Category: Design

  • Artsy Dwelling: 7 Unique Ways to Hang Artwork

    Artsy Dwelling: 7 Unique Ways to Hang Artwork

    Look beyond the nail and picture hanger.  There are so many unique ways to hang artwork, whether you’re hanging just one piece or grouping lots of work together.  Here are a few of my favorite methods!

    1 |  String it up

    String collage

    found here here here here and here

    Create a bit of interest and drama by hanging your artwork by a thread, ‘er string.  It’s a great way to add a bit more height to a piece that isn’t quite tall enough for your wall or to add just the right boho vibe.

    2 | Clip it!

    Clip collage

     found here here here and here

    Clip art takes on a whole new meaning!  Use specialty art clips, gator clips, vintage pant hangers or even just an old fashioned clipboard to display work that isn’t terribly precious.  ( Stay away from clips that might crimp for artwork you don’t want to damage ).

    3 | Create a hanging structure

    Create structure collage

     found here here and here

    Artwork stands out– literally– when you hang it from a three dimensional grid.  The grids add just the right amount of visual texture, creating an interesting juxtaposition and the added bonus of easily switched out work.

    4 | Use the structure you have!

    Structure You Have collageAD_Structure3

    found herhere and here 

    Maybe you’re lucky enough to have some fabulous architectural details already built into your home!  Consider using those structures as a hanging surface for art– that’s what those vintage picture rails were for to begin with!  I’m personally in love with the industrial vibe of the barn-door hanging above!

    5 | Frame within a frame

    AD_Frame in a Frame

    found here

    Another way to add a some healthy dimension to your space?  Find a giant frame and group smaller works of art inside.

    6 | Art mobile!

    Art mobile collagefound here

    Perhaps the most fun of all the options– create an art mobile!  These tiny clips are perfect for displaying artful photos, sketches, postcards, etc.  You know when you’ve bought a little notecard of an artist’s work, knowing there’s no way on earth you could ever afford an original?  Here’s the perfect way to display those treasures!

    7 | Go old school.  Use thumbtacks.

    House of Honey

    found here

    The ol’ thumbtack method was probably the very first way anyone hung your artwork.  Or maybe your mom used refrigerator magnets instead.  Raw, unstretched canvas pinned up in the corners with brass tacks looks absolutely divine in this nursery, doesn’t it?

    Have a unique art hanging method you’d like to share?  Let us know in the comments below!

    All image sources linked above.

  • Artsy Dwelling: Watercolored Walls

    Artsy Dwelling: Watercolored Walls

    A Different Take on the Art Wall

    Gallery walls have been all the rage for a couple of years now.  They are a fantastic way to showcase your art collection and so easy to change up!  But sometimes, you want your art wall to make a bolder statement– why not make the wall itself the artsy focal point?  Whether you paint your masterpiece directly on the wall’s surface, apply an artsy wallpaper, or a mural sized decal, there will be no shortage of artsiness on those walls!  Here are just a few of my own faves from around the web–

    AD_pink palms

    via 

    AD_blue watercolor

    via

    AD_multiwatercolor

    via

    AD_pink geom

    via

    Think I love the simplicity of the pink geometric design and the blue watercolor best.  What do you think?  Have you ever treated your walls as a truly blank canvas?

    PS– Need help finding art for your walls?  Check out the new services I’m offering!  Click on Forager For Hire in the tool bar for more info!

    All image sources linked below the photos.

  • Wear the Artsy: Candace Fasano

    Wear the Artsy: Candace Fasano

    You know sometimes I love a piece of artwork so much I wanna wear it.  Like all day, every day.  This month’s Featured Artist, Candace Fasano has oodles of lovely new work, but this particular piece, Bird Pod, just keeps speaking to me.  Alas, the painting is sold ( lucky duck,  whoever you are! ), but that won’t stop me from dreaming about it!

    WTA_Candace Fasano & Anthony Roussel

    art | Bird Pod by Candace Fasano

    jewelry | from top: Branch Bangle, Fan Ring, Geo Colour Bangle by Anthony Roussel

    Don’t these sculpted pieces by jewelry artist Anthony Roussel remind you of Bird Pod? That same organic, cosmic magic could still be mine.  Oh yes it could!

    Check out more work from Candace Fasano on her website and the Artsy Forager Facebook page.

  • Design Foraging: Marzia Rossi

    Design Foraging: Marzia Rossi

    As a part of the purging to travel light process, over the weekend, I went through my jewelry  and decided what pieces I just had to have with me on the road.  While I have some lovely pieces– many of them vintage courtesy of my maternal grandmother who had a large collection of costume jewelry from the 1950s-80s– there’s something about most pieces that just don’t quite feel me.  A little too safe, a little too ordinary, which I hope this Artsy is not!  I would love to revamp my collection and I’ve got my covetous eye on these beauties by Italian jewelry artist Marzia Rossi!

    Stanze #4 by Marzia Rossi
    Stanze #4, mica, acrylic glass, shibuishi, red gold
    Transparent Orchid #2 by Marzia Rossi
    Transparent Orchid #2, acrylic glass, white gold, cold enamel
    Spinosi #4 by Marzia Rossi
    Spinosi #4, silver, mica
    Stones #2 by Marzia Rossi
    Stones #2, azurite, acrylic glass, red gold
    Transparent Orchid #6 by Marzia Rossi
    Transparent Orchid #6, acrylic glass, red gold, cold enamel, silk

    Her work is so delicate and the organic materials and shapes are right up my alley.  And the construction details?  Just might be the best part.  Want to see more? Head over to Marzia Rossi‘s website and drool all over your keyboard.

    All images via the artist’s website.

  • Design Foraging: Fabrics by Amanda Stone Talley

    Design Foraging: Fabrics by Amanda Stone Talley

    I just love it when artists translate their work into functional design!  So I was super excited to see New Orleans artist Amanda Stone Talley roll out a line of fabric based on her patterned paintings.

    Tigerlily_Amanda Stone Talley
    Tigerlily
    Prize_Amanda Stone Talley
    Prize
    Mohican_Amanda Stone Talley
    Mohican
    Falling Petals_Amanda Stone Talley
    Falling Petals
    Red Dust_Amanda Stone Talley
    Red Dust

    Aren’t they delicious?  I just want to eat one up.  Or more practically, reupholster a chair. 😉  Tell me some of your favorite art-turned-design finds!

    All fabrics are linen/cotton/canvas blend.  All images via the artist’s website.

  • Design Foraging: Kristina Crestin Design

    Design Foraging: Kristina Crestin Design

    Design foraging isn’t always just about finding artfully designed wares.  It’s also about finding those folk out there doing their thing with an artsy bent.  In my art consulting days, I loved working with interior designers who had an appreciation and eye for artwork, incorporating well chosen work into their designs not just for aesthetic appreciation, but also to begin to create a personal collection for their client.  Boston area’s Kristina Crestin Design knows how to work magic in a room through icing the cake with artwork.  Check out some examples of Kristina’s art-centric designs!

    DF_KCD_gallery1_photo12_Kristina Crestin Design DF_KCD_gallery3_photo3 DF_KCD_gallery4_photo5

    DF_KCD_gallery1_photo10[ I am completely in love with the bones of this house.  Seriously my dream house. ]

    Finally, Kristina has been working with a favorite Artsy Forager artist, Christina Baker, on a special artwork commission for a client.  Here’s a sneak peak!

    DF_KCD_Baker commission

    I can not wait to see Christina’s piece ( in love with that palette! ) installed in the finished space!  I have no doubt it will add just the right touch of artsy pixie dust to Kristina Crestin’s design.  Want to see more work from this artsy designer?  Check out Kristina Crestin’s website.  You can also follow her blog!

  • Insert the Artsy: Casey Matthews

    Insert the Artsy: Casey Matthews

    In my not so distant past, I worked as a Project Manager/Art Consultant for a gallery & art consulting firm.  What does that mean exactly?  It means I looked for artwork for clients.  A LOT.  Matching up the right art to fit the client’s space, budget, design, and taste was what I did and something I plan to start doing again ( keep your eye on this page! ).  When I see a blank wall, instinct takes over and I immediately start thinking of what artist’s work would be perfect in that space!

    When I saw the empty wall above this bed, the wheels immediately started turning.. Clean, modern bedframe, fabulous funky black Bertoia chair, graphic striped rug and bright green coverlet.  So we want something with some texture and color but not too much.. enter this pair of abstract paintings by Casey Matthews!

    ITA_Casey Matthews

     

    interior | artwork 

    Casey’s work feels fresh and young, but still sophisticated enough to add a grown up vibe to what could otherwise feel like a “starter” room.  And I love putting a pair or series of work where a single large piece is the more expected choice.  What do you think?  What artwork might you place in this space?

    Stay tuned for more details regarding services coming soon to Artsy Forager!

    Images via artist’s representing gallery, Gallery Orange.

  • Wear The Artsy: Kokopelli by Ally Burguieres

    Wear The Artsy: Kokopelli by Ally Burguieres

    Summer always feels like the perfect time to bring out the graphic ethnic prints, comfy sandals, and color, color, color!  Living an artsy life means showing your artsy spirit in everything you do– including how you present yourself to the world through the clothes you wear.  Wanna channel your inner kokopelli?  This ensemble, inspired by this month’s Featured Artist Ally BurguiresKokopelli painting is perfectly comfy and colorful– perfect for an afternoon of gallery hopping in Santa Fe!

    Wear the Artsy_Ally Burguieres

     

    art | Kokopelli by Ally Burguieres

    necklace | Formosa 4 by Jessica Light

    tee | Trapeze Baseball Tee at Anthropologie

    clutch | Farrah Studded Foldover Clutch at Citrine

    skirt | Alopa Maxi Skirt at Anthropologie

    sandals | Masika Beaded T-Straps at Anthropologie

    Doesn’t a skirt like that just make you want to sashay when you walk?!  Or maybe do a wee little kokopelli dance. 😉  This pairing just makes my little artsy heart sing!

    All sources linked above.

  • Design Foraging: Objet Trouve by Codor Designs

    Design Foraging: Objet Trouve by Codor Designs

    Note: Out of respect for these artists, I’d like to set the record straight.  This post is getting a lot of traffic from Pinterest and I’m happy, as I’m sure the artists would be, that they are inspiring so many, however the mirrors pictured here are most definitely NOT a DIY project made my myself.  I have no idea how the DIY thing has been perpetuated around Pinterest, but these are incredible artisan crafted sculptural mirrors created by Seattle designers Tamara Codor and Sterling Voss AKA Codor Designs.  Not in any way a homemade DIY.  😉

    I admit, I have a thing for mirrors.  I don’t think it has anything to do with vanity ( anyone who knows me will attest that can’t be it ).  I think it’s more about how they have the power to be functional sculpture.  An interesting mirror, like an intriguing piece of artwork, instantly elevates a room.  As a painting does, a mirror can become a portal for imagination.  This week, I spied the work of Seattle design duo, Tamara Codor and Sterling Voss of Codor Designs and immediately fell hard for their Objet Trouve series of sculptural mirrors.

    Jabberwocky by Codor Designs
    Jabberwocky, 36×56
    Birds of Paradise by Codor Designs
    Birds of Paradise, 35×61
    Mimsy by Codor Designs
    Mimsy, 22×34
    Snow Bird by Codor Designs
    Snow Bird, 32×59
    Silver Birds by Codor Design
    Silver Birds ( sold )

    I have no doubt one of these beauties would be stunning on a reclaimed wood wall in my beach house on the Oregon Coast.  What?  An artsy can dream, right?!  To see more work from Codor Designs, be sure to check out the website full of gorgeously crafted furnishings.

    All images via the Codor Design website.

     

  • Design Foraging: Coast to Coast

    Design Foraging: Coast to Coast

    Confession time:  I’m one of those people who sweat it just a teensy bit ( ok maybe a lot on a really hot day ) when a glass full of cold liquid is resting on a wood or glass surface.  Oh the rings!  My little OCD heart is pounding just thinking about it!  The cure for such an ailment?  Super artsy coasters, of course!  Here are a few of my faves..

    DF_Coast_Painted reclaimed wood
    Painted Reclaimed Wood Coasters

    find them here

    DF_Coast_Lacework
    Lacework Coasters

    find them here

    DF_Coast_Constellations
    Constellations Coasters

    find them here

    DF_Coast_Symbology
    Symbology Coasters

    find them here

    DF_Coast_Felt
    Felt Coasters

    find them here

    Any of these are bound to be more pleasing to the eye than condensation rings, eh?  Happy weekend, Artsies!

    All images are linked above.