A Cultivated Nest

Helping You Manage Your Home and Life on a Budget

Budget Art!

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I needed some art for my dining room redo to go with the curtains I’m sewing and normally I would have run to TJ Maxx or Hobby Lobby or looked on ebay and just bought something. But that’s just not in the budget at this time so I started thinking about how I could make something that would fit into my decor with the stuff I already had on hand.

I always have extra frames of all sizes. When I see them on clearance or at the thrift store, I grab them because I know I can always use them for something. My Target just had a fantastic blow out clearance on that whole frame aisle because they’re setting the new fall merchandise in the store this week (per a friend who works there). I also have lots of scrapbook paper, wrapping paper and clearance wallpaper that I use for all kinds of things. I think these are 2 essentials for your budget decorating kit!

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I think we all know that you can frame postcards & calendars. You can frame leaves and ferns (very pretty). For things that aren’t flat you need a shadow box though (like pinecones). You can take pictures of architectural elements and frame that (they do this on Design to Sell & other HGTV shows all the time) and they always look really nice. You can frame just a piece of pretty paper.

Here’s what I did. This is made from scrapbook paper and a print out of a fleur de lis that I got off the internet. My original idea was to use my fleur stencil (the one I used on the pumpkin) and trace it on black paper and cut it out. But I can’t find that stencil anywhere! And I just saw it a couple of days ago (doesn’t that drive you crazy)! So instead, I printed out a fleur de lis. I love it! Now I have to decide if I’m going to make another one just like it or something complimentary cause that wall needs more than one picture.

I also wanted to share another budget artwork that I did a while ago. This is toile fabric which I just wrapped around a piece of cardboard and then framed. I love the look of fabric behind glass because there’s some texture there that almost gives it an oil painting look. I made three of these from the same scrap of toile and they hang in my kitchen.


Look at this cute button flower that my dear friend Phyllis Miz Shabby sent to me. I told her I was going to frame it cause it so pretty! She made the petals from sheet music and in the center is a big button. Isn’t that creative! A frame, a piece of scrapbook paper and walla….art!

I’m really pleased with myself for using my imagination and things I had on hand instead of buying something. It was fun trying to think of ways to solve this problem without going to the store!

These are all really easy ways to stretch your decorating dollars and make something that’s personal. Feel free to leave a link in the comments if you’ve done a budget art project so we can all see it. I’d love some more ideas!

Comments

  1. Kathleen Grace says

    Really cute Manuela. I am always so impressed with your creativity. In my opinion, this type of art just beats the massed produced stuff with a stick! As you said, it is personal, practically free and when you tire of it or want to do something different you don’t have to feel like you made some big investment and shouldn’t replace it. Fortunately, my house is full of stockpiled art projects just waiting to happen. I have had one floating around in my head for a while and I plan to get around to making it soon!

  2. Suzann says

    These are really cute and extremely creative! I’m redoing my bedroom and my whole house is in need of artwork, so I may be borrowing your idea to use around here. AND the best part is that when it no longer goes with how I’m decorating, I can change it and not feel guilty.

  3. Vee ~ A Haven for Vee says

    All wonderfully creative, but I am especially taken with the sheet music flower…very clever.

  4. bj says

    So so pretty, Manuela. You are so creative and smart.
    I just received the sweetest, handmade card from Penny at Lavender Hill and now I know what I can do to frame it and SHOW IT OFF. I’ll find some great scrapbook paper, mount the card and, walla !! Thanks for showing me what to do….
    love, bj

  5. Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio says

    That turned out great! MY favorites are your toile pictures. I am going to borrow that idea!
    Hugs,
    Penny

  8. Marie says

    I love all your ideas! I especially love the toile you framed. I think I’m going to “steal” that one!

  10. Darlene says

    Wow Manuela those are REALLY CUTE!! I LOVE them and what a great job in the no cost department!!

  11. misskp says

    Hi, Manuela! Thanks for showing that art doesn’t have to be pricey or snooty to be beautiful! These projects are great, and would be right at home anywhere! Love your ideas!

  13. momof3azkids says

    What great ideas you have! We all need to cut back and save a little in this economy, right?!?

  14. mrsjones6 says

    Don’t you just love a fluer de lis? They are so elegant and can be used anywhere! You are so creative and full of great (and affordable) ideas for the home. What a great inspiration you are!
    Jen

  15. Bettsi says

    How nice that turned out! A little stippling in black or raw umber behind the fleur de lis would really give it some depth, but I like it like this too!

  16. Rhondi says

    HiManuela
    I love your budget decorating ideas, especially the fleur de lis. It is fanatstic. WHat a talent you have.
    Hugs, Rhondi

  17. ShabbyInTheCity says

    Hey! I love them all! I need to make myself one to keep now. That toile is killin’ me 🙂 Love it!

  18. glorv1 says

    That is very creative and I love them all. Its great when you can do your own stuff and not have to go out and spend money to buy “stuff.” Very nice Manuel, Happy October.

  20. Paula says

    Dear Manuela,

    You are so creative! Thank you so much for sharing your ideas. Your “budget art” is beautiful! I love the thought of making something with things on hand and not having to buy anything.
    Love,
    Paula

  21. nikkicrumpet says

    What wonderful ideas! I’m always looking for fun things to use as art. I love the framed toile…and I just happend to have a really pretty scrap piece laying around…YIPPEE! I did a couple of posts on cheap art. One in my bath and one in my entry way. I was really pleased with how they turned out and even more pleased that they were almost FREE! Thanks for the great ideas…and thanks for visiting my blog. I love following people home and seeing their beautiful blogs!

  22. Cynthia Holt Ziemian says

    Just found your blog. Love it! Check me out at rustandsplinters.blogspot.com
    cynthia

  23. Amanda @ Morning Glory Cottage says

    I’m so glad you’re back and when I have time this weekend I will sit down to catch up on all your past posts. You’ve been very busy posting since August 22nd. Thanks for your address I’ll get the goodies in the mail. Your ideas are so cute and thrifty. In these uncertain times every “penny” will count. We’re so far removed from the generation that went through the Great Depression. By that I mean we’re used to many more conveniences than they were. Doing without or making do makes so little sense to this generation. Thanks for the encouragement to be frugal.
    Also your “egg money” post. The term comes from the days when the farmer’s wife would sell her extra eggs, milk, etc and the money was hers to keep. Usually for a rainy day, special purchase, emergency or whatever struck her fancy I imagine. Eleanor Burns has a great quilt book called Egg Money Quilts. I’ve rambled on long enough. Take care.

  24. Cherry's Jubilee says

    Very pretty…love the petals made from sheet music…I have seen that done..but cool idea to frame it. cherry

  26. Mimi Sue says

    Every single one of those things is so cute. Love that toile idea. You are one creative chickie. Mimi

  27. mishebe says

    great job on it all. I just did that with photos i took of the internet and framed. mishelle

  29. Goldielocks says

    I Love the Fleur De Lis!!! I too have done these things- gets the quick fix and for so cheap! ALso like the green striped wallpaper behind the frame- reminds me of Ralph Lauren

  30. Debbie says

    What a great idea for art! I have some black toile and 2 frames that I don’t know what to do with. They would be perfect together. And I have the perfect spot to hang them.
    I’ve been lurking blogland for a long time and you are one of many that I would like to thank for sharing your creative ideas. I have finally started my own blog so now I can share mine.

    Debbie in Florida

  31. Lyn says

    Love these, Manuela!

    If you could, please do share more no-cost decorating and organizing ideas. They are so helpful.

  32. She'sSewPretty says

    Those are all pretty “works of art”. I love the green paper with Miz Shabby’s pin. so pretty!

  33. Anonymous says

    i love what you do!!but tell me please where you find the time. i have 7 kids and work part time but LOVE to create–any suggestions?

  35. diXymiss says

    You’ve got some eXtremely creative, but very “do-able” ideas and tips here. I especially like the Fleur de lis. Now you’ve got me thinking… I love that! ThanX for the inspiration. Manuela.

  36. Lady Katherine says

    Love the toile!! The background really looks great with the fluer de lis. On one of the blogs I follow, she has a comment from the depression era. go something like this, use it up, wears it out,make it do,or do with out. You are making it do and it turned out so great.

  38. Simply Me Art says

    I Love the Fleur de Lies Manuela and the Paper Flower is just Gorgeous too.. Great Ideas as usual.

  40. Half of the Style Sisters says

    Manuela, I just came across your blog and I just love it. You have great ideas and I love the toile pictures…I think I will steal that idea for sure. I will keeping tabs on your blog. Come by mine for a visit as well.

    Karin

  41. Kathi says

    These are stylish and very creative. You did very well Manuela. Great job. You inspire me. Kathi

  43. Deb says

    Hi Manuela! Boy you really out did yourself! All these things are really really nice. I’m going to have to try this out! Deb

  44. ivoryspring says

    Great idea on the fabric wrapped around a piece of cardboard for framing! I think I am going to try that!

  49. Judy says

    All your special touches are so pretty, you have a wonderful eye and good imagination. I think you did a wonderful job on the curtains (for someone who can’t sew you did great).

    I also enjoyed reading your household cleaning products/hints. I’ve used some of the baking powder and vinegar stuff before and love the way that works.

    Have a great week.

    Judy

  50. Ms. Tee says

    Your blog is just incredible – everything is so beautiful. I love the curtains you made, and the framed toile fabric! 🙂

  51. Shirl @ Got more time than money says

    I love your blog! I’m going to be coming back often. I’m adding you to my favorites on my blog. Come visit when you can. – shirl

  52. Mary Smither says

    You are so talented and I love your beautiful art and decorating ideas. It is so helpful during this economy where money is such an issue.

    Thank you!

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