great cover shoot today!

    Reply

  5. Kristin says

    I adore that piece!! Absolutely gorgeous work, and it looks great in the kitchen!

    But I’m piggybacking on others – skip Michael’s and go for Ben Franklin (I’ve been very happy) or better yet – Main Art downtown. As a former art student, I always got great discounts, and they give discounts to teachers. I’d be willing to bet they’d love to work with y’all!

    Reply

  6. Pallie says

    This weekend I totally “pulled a Sherry from YHL” as I told my husband.

    I was rearranging some stuff around the house and found the paper that my sister printed out for her toast at our wedding. She rewrote the words to our favorite song “Better Together” and it was pretty hilarious.

    I had an old frame from a certificate I got that was less than attractive so I primed it with Rustoleum primer, painted it a fun peacock blue and put the toast inside.

    It makes me smile every time I see it.

    Reply

  11. Marissa says

    I absolutely love this piece! I’ve been reading your blog for 3 years now and it’s been interesting seeing your design aesthetic evolve. This piece is definitely “new” John & Sherry! So modern and makes that great kitchen even more chic! Keep it up guys :)

    Reply

  12. kaycee parker says

    I love the print! That’s cute that Clara made a comment on it too, I am not sure if I were aware of art at that age.
    Although, I’m not crazy about all that white in the space but everyone’s entitled to their opinion, and hey, it’s YOUR house! Right?!
    I’ve spray painted mats before, they look just as nice. Keep it in consideration. I think a sea-foam green or even a lavender color mat would look awesome.

    Reply

  13. E. says

    Love it! I tend do do the opposite – spend next to nothing on art but upgrade for a great frame job. But if i could cut and frame straight on my own, i might try your technique!

    Reply

  14. carrie says

    Richmond has a hobby lobby–and that’s definitely a better option than Michael’s for framing!

    Also, I think you might be glad in the long-term if you splurge on professional framing. Right now I worry that since your print is right up against the glass, and since it’s in a room with a lot of moisture, if any of that moisture seeps in your print will get stuck to the glass. And that would be no bueno. That’s one of the advantages of placing your art behind the mat–it means it’s not right up against the glass.

    I LOVE the print though! And in Clara’s defense, at first glance those orange parts on the surface of the water did look a little like fishies to me!

    Reply

  16. Andrea Dvorak says

    Has Clara ever met a goldfish? If so, maybe the orangey elements of the photo remind her of goldfish, thus the ‘fishies’ comment! Just a thought! :)

    Reply

  18. Krissy says

    Aww Clara! So cute.
    I framed a collage I made my bf. We just moved in together so I made a fun little 12×12 thing that says “What I love most about this house, is who I share it with”. This was in reply to us discussing what we loved or wanted to change about the house. (just closed 2mo ago so all we’ve only painted thus far.)
    Still not winning the white kitchen cab discussion but I’m trying!!

    Reply

  19. Kristin says

    I’m such a fan and love your blog! If I may offer one piece of advice, though, it’d be this: I might ease up on the over-rationalizing of every $$ you spend. This is a home decorating blog. We get that you have to spend money. We want you to spend money. When you list all of the reasons why you’ve justified spending any money it sounds kind of over the top and defensive. WE love you and your style and your house and celebrate your success with YHL. It’s ok to spend the money that you earn! :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That’s honestly what went through our head – so we’re just keeping it real! We are truly cheap folks (it’s ingrained by our parents who always save pennies and rationalize purchases too). Haha. I guess it’s in our blood! We usually just blog in stream-of-consciousness, so that’s what this is! Hope that makes sense.

      xo,
      s

  20. Chris says

    Love the new art work, it looks fantastic in your new bright colorful kitchen.
    At least Clara didn’t think this lady was pooping! Love her she’s adorable.

    Reply

  22. Barbara says

    I have to agree with those who say go to an independent framer. Michaels actually damaged a valuable piece of art that a friend had framed in Chapel Hill, NC. Their reputation doesn’t depend on framing quality like an ind. framer’s does. And yes, Michael’s is expensive. (This is from a former framer in a shop with the highest quality).

    Reply

  24. Tara says

    Have you thought about investing in a mat board cutter? I had to get one in high school for my photography courses. It is the best investment since I have saved thousands framing my own art! Since you guys are so handy, you probably don’t need a professional framer. You could make your own frames from molding and use the mat board cutter on your Michael’s matting. The only thing that a professional framer may be able to offer is special glass, however, I have found that if your artwork isn’t in extreme conditions (direct sunlight, extreme heating or cold, or humidity) you should be fine.

    Reply

  25. Sarah says

    LOVE this post! Headed to Target and Michaels for frame and mat to finally house a print we’ve had for YEARS, but couldn’t bring ourselves to pay for custom framing (its an odd size). Yay for mat board backing!!

    PS. I read almost daily. You guys are totally awesome.

    Reply

  26. sara says

    I’m totally going to be “that” person too. Mainly, because splurging for $195, I don’t want things ruined a year down the road. Although mats are pretty, their main function is to separate the art from the glass. With moisture and change in temperature, (especially in a kitchen) the print is very likely to stick to the glass, created bubbles, or even worse, really stick and damage the print. If you want to protect the photo, I’d try matting the print behind the mat. You can probably get Michael’s or Hobby Lobby to just cut a mat the right size…or because you like to DIY, you can but a cutter for mats and do them all yourself.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yes, we have since learned that we can get the mat opening cut for a few bucks at a framing shop so we can’t wait to get ‘er done! That being said, we have framed things this way for years (even above our old range in our kitchen!) and they never stuck to the glass. Maybe having a good range hood helps? But it’s definitely not the way to go in a bathroom (way too steamy)!

      xo,
      s

  27. Jessika says

    We look at Goodwill first for frames. We can always spray-paint the frame part to whatever color we want (I’ve even sprayed the matting, but that requires lot of patience and many, MANY misty layers to avoid warping). The nice thing is that if you look carefully and are patient, you can get all your frames WITH MATS. We did an entire frame wall (40+ frames), 30+ with mats (some frames just didn’t need matting), and all are now sprayed the same, and all were from Goodwill. I can’t imagine what it would have cost us if we had gone to a frame shop.

    Reply

  28. Ryan says

    First, great print. Very interesting.
    Second, CANVASPOP.com. Upload your photos and have them printed on canvas wrapped around a wood frame of almost any size. These prints are inexpensive, use your favorite scenes or people, and they make a huge impact. We LOVE them.

    Reply

  29. Gwenalyn says

    Wow what a lovely (and colorful) piece! My daughter just turned 20 months old and she also has a crazy active imagination. I love it! Here was our conversation before bed the other night:
    Avalyn: Mommy! Bear!
    Me: Where?
    Avalyn: Kitchen!
    Me: Show me the bear (taking her hand)
    Avalyn: (pulling away and pushing me into the kitchen) Mommy go! Me scared!
    I don’t know where the bear was but apparently it stays in the kitchen at night. ;) Isn’t it wonderful when they have such fantastic imaginations?
    I am also contemplating buying my first piece of art from Etsy. There are so many great paintings on there. People are so talented! http://www.etsy.com/listing/84177738/a-quaint-cow-painting-12-x12-inch?ref=sr_gallery_31&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=cow&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

    Reply

  30. Lauren Pinson says

    You should check out americanframe.com

    I use them for framing art (I have a fine art degree) and it’s way cheaper than even 50% off at Michaels. A really great DIY option where you can get archival quality mats, cardboard, tape, plexi, and even frames. Or you can just get the innards to put in a frame you already have.

    That sounds like an advertisement. Sorry. Love the new print!

    Reply

  31. allisen says

    My husband and I often get ourselves a piece of real art as our Christmas present to each other. We’re starting to have a nice collection (only one was a mistake). It’s worth the splurge. It’s feels good to support an artist, and it lasts much longer than the sweaters or whatever else we would have bought as presents instead.

    Reply

  32. jacqueline says

    I love your new print! And I also agree with Clara, at first I thought “The Lady” was swimmin’ with the fishes. lol Etsy is fantastic for finding beautiful, affordable art. I found this little photograph last year: http://www.etsy.com/listing/61357994/fine-art-photography-5×5-print-summer

    And inspired by your wall of art, I spray painted a frame white and hung it in the hallway. I pass it multiple times in a day, it always makes me smile.

    Reply

  33. Meg says

    Very snazzy! I also love the tulips and that cute little yellow radio.

    I just framed a personalized art work from Etsy last night for my hubby’s V-Day gift. It’s a watercolour print of birch trees (my fave) with our initials “carved” inside a heart on one of the trees. It’s subtle, personal and looks amazing with our decor of natural wood tones, greys and mix of modern and rustic pieces. Linky: http://www.etsy.com/transaction/71039440

    I had to use the “floating” on the matte technique too since it was kind of an off size. It looks great!

    Reply

  36. Hilary says

    Hi! Long time reader!

    I work in a frame shop, and I suggest that you DON’T go to Michael’s for framing. For the following reasons:

    1)They don’t use all archival materials. They may use an acid-free mat, but most of the time they will back it with cardboard (which you won’t see because of the dust cover on the back). They rarely use acid-free tape in their framing and they NEVER use UV-protective glass. We spend a lot of our time here in our shop un-doing much of Michael’s work.

    2)They tape on all sides. Most papers, fabrics, or anything that is framed will expand and shrink with temperature and humidity. Proper framing dictates that the artwork only be taped on the top to allow for the flexing. Taping it on all sides can lead to the art wrinkling under the glass.

    3)Their 50% off coupons don’t really mean anything. Everything there is custom, so you don’t know what the 50% is off of. For all we know, they jack up the price 50%, and your coupon will just bring it down to what it would be normally.

    My advice is to take to a local, certified framer (yes, there is framing certification). Not only are you supporting a local business, but you are guaranteed to have all-conservation materials. It may cost a little more, but you’re protecting an investment!

    Reply

  37. Sherry from BC says

    Love that print in your kitchen. It really adds an unexpected dimension to the peninsula area. I am sure it will be discussed a lot as people congregate in that area. I am slowly collecting some original art for my house. I do crafty things myself to save but having art that was created by someone else adds a little somethin’ somethin’ to my walls. One of my favourite places on the web is etsy and I have found some amazing art that is reasonable there. One of my favs is this oil painting of horses that I purchased last year when I got a bit of a bonus at work. http://www.etsy.com/listing/77574978/karen-tarlton-original-oil-painting-wild I have left it unframed as it is a gallery wrapped canvas. It is on the wall near my bathroom and I smile and stare every time I walk by it. The painting has such a sense of movement and wild abandon it a little jewel of colour on my wall and everyone talks about it. A few people have threatened to steal it when I am not looking…..so I guess they really like it. Tell Clara I see fish too!

    Reply

  39. Heather S says

    It’s beautiful! Loved this post – I think the real art is definitely worth the splurge. Watch out – it’s addicting! Once I bought my first real painting, I was hooked. Now I make sure to save as much as I can in every other area so that I can afford to put a little extra into art purchases. :)

    Reply

  40. Emily says

    What an awesome print!!

    I got tired of staring at a nail in a an otherwise blank wall of one of my bathrooms, so my 5-minute, use-what-I-can-find solution was to put a giraffe-print fabric swatch in a matted square frame (which was from Target probably 4 years ago or so), and just hang it on the wall already! It’s not perfect, but it works. :)

    Reply

  41. Kayla W says

    Great print for the kitchen!

    I can definitely see what commenters have been saying about the orange in the art looking like goldfish at first-glance, but I thought Clara was thinking of the bubbles at first!
    When I was about 3 years old I called the rain streaming down the car windows “fishies”. It looked like a school of fish swimming around!

    Reply

  43. Nora says

    I plan make my wallet cry at that west elm/etsy thing in chicago later this month. I need some art, and im sure I’ll find other things I “need” too. Ha!

    Reply

  44. Chelsie says

    I just LOVE how all your accessories bring out little pops of bold color here and there in your bright white kitchen. The painting look terrific, the bright orange and blue make it stand out against the grellow. Look so awesome. Good job Petersiks!

    Reply

  45. Keri Beth says

    Love the art! And I’m sure someone has said this, but did you know mat cutters cost maybe $25 and are really easy to use? Plus a 32″x40″ sheet of mat board is maybe $8. You could definitely cut mats yourself if you were interested! (Not like you don’t have anything else going on….)

    Reply

  47. Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says

    First off, beautiful choice! It works really well in the space.

    Second of all, this is really kind of weird because I am not a big art shopper. I mean, I want to be, but I don’t really have the budget for it and I’ve been searching for the perfect piece of art for a few places in our house. The other day I was on Houzz and saw a painting by Samantha French hanging over a fireplace and it really spoke to me. And I ended up at her Etsy site. So seeing one of her prints now hanging in your kitchen is a bit surreal.

    Reply

  48. Gail says

    Your print is gorgeous – it reminds me of a fibre piece I made some years ago – a self-portrait. It shows me frantically paddling and kicking underwater, with just my nose above the calm surface of the water. Do you think this might be a subconscious reflection (no pun intended) of your life right now? On the surface, everything is beautiful, but under the surface is where you sense all the busy-ness and hard work.
    We’re building a home from scratch, and in the fall I hired an artist to paint directly on our bathroom/steam room wall: http://www.buildinggreenbc.com/2011/11/05/149-art-and-excavation/ It was a big splurge, when there are so many other bills, but I don’t regret it. We intend to stay in this house for the rest of our lives, so don’t need to take it with us when we go!

    Reply

  50. Tara says

    i haven’t read through all several hundred comments so i may be echoing someone else but as an artist coming from a family of artists (one of whom is working in professional printmaking) it’s really important to make sure your prints do not touch the glass. that’s actual the main function of matt board. as far as preservation goes, i don’t think it’s really all that important to have it “professionally” framed when you can do it yourself. there are matt board cutters at michaels that are very affordable with a coupon. (and they’re the gift that keep on giving!) i’ve framed many expensive prints myself in ikea frames (they’re archival!) and they will last just as long as a professional job. if you would like the print to “float,” simply cut the matt an inch or two larger than the print but whatever you do, keep that beautiful and expensive print away from the glass!

    Reply

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