Create your own artwork and frame it

Home Decor Tips: Create Your Own Artwork

Rather than spending a fortune on artwork, create your own beautiful art to display. When someone asks where you found that great piece, you can proudly tell him or her that you created it yourself. You don't have to tell them how easy and inexpensive it was to do.

Try these simple ideas:

PAINT

Painting a square or shape of your choice onto the wall in a contrasting color is a great way to mimic artwork and add drama and color. On the other hand, you can use that shape to frame one of your favorite pieces and give it a little update.

If you have the skills, paint a mural. Just go for it. It's only paint, and if you don't love the finished product, it's very simple to change it. If you don't think you can pull it off, try using a projector. Find a great picture or design and project it onto the wall. Just trace it with chalk or light pencil then fill it in with paint.

Paint over old paintings that no longer coordinate with your decor. You do not have to be an artist to do so. It is not necessary to paint an elaborate landscape; you can simply create an abstract design. You can also use a projector for this project if you choose, or if you have a friend with artistic flair, ask him or her to create a painting for you.

FABRIC

Fabric also makes great artwork. Stretch fabric over a picture frame or an old canvas and staple it to the back. Using leftover fabric from slipcovers or curtains is a nice way to coordinate your art with the fabric treatments already in place. You can also use a contrasting fabric, a different print, or a textured fabric to add interest.

PRINTS

Instead of purchasing expensive artwork, choose a few inexpensive prints of works by your favorite artists. Choose what you love, keeping color and scale in mind. Use a good quality frame instead of a poster frame to give it some richness. Also, try cutting a print into two to four pieces, framing those pieces separately, and then hanging them near each other with a slight space between frames.

FRAMES

Looking for high quallity frames in shops and estates sales can prove costly. Custom picture framing is both affordable and offers more flexibility. Other alternatives could be removing frames from artwork you no longer care to use or you can paint or re-stain that old frame that is just sitting in your closet or garage.

You can also make your own frames from trim or molding, or for a rustic look, make a frame from twigs or bamboo. These are just a few ideas to help you get started. You can make many simple, inexpensive additions to a room with just a little time, effort, and paint. Also, remember to look at old things in new ways. Before buying new items, try to make the accessories and artwork you already have into things you can continue to use and enjoy.