The Reveal -- Our Art Gallery

Last week I mentioned I was in the process of creating something big. To whet your appetite I gave you a sneak peek, and now it's time for the reveal. I've had this idea percolating in my mind for a long time. First I'll tell you how I did it, and then I'll tell you why.

The "How"...

My idea was to make a wall grouping of original artwork in a hallway of our home that was befitting an art gallery. I began by purchasing five 80% off clearance prints in frames at Hobby Lobby. I disassembled them and tossed everything out except the frames. I also used two small frames that I already owned.

I wanted these frames to mirror the antique gilded gold frames that one would find surrounding works of art in a museum. I bought two cans of spray paint and experimented with both to see which one I preferred. I ended up using both with a layering effect. A heavy coat of the Krylon Brushed Metallic "champagne nouveau" was applied, then after it dried I lightly sprayed the Krylon Outdoor Spaces "metallic gold" on the frames. Both paints were purchased at HL.

Next, I inserted a burlap covered cork board into each frame. To do this cut a piece of foam board to fit the frame, then cut a piece of cork board (a roll of cork board was purchased at HL) to match the dimensions of the foam board. The cork was glued to the foam board with spray adhesive. Then, cover the cork board with a piece of burlap using the spray adhesive to glue them together...

Use the same painting technique on the burlap covered cork board as the frames -- a heavy layer of the "champagne nouveau" spray paint, then a light covering of the "metallic gold"...

About a week ago I ordered a personalized vinyl wall decal to be placed above the grouping of frames. (That's what arrived in the beautiful tissue paper in my previous post!) If we were going to have an art gallery in our home, I wanted to give it a proper name. I found a vinyl wall decal company on the web, called "Wall Envy", which specializes in custom orders. I "designed" the decal choosing from their fonts and styles, and LaNae went to work and whipped up several samples for me to choose from! It was made and shipped the same day, and I received it two days later. Awesome! And it was very reasonable. $32 -- including shipping -- for this 12"x36" custom order...

Next, I arranged the frames onto a piece of paper until I found a pattern that I liked. Then I traced around each frame and marked on the paper where the nail would need to be "planted." I centered the paper underneath the vinyl wall decal and taped it to the wall. Nails were hammered into the wall, through the paper, on the previously marked spots. The paper was torn away and the frames were hung -- perfectly matching the arrangement made on the paper!

The "Why"...

Now that you know the "how", I'll tell you the "why." Every once and awhile my husband and I receive through the mail an original work of art from an up and coming artist. These pieces of art arrive without frames or fanfare, but, as you will see, they are worthy of praise and befitting a distinguished spot in our home. Let me introduce you to some of their work...

Sentiments from the heart transferred to canvas...

Don't you love a soothing watercolor in blues and greens...?

Mmmmm...

abstract expressionism at its finest...

This still life is appropriately named, "Happy Grape."

My heart melted when I was presented with this masterpiece...

Impressionistic showpieces entitled, "Give a Hoot"...

I love self-portraits...

And, of course, a folk art piece or two...

Last, but not least, a portrait of my husband (below) -- a very good likeness.
Now you can see why it's been so easy to wake up next
to this man for 33 years.
Three letters...
H.O.T.

I love how this project turned out. It was conceived because I grew frustrated at seeing these priceless treasures from our grandchildren taped to the front of a kitchen appliance -- my refrigerator! The doors of a refrigerator just didn't seem like a noble enough spot for these works of art. I feel like they have a deserving spot now, and it will be easy to interchange the artwork as we receive updates.

Have a great day!

Linked to:

Favorite Post of 2010 Linky Party @ Be Different Act Normal
We're Organized Wednesday @ Organize & Decorate Everything
Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous
Hookin' Up with HoH @ House of Hepworths
I Made It Without My Husband @ Shanty2Chic
Spotlight Yourself @ It's So Very Cheri
Bobbypins Boardwalk Bragfest @ Bobbypins Boardwalk
Show & Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
Anything Related @ All Thingz Related

Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays @ Coastal Charm
Met Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Mad Skills Monday @ Support Blog for Moms of Boys!
Toot Your Horn Tuesday @ A Silly Little Sparrow