I’ve been guilty of it. Buying a piece of art for our home only because I needed to fill some wall space. In fact, when decorating our first house, I remember driving to a home decor chain store (in the mall) on a mission to find artwork to “match” our couch. I succeeded—or failed, depending on how you look at it:
(Circa 2002. There are so many things wrong here—but let’s just talk about the art today.)
As I’ve matured (or gotten older, whatever you want to call it), I’ve learned that what’s on our walls should match “us” and not our furniture.
Jamin and Ashley Mills came to the same realization several years ago. They’re a husband/wife blogger team at The Handmade Home who became frustrated with the price tags and selection when shopping for pieces to fill the walls of the family’s home. So, they took matters into their own hands and made their own creations:
They’re now sharing their ideas and projects in a new e-book:
I don’t have a lot of experience with e-books, but when they emailed me about it, I knew this is one I wanted to share with you all. They’ve provided lots of great ideas for creating pieces that will make your home feel like “you”.
The e-book contains 22 projects and over 250 pages of inspiration, with colorful photographs and step-by-step illustrations.
They’ve divided the projects into three categories: frames, art, and function. And, I appreciate that each project includes a supply list, difficulty level and estimated cost and time requirements. (The average cost of each project is around $35.) In other words, there are no surprises once you get in the middle of a project.
It’s available for $9.95 in a simple, easy-to-use PDF format with an accessible and affordable approach for all—no matter your skill level. Just click, download, and read. It's that simple, and if you have any questions, they'll be there to help you.
Just click on the button below to visit The Handmade Home where you can purchase your copy:
I have a couple of ideas about what I would like to attempt first. Can’t wait to hear what you make…. Christmas gifts, perhaps? :)
I will need to check this book out. We have a huge wall behind our sofa and it has stood blank for some time. I am not sure what to do and thought about making something but do not know which direction to go. Now I have this book. This will be the perfect reading for my business trip tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteBig walls behind sofas are so hard! Can't wait to hear what you make.
ReplyDeleteI definitely need to check that book out! Selecting art can be so hard sometimes!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun, blank canvas to play around with! Can't wait to see what you make. I love your attitude of letting your walls reflect who you are, and not your furniture. It makes the entire decorative process seem much more approachable, laid back, and fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great book and topic! You're quotable! "what’s on our walls should match “us” and not our furniture. " May I reuse that? So true. I see how RETAIL some homes look with all their art from those stores. This ebook is a great idea, and I will definitely look into it. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletexo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
Oh, yay! I always wanted to be "quotable"! :)
DeleteLove this post. Love that art should match "us" not "things." I'm inspired. Thanks for sharing. Have a fab week!
ReplyDeleteAwe, Emily, thank you so very much for your sweet and thoughtful post. We totally appreciate it...and if you decide to dive in and make something...please let us know. We'd LOVE to see! Thank you again for your sweet support! ;}
ReplyDeleteAshley--I'm happy to promote it. It's a great read and I'm looking forward to trying it out.
DeleteNeed to look into that book. Oh, I can so relate to the terrible art from those days!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so picky about art I usually just stick to mirrors and photos. I know, depressing. But, I just got a new abstract print delivered today! I saw it on another blog and fell in love with it. Can't wait to get it framed and show it off!
ReplyDeleteI would have thought that room was rockin' in 2002, by the way!
I was told years ago by an art dealer that art should be purchased or selected by what you love and it will work in your home no matter what. I find that true to this day!! Love all of your family art pieces, it speaks loudly of where your heart is!
ReplyDeletexo Kathysue
I agree with Kathysue (above comment) I always buy what I love and things just seem to come together. xT
ReplyDeleteAnd that is the reason that I don't have my sofas against any walls!! :)
ReplyDeleteBut I love the Handmade Home and love all their projects and will definitely be buying me that e-book! ~Kim
We decided long ago to put up things on the wall that meant something to us and were unique- one that told our history. So when we travel, we get a piece of art or we frame photos of where we've been...great conversation starters with guests and just happy memories for us all of the time!
ReplyDeleteI've been told what Kathysue was told too! Art is so personal, and it can take a long time to find the perfect piece. I would like you to sometime tell what is so wrong with your living room of 2002. It looks like a warm and comfortable living room to me! ;)
ReplyDeleteOooh, this looks like a good read! I love the huge bulletin board and I've always wanted to try making my own frames. Personal art can really make a house a well-loved home, can't it? Well, that and the mounds of toys and kid clutter : )
ReplyDeleteLove The Handmade Home blog. Ashley is so creative and you can tell their home is filled with love.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to check out The Handmade Home blog and book. Wonder if you have any tips on what to do with artwork that has been gifted to us but is so NOT us?
ReplyDelete