Friday, August 9, 2013

August Art

I've always felt it's best to end a busy week on a creative note.


My work has occupied a lot of my time lately, but come Friday night I'm ready to break out the brushes and get crafty!

 
Lately, I've made a point to stop at my local Aaron Brothers on my way home during the week. I might pick up a canvas, a few prints, a frame, or--like this week--all three!


For the past couple of months, I've been searching for a pretty bulletin board for my office, but I couldn't seem to find anything that I really loved, so I decided to make my own.


It was actually super easy! I simply layered some vintage-looking papers on top of a framed cork board using Liquitex Matte Varnish.


The matte finish just has to dry over night, and a few hours later you have your very own personalized bulletin board.


I used the same collage technique a few weeks ago when creating this world map for my living room. 


For this project all I had to do was apply thin strips of my favorite scrap book paper around the edges of three canvases...


then I cut the sepia-toned world map I had purchased from Amazon to fit the frames (Note: don't worry if you can't fit the whole world on your canvas--you can always create a legend)...


apply 1-2 layers of varnish for a smooth matte finish (of course a little wrinkle adds character)...


and pin all the places you've been to or want to go!




 
I've had so much fun creating these collage pieces lately!


What kind of creative projects have you been up to these days?

~Nel~  

25 comments:

Susie said...

Nel, The bulletin board is very good. I have to tell you the map is out standing !! I love the different papered edges.Hope you weekend is fun. xoxo,Susie

Anonymous said...

How beautiful! I love all kinds of maps anyway, but I love the way you have created a one of a kind.

hidden art of homemaking said...

Nel,
I love this..I am pinning this one..
Love, Mona

Red Rose Alley said...

That is so cool, Nel. I want you to make me a bulletin board! I see you have the key on there that I gave you and the card of the three girls. And Anita's tag! Love it all.

~Mom

Beauty Follower said...

Very nice craft work!

http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/

Teresa said...

Wonderful world your crafting for your home, Nel.
Love all you've done so far... I'm puttering around the walk-in-closet and I'm recovering (amazing the layers of paint a small piece can have uh? ;)) a little medicin cabinet that I want to turn into a jewellery "box".
And now this... I have a tiny space over my home office desk that needs something... don't know what... haven't found it... but didn't want to buy something and then having to explain all "why are you changing that already?" ahahahahahah
That's a great suggestion. Thanks, Doll!
Teresa

Anne said...

Lovely work:) Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
~Anne

Susan said...

Hi Nell....You are very creative. Nice job on all your projects! Susan

Hayu Maselli said...

Hello Nell,

Your bulletin board so crafty vintage!
love those vintage map
amazing job,compliment!
wishing you a great weekend
Ayu

It's me said...

Wowww this is great Nel !!!...love your projects!!...enjoy the weekend...x !

NanaDiana said...

GREAT project ideas and uses of canvases, Nel. I love it- I have never heard of Aaron Bros. They are probably like our Hobby Lobby....xo Diana

Ivy and Elephants said...

Love the maps with the pins of your travel. I'm inspired to add to my travel log so I can add some more pins! I love it!
Hugs,
Patti

andrea@townandprairie said...

I'm in love...the inspiration board pulled me in, but I'm a goner on the map.

Sofi Moukidou said...

Hey dear, what an amazing craft project! <3 it!!!

Aida said...

That's impressive! It's good to end the week with something artistic and useful. I would love to frame an Australian.

Have a good weekend.

Blessings,
Aida

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning ladies!!!! I am rather late, having been out and about yesterday in the waning summer sun! ANd I see my kindness tag! It took me a while Sheri, to find it, with this old eyes of mine!!!!!!

Hugs to you both, and I hope Nel that you can go to all those places that you've pin-pointed on your wishing wall. Anita

dkshopgirl said...

thanks for popping over to my blog today and leaving your lovely comments! this project you did is fantastic !!! wonderful idea - especially putting a marker for places you want to go.

have a lovely weekend
x

Jenna Leigh said...

following <3 thank you so mcuh for your sweet comment on my blog!!!

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Ladies,

Love the inspiration you have shared here Nel - the inspiration board and maps are fabulous.
Glad that you were able to fit NZ into a little corner of your map.
Hope you are having a beautiful weekend
hugs
Carolyn

Susie Swanson said...

That is a very neat idea Nel. You are very creative. Hope your weekend has been nice. Hugs, xo

Starry Dawn said...

Hi,
I like the way you personalized
your bulletin board.
Your world map looks superb.
I love maps too!
Geography is one of my favourite
subjects. I discovered your interesting blog with great pictures of places in the States.
Thank you for visiting our site,
and writing your lovely comments!
Welcome Aboard at anytime!
Blessings,
Poet Starry Dawn.

Attic Clutter said...

Love it a lot..Nel):)
Hi Sheri..
(:)

hi-d said...

This is so cool! I think I might try something similar to this by covering a cardboard box with scrapbook paper.

Stacy said...

Your map is amazing ~ and it will continue to evolve as you visit more places.

LILA MOONLIGHT said...

I like this DIY very much, I want a world map & pinning action in our home too : )