I could not wait to get started in pimpin’ out the tops of my den bookcases. I had already added some plants and some other white accessories but the frames needed some art and FAST!
I wanted to add some high contrast art for a little tabletop drama. I also wanted to make sure that the background of this art was light colored or white so that it didn’t create black holes on the top of the bookshelves. Your eye can be suckered into focusing on dark art when you really want it to continue around the room. And since we already have so much brown & black in the room (the shelves, the club chairs, the fireplace, the dresser) I really wanted to focus on brightening up the space.
To the left (to the left, holla Sasha Fierce), we now have an IKEA frame complete with another sea fan. (yes, I have a yellow one in the kitchen but I picked up several during my trip to Grand Cayman) And since this baby is high contrast (check) with a light background (check) it totally meets my needs. Behind it is a picture I sliced from my Hooker book…a pair of perfect pears! I love how the dark leaves really accent the live plant but the contrast doesn’t steal the show.
On the right side we have a similar set up. Gotta love balance. The back frame has more pics of pears peeking out with more contrasty leaves in that yummy green. And in front is a little DIY art. I decided the best way to fill this frame was to take matters…or charcoal…into my own hands.
I decided I wanted to do a bird…to complement the little ceramic bird that lives on the mantle. And what better way to choose than to pick your state bird. Here in Georgia, the state bird is the brown thrasher. If you are up for a little artwork or wanna occupy your six year old during church, drawing the state bird is not only fun but it is relevent and reflective art. Check out your state bird here.
A few minutes, a few hand washes (charcoal is really messy!), and a little frame work later, we have a free tweeter that you can be proud to show in your home…or nest 🙂
looks great! i love the little bird print.
I cant belive you drew that, I am jealous mine would look like um crap. I cant draw. I am so amazed by how much you get done around your home, I wish I could accomplish so much. I feel like I can barely shower some days. You crack me up too, I love the pee in your pants pic and the Billy Madison reference.
You’re house is so perfect…I think I don’t like you anymore 😉
I didn’t realize that’s a Katie original sketch, when I scrolled thru the pics b/f reading!
If I attempted this, my bird would look like a wolverine. Seriously. You’ve got some major skills!
I love what you’ve done…and you are too funny!
Color me impressed with your skills. The drawing is great. Mine would look like a smeary, blobby, stick bird.
You are such a talented artist. Love it all – looks fab.
Yes! The coffee table in this room just showed up on our craigslist this morning for $35! I knew it was the same one–it looks like your before pictures. I may go snag it today! 🙂
Hi there! I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of plants those are in the third pic. I love them and would like to get a few for my house. Great blog!
Hi Kristi W. – the plants you see are succulents from Ikea…but they carry them at Home Depot and Lowes in the garden section. The one on the left I think (still a little unsure) is a Blue Spur and the right one is a Jade aka Money plant aka lucky plant aka friendship plant…I will take any of those things 🙂
Hope this helps!
XO – Katie