FILLING wall space with interesting art doesn't have to be an expensive or complicated endeavor.
If you've just moved in to a new apartment and are wondering how you're going to fill the blank wall space or if you just want a change in your current home, there are tons of creative, affordable ways to create truly unique wall art.
In a past column I had mentioned how empty picture frames could be used to "frame" interesting items. If you use several empty frames, you can create a unique collage that can be used to fill a big or small, vertical or horizontal wall space.
First, gather several varying sizes and shapes of wooden picture frames. You can usually find them in thrift stores for a decent price (especially if the glass is missing). Try to find frames that have different styles; some carved, some wide and flat or round and so on.
Remove the glass (keep for another project, which we'll cover later in this column) and also remove the frame backs.
Use inexpensive craft paint to paint each frame in a different colour of your choice. Those who love colour may want to use every colour in the rainbow; those who have a specific colour palette in mind will want to use co-ordinating colours. For a monochromatic look, paint the frames all in one solid colour.
Depending upon the size of the wall space you need to fill, glue the frames together, overlapping in an asymmetrical pattern until you have a frame collage that suits your taste and your space. Because the frames are empty the collage shouldn't be too heavy and should be easy to hang. If you're using large, heavy frames you may have to nail or screw the frames together and also be sure that the collage is properly mounted. This frame project can be expanded to include one or two framed mirrors for added dimension, an interesting clock or whatever your creative mind can envision.
The glass that you've removed from the frames can be used to create yet another interesting wall vignette. Items like pressed flowers or leaves, family photos (black and white are very interesting) or other flat items can be sandwiched between two pieces of glass of the same size. Seal and frame the glass using decorative duct tape, which comes in a variety of colours and patterns. Even something like hockey stick tape can work in the right setting. You can hang the frames by adhering peel and stick hangers on the back or simply lean them on a shelf or window ledge in a more casual manner.
Wooden stretcher frames from the art supply store are easy to assemble and come in various sizes. Use them to create wall art by covering them with an interesting fabric remnant (again from the thrift store) or sew together a collage of fabric scraps and frame in the same manner. This is a fun project because you can change it on a whim to suit your changing tastes.
Hang them in sets of three over a sofa or in a stairway or one large frame at the head of the bed as a focal point.
Interesting fabric might include printed pieces like toile, geometric shapes, stripes or floral patterns, fabric with vibrant, solid colours (maybe a sculpted velvet in a solid purple colour for instance) or romantic fabric like lace (maybe from an old tablecloth). Don't forget that clothing can also be used for this project.
Don't limit your search for fabric remnants to the remnant bin. You may find a great piece of fabric that comes from a long skirt or dress. Perhaps interesting buttons, buckles and other clothing notions can be worked into your art piece.
Along the clothing line, you can create interesting wall art by displaying collections like vintage hats, purses, belts and even footwear. Items with sentimental value (like a wedding dress) or other significant value (like ethnic items) can be hung alone as wall art.
What do you love?
Things that have special meaning to you are especially important to consider for use in your decor. I love fishing and I've started collecting old fishing rods and tackle (again, from the thrift store). When I have gathered enough items to be considered a collection I will display them on a wall at our cottage.
What floats your boat? Maybe you're an amateur photographer or a musician. You might create a display of vintage cameras or frame sheet music to use as wall art. Whatever it may be, you should consider letting that passion spill over into your decor.
A collection of floating shelves can be used to create a great wall vignette. These shelves can display everything from photographs to plants. Use odd numbers of shelves and stagger them in a way that best suits the wall space in question. The shelves will be stationary once hung but the display on the shelves can change regularly, which gives you lots of decorating options.
Our feature photograph, courtesy of Sico Paints, shows how a simple string of mini-lights formed into the shape of a tree can create a dramatic wall display. Anything is possible if you keep your mind open to possibilities.
Whatever you decide to use to create wall art, remember the basic rules. Hang artwork around eye level, not high up near the ceiling. Odd numbers are usually more interesting than even numbers and scale is important. A couple of small prints on a large wall just won't pack the punch that an oversized art display will.
Have fun creating your own unique wall art. No lessons required.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
