Chalkboard Art…

The use of chalkboard paint is everywhere these days…just browse sites like Pinterest and Etsy and you will find many creative projects using this fun and versatile paint medium.

I am currently loving the look of chalkboard art typography like this…

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I like the idea of having a chalkboard “canvas” that can be changed regularly…for the seasons, events, and even meals…

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Miss Mustard Seed

Apartment Therapy

Of course, one could not talk about chalkboard art and typography without mentioning the incredibly talented artist Dana Tanamachi.

Dana is a graphic designer and custom chalk letterer who hails from the Lone Star State, but currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.

Currently, Dana works full time as a custom chalk letterer and has been commissioned by clients such as West Elm, Rugby Ralph Lauren, Google, The Ace Hotel, Adidas, EveryDay with Rachael Ray, Lululemon Athletica, and Garden & Gun Magazine.

Visit Dana’s site here to see more of her beautiful chalkboard art, and you can even watch several time-lapse videos that show the entire process of creating some of her projects. So interesting and inspiring!

Now I am on the hunt for a cool new frame to create my own chalkboard canvas. I would love to find an ornate vintage frame like the one pictured here…

Miss Mustard Seed

I think a trip to a few of my favorite consignment and thrift stores is in my near future!

Do you like the look of chalkboard art and typography?

Have you used chalkboard paint on any projects in your home?

Spotlight…Art Photography

Lately, I am loving the use of art photography especially when used in a gallery wall installation…

Pottery Barn

While browsing sites like Etsy, I have found some incredibly talented photographers offering their photos for sale. This type of photography, especially when grouped together, makes for beautiful and interesting art.

You could use nature photos like these from Eye Poetry found on Etsy. Just the name alone is intriguing and the photos are amazing…

 

Eye Poetry Photography

Eye Poetry Photography

Eye Poetry Photography

Or how about a series of beach photos from Bree Madden of Madden Photography...

Madden Photography

Madden Photography

Madden Photography

And finally, look at some of the amazing Carnival Photos from Carl Christensen. These would be perfect in a nursery or play room…

Carl Christensen

Carl Christensen

Carl Christensen

Next time you are looking for art to use in your décor, don’t pass up the incredible art photography that can be found on sites like Etsy. The artistic eye of the these talented photographers create interesting and colorful images that would make a perfect addition to any room.

Have you used art photography in your home? Have you ever used your own photos as part of a gallery wall?

In Full Bloom…

For the last few weeks I have been watching my Iris Garden preparing for spring…producing dozens of stems, that are loaded with blooms. When we moved into this house 8 years ago…we dug up all of the 20+ year old bulbs during a yard renovation, and planted them together on the side yard hoping to save them and enjoy their yearly show.

Thankfully all of the bulbs survived and continue to bloom every year. Just this week they have literally exploded with blooms…

Some of these stems are almost 4 feet tall! Yes, I did bring out my measuring tape…I just could not believe it. Each stem has at least 7-8 blooms and even more buds forming. I love how prolific an Iris stem is…producing new buds after the first die out.

My favorite thing to do is cut some stems and bring them into the house to enjoy all day long…

I always use this leaded crystal vase for my iris arrangement because it is one of the only vase heavy enough to hold these large stems! With the lighting in my kitchen, the flowers look much more pink here than the lavender color they have outside… still so pretty!

Iris stems do great as cut flowers. Their buds continue to open for days after cutting and  being placed in water. Be sure to fill your vase with HOT tap water…they love it! This is a tip I received from a master gardener at a local garden club luncheon I attended last year.

Every day I notice new blooms opening and some of the older flowers dying out. To keep the arrangement looking fresh, I simply pinch off the old bloom which allows the new bud to open…

I cut at least a dozen stems from the garden to bring into the house, I love seeing them in every room!

Do you have a cutting garden in your yard? What are your favorite fresh flowers to use in your house?

Linking up to...Serenity Now, Here Comes the Sun, Uncommon Designs, Remodelaholic, Addicted 2 Decorating, At the Picket Fence, Stuff and Nonsense, Classy Clutter