DIY Abstract Brush Stroke Art.

A little while ago, I saw this abstract art piece in the gallery wall from Orlando's living room. It was from West Elm and the price was really not too bad. Of course, it also seemed like it would be oh so simple to make your own. I mean it's just brush strokes right? But if you've tried to do your own abstract art, you and I both know it's never as easy as it seems.

We had a large framed canvas hanging in our incomplete bedroom gallery wall and I would stare at it while in bed at night and wonder what we could paint over it to make it work. My thoughts drifted back to the West Elm art but never got around to trying it out.

Little by little, I started to see a few other bloggers who had the same idea and had actually made the attempt. Kristen's at The Hunted Interior was the one that sold me. It looked so fantastic above her green piece of furniture. 

I also discovered Amanda's and Emily's and they were awesome too. Plus, they made it sound super easy! I primed the canvas from my room and then while I was painting the staircase, used the same white paint to give the canvas a couple of good coats of white paint with my roller. Next, I crossed my fingers and simply dry brushed some thick lines with black craft paint. Simple as that.

Here is how it turned out. I'm not sure I would have it on display in my living room but tucked away in my bedroom where only a few critical eyes will see it, I quite like it.

The gallery wall itself is a work in progress. There was no measuring involved and mostly it's things that were in boxes but I wanted on display and found a place there. It needs some tweaking and there are a few spots where there are empty nails but someday it will be finished!

Some of my favorites are:

• Photo from Steph's grandparent's wedding (very top, black frame). Everyone is so serious and mafia-like. 
• My sweet mom and dad on their wedding day (top, white frame). 
• One of my favorite quotes (I carry your heart with me, I carry it in my heart. ee. cummings) 
• Stephane as a little boy holding his mom's hand (bottom right, white frame.) 

There are more on the other side but when it's all finished, I'll share them all at once. What do you think of my abstract piece among them?

Elizabeth Mayville Print.

Hi all! Busy bee over here these days. I just got in from priming some of the trim around the windows outside in preparation for repainting. Those on the south side were peeling so Steph scraped them a while ago and were waiting on paint (ie not pretty). I'm sure the neighbors were talking.

It's just getting to that time with the house that previous projects need to be redone which is not nearly as fun as tackling new ones! The joys of home ownership. I swear, if I real estate agent had walked by while I was trying to lean the ladder against the house, in the middle of a scratchy bush in my garden, there would be a for sale sign out there right now. I have a short fuse at times.

Inside the house there isn't much new going on. I hung my Elizabeth Mayville top knot print in living room gallery wall. I love her work so much.. it makes me smile when I look at it. I was even inspired to wear my hair in a sock bun last week and sported a blue and white stripe shirt. True story.

I used one of the Ikea Odby frames. I'm not actually sure I'm crazy about the shape of them but it was kicking around the house so it works for now.

My sister goes home tomorrow after a two week visit. It's always so nice having her here, especially while my brother, my sister-in-law and their children are here visiting from Korea. We've spent lots of time on the beach, lounging around my (other) sister's pool and of course eating lots and lots. The weather has been fabulous! I love summer!

New Art Prints.

I have a few new Etsy prints in my home these days. The feather one, above, is from Amber Alexander's shop and satisfies my current love of feathers. I wonder if it's the season but I'm loving all things feathered lately. This print in particular, is from her line of turkey feathers. I've been changing things up on the gallery wall behind the couch so I'll share more of that soon!

I also received a couple of gold letterpress prints in the mail yesterday too from Shop JSGD. I can't wait to get them hung up!

I'm thinking in my bedroom... Speaking of which. I got me some new bedside lamps. Can't wait to show you!

DIY Abstract Art.

It was a rainy weekend and Saturday morning we decided to get out the acrylic paint, brushes and canvases. We do this from time to time and I, for one, am a terrible artist. I always try to draw object, like trees, flowers or worse, I've attempted people. It's honestly hard to tell that I ever took art lessons as a child.

This time I stuck to abstract and I actually put some of it out on display! I'm certainly not a skilled artist but a little diy certainly added some color to the mantel in my living room.

I made a couple of similar mini ones. I framed up this one and placed it on a side table.

Have you ever tried your hand at abstract art?

Linking up to Cassie's "In About an Hour" Party. It actually took less than that!

It's Like Finally Up!

After arriving home from our weekend in the big city (Halifax:), we decided to tackle framing this print for the bedroom makeover. I wanted it a while ago (You can read all about that here). At the time it was sold out but one of my sweet readers emailed me and offered to sell me hers. It had come out in different colorways and she had chosen to go that route. The price was right and I saw it as a sign.

Sadly, the print sat in its tube for over a year. You see, it's rather large at 24 x 36 inches and framing it was p.r.i.c.e.y. I did some searching online and saw that some people mounted it into the largest Ikea Ribba frame, on top of the mat. While not ideal, easiest bet for me! Since we don't have an Ikea around here, I waited patiently until I could somehow get my hands on one. My parents just returned from a trip to Ontario and brought one back.

Please ignore the dresser, it's getting ready for a paint makeover. I love the punch of color again the freshly painted neutral grey walls. One piece of advice. Do not attempt to frame something with your dog around! I think we had to take it apart three times to get the Beaufie hair out from between the glass and the print. Frustrating!

Here is another view from the doorway. Some say this print is "overdone" but I still love it! Like, really love it.

And a couple of shots up close. Yes, I really do love it!

Have you figured out the accent color for the room yet? Time to paint the dresser, hang the curtains and some more art. Now to find the perfect pillow to tie the grey, navy and pink together! Later kids, I'm off to do some etsy shopping:)

Pinhole Art DIY.

I completed this fun little project a while ago and forgot to share it! It didn't take long to complete and the end result is an art project with a simple, sweet modern feel. Plus, it's so easy that you can do it while catching up on your favorite shows... The Walking Dead, Downton Abbey, The Bachelor.. whatever your flavor.

Here is how you do it. 

• Find an image that you like and print it out. It has to be a simple line drawing, without too much detail. I wanted to do a Boston Terrier so I used one similar to the one below. The possibilities are endless.. flowers, leaves, coral etc. (tip: search coloring pages for kids!)

• Take a piece of art paper (I used watercolor paper) and place the finished side face down. Tape your selected image to the paper so it doesn't move around. Then, place the two pieces on a piece of foam core or cardboard. 

• Next, you need a thumb tack. Place a pony bead on the end on the tack and secure with some tape or a bead of hot glue. This acts as a spacer, otherwise the holes will be too big. You just want the end of the tack to puncture the paper.

• Start poking! Pierce through the two papers, along the lines of the drawing, until you hit the foam core underneath. Try to keep your holes as close as possible without overlapping. You may want to check your progress periodically but be careful when lifting the paper!

• When you've finished, turn it over and check out your one of a kind piece of art! Sign your name, pop it into a frame and your done.

What do you think? Will you try it? If you do, I'd love to see them:)

Love = Fashion Illustrations.

I took an interest in fashion illustrations a few months ago and treated myself to an Esther Bayer print.

Source: etsy.com via Jane on Pinterest

I still think it's delicate lines and soft rose colors are absolutely gorgeous. Amidst the chaos in my home right now, I caught a glimpse of it sitting patiently on my new bookshelf. Waiting for me to clear the clutter around it so it can be on display. (My beloved new bookshelf has become a drop zone for anything without a place...)

My interest in fashion illustrations has become more like an obsession. I've been scouring etsy looking for more artists to love and there is no certainly no shortage. Here are some of my favorites.

Leigh Viner

silverridgestudio

Esther Bayer (From PEI!)

Jessica Illustration

They are all so beautiful. I just want to order them all! Especially considering that most of these prints are less than $30. I will show some restraint though :) We don't have room for anything extra. Operation: Find a spot for everything! Fun, fun!

On a side note. One home that features some of these artists and is absolutely stunning is the home of Christine Dovey from Bijou and Boheme. Her blog is definitely worth a look. I'm so sad I missed her appearance on Steven and Chris! Seriously, she's the bomb.

Esther's Art Shop Giveaway!

I have an an amazing giveaway for my lovely readers today!

I was perusing some of my favorite blogs the other day and came across an incredibly beautiful piece of art, recently purchased by Christine at Bijou and Boheme (who, by the way, has the most incredible style and her blog is absolutely worthy of visit). I thought the piece would be gorgeous in my bedroom and decided to check out the artist.

I've taken a liking to fashion illustrations lately and Esther Bayer definitely nails them. Her watercolor pieces are based on famous magazine covers. Some are soft subdued shades while others are rich and vibrant. Each one unique.

Source: etsy.com via Jane on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Jane on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Jane on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Jane on Pinterest

And the best part? This talented artist lives right here in Prince Edward Island! I almost fell off my chair when I found out! I even emailed her to confirm! She wrote me back right away and I knew it was a sign... I had to have one! I love etsy because it allows you to support independent artisans and who better to support than one who lives right here on my beloved PEI!

I ordered my print on Sunday and on Tuesday, it arrived! When I opened it, I knew it couldn't be relegated to my bedroom, but rather showcased where everyone could see it. I can't wait to have it framed and share it with you!

Today is your lucky day! 

One lucky Modern Jane follower will win a 8.5 x 11 print of your choice from her etsy shop. 

Here is how you enter:

1. You must be a follower of my blog.

2. Visit Esther's Art Shop and leave a comment telling me which print you would like to win!

For additional entries:

Facebook, tweet  or blog about this giveaway including a link to her shop then leave a comment letting me know you did! One entry for each one!

The contest closes on 12/22/11 @ 10pm AST.

Winner will be announced next Friday.. just in time for Christmas!

* Can't wait till then? Esther is offering 25% off all of her prints until the end on December! 

Head over and get yours today:)

Beaufort's Custom Portrait.

I was just a little bit excited when I received this giveaway in the mail! I won it from Lesli DeVito at My Old Country House back in November. She asked me to send a few photos of Beaufort so that she could create a custom piece for me. I knew it was going to be adorable but I didn't realize just how much I was going to love it. She captured his eyes perfectly!

This is the photo she chose to use. Seriously, how cute is he?

This is what she came up with!

For now, he sits in my kitchen along side some Christmas decorations. 

This way I can see him every time I walk past:)

 A sweet note from the talented Lesli.

If you are interested in having a custom portrait one of your own fur babies, be sure to check out the paintings section of her blog!

Thanks so much Lesli, from me and Beaufort! I think he's got a big head over the whole thing:)

My Current Love: Cozamia

Yesterday I came across the work of an artist that made my heart flutter. Nancy Ramirez's art is bold, beautiful, creative and best of all Canadian! I think you should all head over and check out her site but here are a few examples to tide you over until then.

Source: decor8blog.com via Jane on Pinterest

Source: cozamia.com via Jane on Pinterest

Source: decor8blog.com via Jane on Pinterest

Source: cozamia.com via Jane on Pinterest

Source: cozamia.com via Jane on Pinterest

Source: decor8blog.com via Jane on Pinterest

I keep looking at them over and over. Maybe one will find a way into my home? You just never know! :)