Wall Artwork on a Budget

Great idea! If you don't have colored pencils or the time for them, you can apply a texture to the picture. For example in PaintShopPro, try texture #89, at 25%. It gives the picture the appearance of a painting on a fine canvas. By sheer coincidence I did that to the picture for today's Humor Letter to illustrate the technique for a friend. Have a peek at webby.com/.../ to see how that looks.
Have FUN!
Dearwebby

Recently sold large house due to medical bills and am renting a 1-bedroom apartment. (First, get rid of anything that you don't use regularly; take pictures of sentimental things that take up too much space; store things in clear containers like plastic shoe boxes). The change is refreshing. In the bedroom, I had a picture framed and hung it over the door so it is a surprise to the eye of the visitor exiting the room due to its location, and I can lay in bed and enjoy it also. In addition, I had a picture that was valuable at one time, but became damaged - told to toss it or give it to a thirft store. Instead, I hung it (thumb tacks only) in the walk in closet. Have small laundry room - usually boring - made it my 'western room.' Had found a broken down piece of furniture when I took out trash, and took home one decorative door - bought small frame at thrift store - put in picture of farm I grew up on, and glued it on. The hinges were intact and western in appearance. Looks great! I like hinged picture frames that are self supporting - get them at thrift store so my terminally ill husband can see the pictures he loves. I also bought a holder (not too much $ that spreads open/closes to accommodate holding a framed picture without holes in the wall (rather u-shaped). Bought a cheap frame at thrift store (standard type w/cardboard back with pull-out support and put a picture in that and placed it on the back ledge of the bathtub. Used a piece of scrapboarding paper for the background.

Also, had carried 3 picture frames that I really loved - for years; the linen matting became quite old and stained. Made a cup of tea with several bags and dabbed onto the linen. It took away the look of motley to the look of aged but expensive - some stains show through slightly, but just add character. Had some posters (cut down to size then laminated and put into these frames. It saves the weight of glass while still protecting from further damage.

My next projects: buy a cheap closet mirror (usually vertical to take a quick glance before leaving home) and leave a border of mirror - glue on family photos. My theme in the bathroom are all interesting pictures of kids. I'll attach it horizontally just at the baseboard across the wall from the throne. Won't have to stare at painted sheetrock while doing this these time consuming appointments. The next is reinforcing the fringe on an oriental look-alike rug that was left next to the dumpster that I take trash to every day (I need to get rid of cat litter smells). Took it home & put in storage room. I think I'll try putting up a rod (not too much damage/easily repaired) and perhaps attach with clear shower curtain rings - to use as a wall hanging. Proudly, I'd say that the eye can dance around this apartment without being overwhelmed with the feeling of clutter. Different rooms/areas have different themes - walls don't have to be covered with framed artwork, nor is a picture centered over your headboard mandatory. Make it fun and take time to have some fun yourself. Sorry I'm so wordy, but you might find something you can adapt for your purposes.

Isn't that plagiarism?

Suzanne Spencer

November 2, 20040 found this helpful

It's only plagarism if you intend to sell or make profit from the artist's work. You can use them in your home without breaking any laws.