It’s officially Fall and so if trapped inside on colder, rainier days, I find myself looking at bare walls, shabbier pieces of furniture, and worn throw pillows and I start to think, “I can make decorating improvements without spending big bucks to replace this stuff.” And then, I usually rummage around for some paint!
Last weekend, I spray-painted a wooden row of hooks that had seen better days. Now it is shiny dark blue and looks practically brand-new. Hanging on the bedroom wall, it downright invites clothes and towels to be hung, rather than flung to the floor. I liked filling the space on the wall so much, I then created my own custom art with stencils on two canvas stretchers. Previously, I made a headboard out of an art canvas, fabric and batting. I got that idea out of the book Young House Love by Sherry & John Petersik, the genius minds behind http://www.younghouselove.com/
My techniques are not perfect and not always successful. You’ll notice that I’ve not included photos of my projects, and (true confession) there are some unfinished, unsuccessful upholstery projects still hiding out in my garage. My wall art will never compete with the masters, and my headboard won’t last forever. I have no delusions of grandeur here.
That said, why do we DIY?
For me, it is about the sense of accomplishment that doing it myself gives me. I can look at my completed work and think, “I made that!” Or, perhaps, it’s simply because it is so much fun to play with paint and glue. Yes, I’d rather have my walls filled with art by fabulous, talented artists and magnificent masterpieces.
Until the lotto calls, though, I will continue to make my own. Happy Crafting!
~Carol
