squeegee art :: paintings

i love experimenting with new ways to create abstract backgrounds for art.  here i used a squeegee. crazy right?!  i like the way it blended the colors together... pulling the paint in some areas but not all.  it's linear too, which i think gives it a modern feel.

do you have a painting secret?  i'd love to hear it!  

painted layers wood sign :: diy

how to make a painted layers wood sign:

1. find a piece of scrap wood board and sand until smooth if needed
2. spray paint your base color - i used plain white.  this doesn't have to be a perfect paint job because you will be painting over it later
3. using a paper towel, smear petroleum jelly on the areas you don't want the top coat of paint to stick.  
4. paint on your top layer(s) with a paint brush.  you can also spray paint, but i used acrylic paint and brushed it on because i like to see the subtle brush strokes.
5. after the paint dries, use sanding paper to sand over the entire board.  the paint will come off where the petroleum jelly was.
6. use a sharpie or other permanent marker to write a message, your name, or house number.

wood circle :: wall decor :: diy

i've been thinking about the white space above our tv for a long time.  it's huge.  and blank.  and awkward.  i have tossed around a lot of ideas.  A LOT.  but, i eventually decided on wood slices.  i'm certain that most guests think i'm a bit nutso, but i just adore this little art installation.  it's very modern and rustic at the same time, which is exactly my thing these days.

o, and i comforted my concerned husband with the idea that i would hang each with a command strip so that no damage would be done to the precious, white, blank, boring wall.  that did not work.  repeat: that did not work.  heavy wood discs were falling all over the place.  one day, i came home and there was a single fallen slice sitting in the dogs bed.  she had moved to my bed.  i ended up drilling holes in the back of each disc and then nailing holes in the walls.  lots of holes.  o well.

it's worth it, don't you think?

new storage :: makeover project

this old file cabinet was in my office before we moved.  it's not a great piece of furniture, but i can't deny the storage it provides.  as we prep for the new baby, i keep thinking about all the diapers, toys, clothes & other odds and ends that i will have to keep organized. 

i've also always wanted to paint a tree on a dresser.  i'm not sure if it's the continuity from drawer to drawer that attracts me, or what, but i really like painted furniture.  and i have nothing like that, because i love the true color and pattern of wood more.  i could never bring myself to paint a beautiful piece of wood.

so, i jumped at the chance to paint this old thing (not made of real wood), even though "psuedo hubby" was urging me to throw it out.  below are the pictures of my makeover once it was complete.  it makes me smile every time i look at it.

i painted an old bookshelf to match.  this was also a walmart "fake wood" piece that was given to us by some friends.  i think the two make an excellent pair.  thanks to s & j for the shelf!