First, let’s appreciate how fun My Little Ponies really were. I think I had around 6 as a child. And it was magical.
But in house-news-that’s-somewhat-related-to-the-throwback-mention-above, after what feels like months (ok, it actually has been months) we’re finally ready to fill the empty wall space on either side of the sink nook in our bedroom with something.
And since I had fun making a little Pinterst inspired painting (but then resolutely decided that I didn’t want it to live in the bedroom)…
It was time for John and I to have a few long chats about what we really wanted to fill the empty space across from the bed (no pressure, we’ll just wake up every morning and see whatever’s hanging there). The unanimous choice: bold and kind of moody photographs. Beautiful photos, but not too soft and pretty- something semi contrasty and interesting and sophisticated. Since our bedroom chandelier is kind of playful and our duvet is pretty bright and fun, we figured we needed some art to balance things out and point the room towards “grown up” (so it doesn’t begin to skew towards “playroom-esque” or “dorm-ish”). So we decided to troll around online to see where we’d end up.
The winning subject? Why horses of course. You all know that I have an uncommon love of almost every type of animal (usually of the white ceramic variety, but I like them all “in real life” too). And ever since I saw a few fancy glossy mag rooms with giant horse art I’ve been itching for some of my own. And this recent house crashing adventure (which includes some giant horse art in the nursery of all places) was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s horse’s back. So I let my fingers do the walking to a few online art print sources (including etsy.com, 20×200.com, art.com, allposters.com, etc) and found everything from racehorses and black beauties relaxing on a farm to some wild gorgeous ponies in motion and even a charming serene horseback rider on a moody beckoning beach. And in case you can’t tell which of those descriptions I was most partial to, it was the last two (found here and here, both by the amazingly talented Jan Lakey).
John definitely has a voice when it comes to art selection, so he felt strongly that the photos shouldn’t be “too energetic” and should be “a little calming and scenic” since it is our bedroom after all (you know, where we sleep). With this in mind, I figured the moody horse-on-the-beach shot would probably go over well, but I did worry that the blurry motion-happy horses might strike the hubby as too high energy. So I pulled out one of the tricks John laid out here (in an old post of yore about getting your hubby on board with a decorating decision that he might not be as thrilled about as you are) and figured the best way to sell him on my two favorite print picks would be to photoshop them into our room. That way he’d have a nice clear idea of what it would look like and I could hopefully soothe any worries that it’ll feel too chaotic or anything but sophisticated-and-a-little-moody-but-restful-and-serene-at-the-same-time. My quick little photoshop mock-up ended up looking a little something like this (ignore the “progress” label on the pic, I just used one from our House Tour page):
Of course that’s not how they’ll look fo’ real, but it made it a bit easier to picture how they might layer into the room. We both agreed that the room needed a nice slap of sophistication and contrast, so it wasn’t like we were looking for something pastel or blown out like a big cloudy sky or a gorgeous sandy beach. As I mentioned, we kind of thought the wacky Ikea fixture and the in-yo-face bedding needed something a little bold and contrasty and sort of chic (not that John would ever use that word). We also thought that something with some subtle gold undertones would relate to the curtains and the gold leaves in the bedding without looking downright matchy-matchy (like oil paintings or abstracts with that color might). And after I mocked everything up I was so so so sold.
Oh but you’re probably wondering what John thought. Just as I suspected, he loved the print on the right immediately. But then he did this pause thing when he looked at the one on the left which definitely freaked me out. But a second later he said “I like them.” Not one mention of the worry that the moving horses would feel too crazy or anything. And he said that he liked how the prints obviously weren’t a matched set but worked really nicely together. Just like that, he was so so so sold too. Oh sweet photoshop, how do I ever thank you for making things that could be five day heated arguments debates into two minute “I’m down” convos? Perhaps with this video of a dog saying I love you? This goes out to you photoshop:
Of course as far as art selection goes, it’s definitely one of those personal things. These horse prints surely won’t be everyone’s jam (and maybe not anyone else’s), but they’re ours and we can’t wait to get ’em. We’re having a lot more fun taking risks in this house. Even if it means doing things that might not have mass appeal – as long as something speaks strongly to us, we’re in. There’s actually freedom in letting go of the notion that your house should please everyone who walks in the door. It allows you be more true to yourself and your place starts to feel more special. Plus it means that your rooms won’t be in danger of looking like everyone else’s, which isn’t a bad thing either.
Now for the cost. Big a$$ prints (the ones that we ordered were over three feet wide at 40″ x 30″) can easily run you around $100+, but these two happened to be priced at a cool $49 a pop. And thanks to googling around for a coupon code to save me 22% off my entire order (it was “ZOLA” if you’re wondering, hope it still works), I scored both of them for a total of $77.98 (down from $100 for the pair) and paid just $5.98 for shipping, for a grand total of $83.96 spent. Which isn’t bad for over six feet of giant photography (printing our own photos that large with a local printer would probably cost us more).
But giant frames are expensive, so how do we plan to avoid paying another 200 beans for two 40 x 30″ frames? By mounting the prints on 40 x 30″ canvases that I got a while back on super clearance from Michael’s with those two bedroom wall areas in mind (we even taped off the wall first to figure out what size tickled our fancy):
They were only $23 each after 50% off with another 25% off on top of that (we mentioned ’em at the end of this post a while back). In fact it was such a great deal that after we drove these two home I went back for a third for the entryway – which is the one that I painted here.
But back to the two I got for the bedroom – it means that we’ll have spent around $64 for each giant piece of photographic bedroom art when it’s all said and done (including the canvas and the art). Which isn’t bad when you consider that many printed canvases of that size sold by places like Ballard Designs or Pottery Barn are in the $200-300+ range (each).
After I spray mount (or somehow glue) each print onto one of our 40 x 30″ canvases, I might even cover them with matte Mod Podge for a more dimensional printed canvas look. Not sure how it’ll all go down yet – but you know I’ll share the details when I get there. Should be interesting. Hope I don’t blow it. Then I’m out $64 bucks a pop. Haha. More details when they arrive and are (hopefully) hung up nice and purty.
Psst- John and I watched the most incredible documentary last night called Catfish. We’re still talking about it. Definitely a must-see. It’ll make you wonder how well you know anyone online- including us. Hah.
kristen says
But Sheerrrrry, I want you to put up my style of art in your bedroom! Not something that you like! :) Haha
Also, no WAY were those people acting! I was so creeped out when Nev was talking to the 2 little girls at the beach house and it all started to crash.
Cathy says
Ahhh, just got sucked into reading some of these comments; who knew that horse art could evoke such passion? No matter how much you are baited, you never become mean or snarky, which is rare here on the internet. You guys are a class act all the way. Keep up the great work!
Mara says
Can’t wait to see how the artwork looks when it arrives. Did you consider taking your own photographs instead? There are so many farms around Richmond where you could have photographed horses. Was it cost prohibitive?
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah to get things blown up to 40 x 30″ with our favorite local printer would probably have been around 60 to 70 bucks a pop, so going with two prints for 80 (which were shot by a pro) seemed like the right way to go. Here’s hoping they’re as glorious as I imagined once we get them up! They’ve arrived (and are lovely) so I’m working on it as we speak! Details soon…
xo,
s
Kyley at Painting Pony says
Beautiful photos – I’m a horse loving addict myself! Personally I think they’d look awesome framed up – but I definitely understand the cost thing. Since I’m a custom picture framer I can’t help but throw my two cents in – but I really think you might have issues of the edges of the photo uncurling off the canvas over time (no matter what adhesive you use).
If it was me and I was trying to keep the cost down I would probably just put glass (or framing grade plexi *my recommendation on large jobs especially with kids in the house) on the front and use one of those clip frames. If you didn’t want to take it to a framer you could buy the glass or plexi from a glass company & you should be able to order the clips online somewhere (or find them in a hardware store).
But either way I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with for your gorgeous photos!
P.S. If Clara ever decides to go the “My Little Pony” loving route, I know a couple of painting ponies that could paint her something special for her bedroom. :) apparently their paintings are a show-n-tell favorite too! haha
Samantha says
Man I can’t believe all the butthead comments about your choice of art. I know those people would never say such things to you in the flesh, and they shouldn’t! My husband (and friends) don’t always like what I choose and that’s fine with me. As a person with a degree in Art you have to build a tough skin with people’s different likes and dislikes. My husband isn’t very fond of my DIY chandelier
( http://cookiecutterhome.blogspot.com/2011/03/diy-faux-capiz-light.html ) for our bedroom, but I tell him to suck it up because it makes me squeal with glee hehe.
P.S. I plan on doing the DIY artwork you did recently in your bedroom that are not being replaced with your horse artwork. Wish me luck :)
Lana says
Don’t know if someone’s said this already, but what are you planning to do with the sides of the canvas?
You got same size prints as canvas…
YoungHouseLove says
We’re toying with painting them a dark charcoal or chocolate color. Not sure but we’ll share all those details as we go!
xo,
s
Lana says
Phew! I was worried you thought you’d be able to wrap around!
Really looking forward to seeing the project develop! Something I’ve been wanting to try for awhile. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Originally I entertained the whole wrapping idea but I worried it might be too hard for a first timer like me. Haha. Here’s hoping I can make the flush thing work!
xo,
s
KVAN says
Yeah, I think I pretty much hate that artwork but you know, I’m always good for creative expression even if it’s not mine. I love that you do what you love. That’s inspiring. Go for it.
Amy says
Love those horses!! I would never have thought of such a thing! I’ve been following you guys for ages and am just now commenting. I love how your new home is coming together so organically and creatively. Over here, we’ve been reluctant to truly work on or decorate our home because we were always sure we might move soon. Now it looks like we’re here to stay, so I’m excited- but have no idea how to get started in each room. I know what I DON’T like, but I’m not sure what order to go in. Change what bothers me most first? Always choose fabrics before paint color? I know it varies with everyone, but do you have any advice on basic “room-building” starter steps?
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, I would say just start with something that won’t thwart you from the get-go. You know, set yourself up for success so you gain momentum and confidence to tackle the next thing. Maybe try painting dark trim that you hate with sleek white paint. Or finding pillows or art or curtains that you love and then picking paint color and other accessory inspiration from them? Hopefully you can tackle small projects and just take things one day at a time and buy things that you love love love that will hopefully help your house fall into place slowly over time. Gooooood luck! And have fun!
xoxo,
s
mcgrathinnola says
Ok, My Little Ponies will always live on forever. I think I have one of the most unique “pony” story ever….I’ll try to make it short. 5 1/2 years ago our New Orleans house was destroyed with 11 ft of water as a result of Hurricane Katrina. My now 28 year old daughter was in Chicago studying at the School of the Art Insitute so when my husband and I were able to go back to our destroyed house 2months later my husband asked our daughter in Chicago what the most valuable/meaningful thing she would want if to be found….she said “The container of My Little Ponies”…2 days later her wonderful dad punched a whole in the moldy closet digging through muck , found the container, popped the top, stuck his hand in stenchy/filthy water and picked each and every pony out for her. To this day he says to me ” If our daughter ever doubts I love her, just tell her to remember those My Little Ponies!” They were the only “survivors” of the flood and continue to have a special place in her life….Be warned John if Clara gets attached to her Little Ponies!!!lol
YoungHouseLove says
Oh. My. Goodness. What a sweet story! That must have meant to much. I’m so glad your hubby was able to save them! What a guy. Add “Horse Rescuer” to his resume.
xo,
s
Manuela says
Hello! I work for a commercial art company (www.renwil.com), we often mount prints to canvases… Here’s the trick:
1-cut a piece of thin cardboard (really thin, like cereal-box thin) the size of your print and canvas (a bit bigger doesn’t hurt either… just in case)
2- Use Super 77 spray glue to glue the print to the cardboard and press it down using a plastic spatula to remove any air bubbles.
3-Use the super 77 on both the back of your cardboard and the canvas, plus add a bit of crazy glue to the edges of your cardboard to mount the cardboard to the canvas. make sure to work out the air bubbles again.
We have found that when you skip the cardboard part, the print will eventually warp and air bubbles and folds can appear over time. Also, if you don’t use the crazy glue the corners of the cardboard may curl over time.
We often use acrylic semi-gloss gel to apply over the prints, once everything is dry to add texture. Make sure to not dilute the gel with water or bubbles will appear.
Iw ish I had seen this post sooner, I hope you take a look at it!
good luck!
-Manuela
Stephanie Kowalski says
We saw Catfish! It was so eye-opening! That’s all I’ll say as not to ruin it for anyone else. :)
Erin says
the horsey pics are dreamy. i love them for a bedroom. :)
Jeannie says
This is too funny: Catfish reminded me of the story you two shared about the person who posted your bathroom (?) on “Rate My Space” as her own and totally played it off like it was hers! Even offering up paint colors that were not correct! I’m surprised nobody mentioned it here (unless I missed it) :)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah, I forgot about that! Maybe it was Angela. Although flirting with that cute filmmaker is way more exciting than pretending to own our old bathroom. Haha.
xo,
s
Patty says
I love all the uses for photoshop that you point out. What version of photoshop do you have? I have a Mac and want to purchase the cheapest photoshop possible, yet have the abilities and freedom to design – like what you show. Thanks in advance!
YoungHouseLove says
We own Adobe Creative Suite but it’s the more expensive version since it has Illustrator and other programs included along with Photoshop. You just need basic Adobe Photoshop, so I would check out amazon.com or ebay and see how affordably you can get that. Good luck!
xo,
s
Marcie says
Hey Sherry and John, just posting this in case you ever check back on old posts. I have been looking for some photos of horses for my home, remembered that you found some lovely ones earlier this year, and sought out this post to find out where you bought yours. I’m absolutely amazed at how controversial these prints were! They are gorgeous and I’ll be picking up a couple from art.com. Just wanted to thank you for the inspiration – and for being gracious and helpful in spite of those really negative and/or petty comments. Good grief, it’s only art!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, no worries Marcie! We’ve learned that art is definitely one of those to-each-his-own things! It seems these bad boys are you-either-love-them-or-hate-them art, which is a-ok with us as long as we love it! Haha. Can’t expect all of the art in your house to be loved by everyone on the planet, right? Just gotta do what makes you smile!
xo,
s
alisha says
Sorry to be commenting on this older post–I first saw it sometime last year when I discovered your blog and have been looking for the follow up posts to it ever since. Today, the “you may like this post” window at the bottom of your daily post recommended it =]
I was excited to see the final result of your prints of canvas/pony art, but noticed in pictures of the “finished house” before you moved that only one of the pony prints was hung on the wall.
Was there a follow-up pony post on your decision to nix one print? Did something happen to one of the prints when you were adhering it to the canvas? Did it get hung somewhere else or simply get sent to pasture?
Inquiring ponies need to know!!! (also, I cannot believe the DRAMA in this posts comments over whether or not people like your choice in artwork–whoa Nelly!)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! They both hung for a while and then I think I moved things around and a leaning mirror went there and it stayed in the spare room looking for a new stable (haha, horse pun) – and it was just so big it was hard to find a spot for it. But it went on the canvas well and hung there for a while! It was a horse-tastic bedroom for a while. Haha!
xo,
s