Ella's Butterflies

Ella, a 2nd grader from Calgary, created under the guidance of her grandfather, this fun, colourful and energetic work of art.

Using texture and her own creativity, Ella has made the butterflies come to life. To give the piece the respect it deserves, we highlighted the butterflies by using a simple white mat accented with a red V-groove. The red V-groove helps anchor and draw your eye towards the artwork itself. To maintain the playfulness of the piece we used a simple flat profiled bright metallic red frame that mimicked the sparkle highlights within the piece itself.

From an afternoon of fun has emerged this masterpiece that would look at home on any art gallery wall. Great work Ella!

As I sit in my study working on this article, I feel comforted by the many photos and memorabilia of my children that I have framed in the room. Soul Food for my heart.

I am also reminded of a wonderful project I did for Kristen F.  a few years ago. Kristen had brought in this poem on a scrap of paper:

“Before you were conceived I wanted you.
Before you were born I loved you.
Before you were here an hour I would die for you
This is the Miracle of Life.”

With the help of calligrapher, Thea Paul, we made the poem surround the maternity picture. We then included the hospital cards from Kristen’s three “cutie pie” children.

I often think of Kristen’s framing project.
The poem speaks volumes.

What an amazing keepsake!

Now, have a look around your space.

Do you have your comfort and soul food pictures?

I came across a box of clothing buried deep inside my closet several years ago. The first thing I pulled out of that box was a pair of swimming trunks my son wore when he was about two years of age. He is now twenty-two. Matthew loved the beach so much back then. It reminded me of a photo which after hours of hunting, I located. Taken on a holiday to Penticton, BC, what a perfect reminder of how creative my son was and still. To this day, I can clearly picture him playing for hours in the sand. I have been enjoying this memory on my wall for years. And let me tell you, during some of those teenage years, it was a “god sent” to have the picture as a constant reminder of how sweet he really can be!

Your e-Inspiration Challenge:  Re-discover something amazing in your closet!

My good friend, Ami, received this wonderful artwork from her son, Clive, a few years  ago. What makes this creative masterpiece extra special is that Clive has autism. Up until this point he had never brought home artwork from school. Ami’s fridge door had been blank. Clive’s amazing accomplishment is now displayed proudly in their home and a constant reminder of his remarkable achievement.

One-of-a-kind treasures are too precious to be stored and possibly damaged in a drawer. Preserved and enjoy them.

Ami wrote to me:  “This picture is a treasure I will have for the rest of my life, not something I ever thought I would have, thank you, you took it from a school project to a great gift for me and I will always be truly grateful for that. When I come down the stairs in the morning it always makes me smile.”

Framed with love and care, any artwork from the hands and imagination of your pint-sized Picasso can look at home on a wall beside even the greatest of masterpieces. Honour and cherish them.

Your e-Inspiration Challenge:  
Is there a pint-sized Picasso waiting on your fridge?

New textured frames have arrived. And with names like Hammered Blue Steel, Brushed Espresso and Brushed Champagne they invite creativity and imagination!

These contemporary frames can update your tired artwork without overpowering it.

Watch for the introduction of similar type frames in the upcoming year. They reflect qualities forcasted for 2012/2013 by the Trend Forum of Heimtextil in Frankfurt, Germany.

This Trend Forum meets annually and is comprised of worldwide experts who predict trends to aid product developers, textile and furnishing specialists and designers in the fashion and interior design industry.

Watch for:

• dark shimmering night colours pepped up by metallic champagne and gold;
• sunny-warm and lively colours contrasted with industrial metallic coal, copper and old-gold tones;
• simple, functional and essential elements with colours inspired by nature interrupted by a single expressive shade;
• and fresh, bold and vivid blasts of colour, broad strips and all over geometric patterns

BEFORE

Need a change and can’t afford an “ahhh” inspiring Picasso or a Group of Seven? Fear not!

Re-Use what you already have! Some of the most inspiring rooms are decorated with objects and artwork that would otherwise be collecting dust in some forgotten corner.

You loved them once but now they are hiding away in boxes, closets and garages. And all they really need is a little creative Re-Design.

I framed this clip-on-tie, which was worn by both my husband and son as children, several years ago. That was during my “make a simple statement” phase.

Styles, trends and your tastes change over time.

AFTER

Instead of neglecting your tired old framed art, consider re-designing it into something you will Re-Love.

Last week I came across the framed tie in the far back of a closet. I decided to move it into a grouping of pictures but it looked blah and lost. Instead of packing it away, I re-designed it to have more of the contrast and interest I was looking for. I re-used the frame, glass and tie and I am enjoying it all over again. It feels wonderful!

Re-Use, Re-Design and you will Re-Love!

After

And here it is! My Bookshelf decked out for Christmas using the Ultimate Bookshelf Decorating Tip.

It set the stage for a cozy festive room to enjoy throughout the holiday season. And so simple to do!

Now I am inspired to do something creative with texture for the summer months.

If you want more “how to” info for this project please e-mail me anytime.

Before

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

Learn More

My Suggestion:  Use matboard instead of paper (available from any Custom Picture Framer). Why? There is an endless selection of colour. It will not damage as easily or wrinkle like paper. It is easier to store in between use.  And your matboard can be laminated to protect it from accidental spills if used in a high traffic area such as the kitchen or a bathroom.

This Christmas to inject style and sophistication, I will be adding red, green or maybe even gold to my fireplace bookshelves. So stay tuned and as the holiday season approaches, I will make my colour choice and post a picture of the finished product. Ho ho ho!  I can hardly wait!

A. Collis