Custom Art

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at a custom piece of art? An idea is to purchase a canvas, for instance a large 48" * 36" or two 16" * 24". Prime the canvas with Gesso, and purchase a few tubes of acrylic paint. Flip through some art books or a magazine for inspiration. My daughter and I are inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe and her beautiful flowers. We did a project one Saturday (and we're not artists). We had a great time and we were very happy with our results. It's a fun project, and you might surprise yourself, and make it a focal point of your room!

Elegant, Affordable Art

Want some elegant, affordable art? Here's an idea, purchase a picture book of a subject you're interested in- for example, botanical art or the Great Masters of Art. Cut the pictures out of the book at the spine, and take them into a frame shop to frame. I have done this in my office with botanical prints, and I framed them with the inexpensive glass frame less frames. This is an elegant look, and it also allows the prints to really be seen, since there is no frame around them, only glass. For inexpensive books try Half Price Books, or http://www.uppercasebooksandcollectables.com/. Uppercase Books is also having a sale the month of October-30%-70% off all books! Hey, at that price you could even pick some up for reading!

Try these places to shop

We all have our favorite places to shop. As a designer I have a lot of favorite places, and will share a couple with you. For great info on organizing tips, products and even custom organizing check out www.efficientorganization.wordpress.com and www.cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com In need of some custom framing, framing supplies or gifts? Check out www.offsetcorner.com The owner is having a fantastic sale; all pre-framed store art is 50% off. They feature floral, fishing, golf, animal and landscape framed art. Posters are $5.00-$15.00. "Oops" frames are $5.00-$35.00, most including glass and backing. They are also taking custom frame orders now through November 15th, before they close their doors for good. Please visit this fantastic store while there's till time!

Happy shopping!