09/18 DIY

How to Cut Photo Mats

How to Cut Photo Mats

Hey guys!  So this post is pretty impromptu, meaning I for real had no initial plans on sharing this on the blog.  It only really worked out because I do this thing where I will take “before and after” photos with my camera of little things I work on here and there just for my own fun.  What, no one else does that??

I’ll give you more of the story.  If you’ve been following along recently, then you know that I’m working on putting up an art gallery around my TV, which is taking forever.  I’ve been mostly frustrated over constantly changing my mind about everything, but even more frustrating is a problem I don’t think I’ve ever realized before, and that is this- photo mats covering up too much of the art.  Does that bug anyone else?

I want to see every single centimeter of the art print I worked so hard at picking out (humor me) and get the biggest bang for my buck, you know what I mean?  So after quickly learning that there isn’t a large variety of stock mat sizes, and that I’m not about to give up yet and go get custom framing done, I set out to customize the sizes of the mats in my frames.

So I took out my camera, snapped a “before” shot of my print in the frame, did my crafty thing with cutting the photo mat to the right size, then took an “after” photo to prove to myself that this was a good idea.  And this is what I found:

Photo mat before and afterMajor difference, right?  Would you agree with me that the “after” frame is more badass?

After this epiphany, I decided yes, I want to share this with anyone who feels as passionately as I do about seeing ALL of the art.  So as I went ahead to do this again with another photo mat, I had my camera ready to photograph the process.  Yay!  I barely escaped a blogger fail this time.

The process is very simple and very straightforward.  Not a ton to show, but here’s what I did.

Cutting photo matUsing a ruler, I measured out how big I wanted the mat opening to be.  I get that it’s easier to frame a print if the mat opening is smaller than the printed area of the art, but I measured my opening pretty much to the exact size of my art print, maybe a couple millimeters smaller on each edge (I’m serious about this business!).  I bolded this outline in gray above, which I drew in pencil on the back side of the mat.

With a rotary cutter, I cut down the lines using a ruler as a guide for straight cutting.  I did this on top of a cutting mat by the way, which I’m pretending to do in the photo above.  This cutter is amazing, and I only regret that I didn’t get one sooner as I think about all those times this thing could have made my life easier.  It’s for sure my favorite craft tool right now.

X-Acto

Thing is, cutting corners is tricky with a rotary cutter since it’s hard to decipher how far you have to roll it, so I cut as far along the line as I could, then finished the corners with an X-Acto knife and ruler.

Here’s the before and after for the second mat I cut.

Navy geo before and after

The difference is more subtle with this one, but still absolutely necessary in my world.  You see how there’s that extra bit of pink that’s more visible on the right side now?  Worth it.

I do agree before and afters are more exciting the more dramatic they are though, so here’s that original one again.

Photo mat before and afterWabam!  Huge.

I’m slowly but surely framing and cutting away at more prints, and still making some more decisions about what I’m doing, because I don’t know anymore.  Sounds promising, I know.  This post is a bit of an update on the wall, though!  Do you like these prints?  I’m sure of them being a part of the gallery because I’ve had my eye on them for so long and LOVE them.  If you were wondering on the sources, you can find the Wild Stripes print here and the Navy Geo print here.

 

09/15 DIY

DIY Copper Striped Candle Holders

DIY Copper Striped Candle Holders

It’s here, guys- my first, fall decor DIY of this year!  It’s also another very easy, very simple copper tape craft.  After completing my previous copper art project, I needed to dive deeper into this new world of copper tape.  I was itching to do something else with the stuff, but was wishing the tape was thinner, so in came this guy.

Copper TapeThis 1/4″ copper tape is fantastic.  It isn’t as delicate as the one I used for my wall art, and I like that the thinner size allows for creating more intricate designs, although I still kept it pretty darn simple this time around, too.

Taping

All I did was wrap horizontal rings of copper tape around my glass candle holders, smoothing my finger over the tape while removing the backing at the same time.  It wasn’t the easiest thing in the world trying to keep the tape straight and make sure the ends matched perfectly, and I didn’t fully succeed at this either, but to that I say, “It’s all good.”  I went slowly and did the best I could *pat on the back*.

Why am I wearing gloves?  I had mentioned with my copper wall art that I didn’t realize I was making fingerprints on the tape and wished I had worn gloves, so I wore them this time around.  This tape is a lot sturdier and much more fingerprint resistant though, which is awesome, but I still wanted to take the precaution of not leaving behind more finger grease than was necessary.

Copper tape rings

I started the copper stripes off closer together at the base and then spread them further apart towards the top.  I thought this would be a unique but still minor variation on a regular stripes pattern that would keep the design very simple and modern.

Copper Striped Candle HoldersThese birchwood slices were a score last Spring at Michaels when they were on clearance for $1 each, which was the right price for me to be convinced that I should hoard them until fall.  I think that was a good decision, wouldn’t you agree??  They worked out so perfectly for my candle holders to sit on!

DIY Copper Striped Candle Holders-That white pitcher made appearances on this blog last year, and after seeing Emily Henderson recently use it in one of her designed spaces, I’m more than convinced to bring mine back out again this year.  I’ll spare you my Emily Henderson adoration-rant this time.

Those greens in the pitcher complement the copper SO beautifully, don’t you think?  They’re called Snow on the Mountain.  Yea.  Cute.  I’m thinking copper and green will be my go to colors this fall, which is so appropriate given that they’re two of my favorite colors ever.

You will probably be seeing more of this tape on the blog.  If not, then forgot that I said that, but seriously, probably.

09/11 Inspiring Spaces

Tulip Tables

Tulip TablesI’ve been wanting to post this one for a while since I have a massive crush on tulip tables.  As I’ve gawked at a lot of them, I realized there was more to it that I loved.  Space after space, I was noticing more than just the tulip tables… I was noticing the chairs they were set up with!  There are so many interesting combos, and really the seating largely dictates the style and feel of a table, but especially with something as sculptural as a tulip table, it’s seriously fascinating to me how so many different seating options work with it.  *fascinating*

Most of the tulip tables I’ve seen are all white, and that’s exactly how I like them.  I really think it helps keep the elegant shape modest while still looking striking and clean.  See for yourself, and take notice of all the different seating!

Chic tulip table breakfast nook

Tulip table with bentwood chairs Dining area with tulip table, design by Nate Berkus

Tulip tableTake notice of the cat as well.

Glam dining room with tulip table

Tulip table with banquette seating White tulip table and black chairs

Tulip table

Tulip table and leather chairs

Tulip coffee tableTulip coffee table!  Guh!

Tulip table with banquette seating Tulip table with Louis chairs Tulip table and tulip chairs Tulip table and wishbone chairs

I do love the ones with marble tops the most.  One day!!!  Tulip tables seem to be a popular match for banquette seating, but you can see they really work in a lot of spaces.  I always love to know… which of these spaces speaks to you the most?

Images: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14

09/08 DIY

DIY Copper Wall Art

DIY Copper Wall Art

Before we get started, I need to say THANK YOU for all the sweet comments you guys left on my blog birthday post!!  It’s been amazing reading through them and knowing how much you guys are enjoying being here, which makes my heart soar.  I wanted to go through and respond to each comment, but then realized that would clutter up the “entry” aspect, so decided against it, but hopefully all of you are reading this and know how overwhelmed with gratitude I am for all your love!  That post is going down in my book as my favorite, because reading through the comments will be my go-to pick-me-up forever.  You guys are the best!!!!!!!!

Ok, blah blah blah, I’ll get on with it.

Wall art project number two!  Although I will say, I’m really liking the way it looks here in this corner, so much that my original plan to have it go on my future gallery wall is probably not happening anymore.  So while this isn’t going towards project gallery wall, I still feel the need to to share with you how crazy easy it is to make this chic copper art.

The inspiration, very simply, came from wanting to use this copper tape.

Copper TapeIt’s been hiding in my closet for almost a year now, which is what happens with most things I get without knowing at all what I want to do with them.  I always trusted the idea for this tape would hit me eventually, and in this case it took me a year, ha!

copper tape 1

I traced the frame insert onto poster board, then cut it out to act as the canvas.  For the copper tape, I peeled of the backing just on the end of the tape and wrapped it over the edge of the poster board.  While peeling off the rest of the backing, I slid my hand over the copper tape to stick it onto the poster board diagonally like so.  I repeated this all around in a radial design, making sure each strip of copper tape intersected at the same point.

Copper Art C

Easy, right?

A couple notes on using copper tape:

  • Wear gloves.  I didn’t realize it at the time, but my fingers were making fingerprints on the tape, which are visible at certain angles, but still I would have rather avoided this.
  • The tape is very delicate, making it impossible to preserve the perfect sheen it has while on the roll, so it ends up having the look of copper leaf, which I like!  If you are looking for even texture though, copper tape will not achieve that.

Copper Wall Art

I was thinking about the Japanese sun when I was creating this, and when I showed it to my boyfriend he said hey it’s like the Japanese sun.  I guess it’s an abstract, copper take on that!

How soon-to-be-fall appropriate, too.  Seems like I’ve favored copper a lot this year and I see myself using a lot more of it this fall.

More wall art to come, guys.  This gallery wall is taking a lot longer than I wanted, but I’d rather have it that way if it means it will turn out just the way I want it to.  Do I even know anymore what I want it to turn out like??  I’m feeling more and more antsy to get it done, but I know that rushing these kinds of things is exactly what not to do.  Then again, sometimes you have to put a cold hard deadline on something or else you’ll spend forever trying to perfect it, right?

 

 

09/04 Life

Happy 1st Birthday, Homey Oh My!

Happy 1st birthday Homey Oh My!

We made it!!  One year of blogging!!!  Fastest year of my life, wow.

Today is a little bit past the one year mark from my first blog post, but it marks exactly one year from the day I went live with my blog and sent an email to all my friends to ask for their support, haha!  Seriously, I did that, and I will never forget how much it meant to me to have their encouragement, and still today.

One year ago today, I remember being a nervous wreck of excitement and fear over the launch of this blog.  I barely slept, I’d forget to eat, I poured everything I had into planning, making, and learning for the growth of this blog (I’ve chilled out a LOT since then, thankfully).  As terrified as I was, I knew that all meant this would be worth striving for.

Through this entire experience, I can say I’ve gotten pretty good at recognizing fear as an opportunity.  Every time I pushed through fear, I never regretted it, because good things always came out of it, whether I realized it immediately or later on.  The fear is absolutely still there today, everyday, over a lot of different things, but I’ve learned that it can be a sign that something great is about to happen.

pursue it

The goals I had initially set for this blog were just to stick with it for the long term, to get better at putting myself out there, and to feed my desire to keep learning and growing.  What I got in return for achieving these goals was exponentially more than I ever could have predicted, which is why pursuing this blog was the best decision I ever made.  I kicked fear right in the ass.

So I thought I was going to go through and talk about all the things I learned in my first year of blogging and everything that made it so wonderful, but instead I’m just going to focus on the biggest one of them all:

One of the greatest things you can do for someone is to let them know you appreciate their work.

I’ve never met a blogger that didn’t *freaking love* getting comments on their posts, and I now know myself just how much those comments can be that extra push to keep believing in what you’re doing, which is everything.  I didn’t know this that well back when I was a silent admirer of other blogs, but now that I do, I’ve become a lot less reserved about showing my appreciation and enthusiasm for anything and everything, anywhere, in both blog world and in-person world, because through you guys, I’ve grown a bigger heart of gratitude.  For real.  That, in and of itself, is just a happier way to be, and nothing has taught me that better than this blog and you guys have. <3


 

Here’s the fun part.  As a small gesture of how deeply grateful I am for all of you, I’m having a top secret giveaway for…

Mystery BoxA mystery box.  HOW.  FUN.  Filled with a few of my favorite crafty and decor things, all brand new, hand-picked and purchased by me, and the details of which I am withholding from you so that if you are the lucky one to receive it in the mail, it will be like opening up Christmas presents.  I don’t know about you, but receiving gifts in the mail is a very rare occurrence, so I’d love to say thank you in this fun and personal way that hopefully gets you as excited as I am :D.

I want to keep this casual and intimate, so I won’t be promoting this giveaway anywhere, and to keep in line with that, there will be NO Rafflecopter widget.  Let’s all let out a sigh of relief.

To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is leave me a comment telling me:

1) How did you first come across Homey Oh My!?

AND

2) What’s your favorite Homey Oh My! project/post?

I LOVE hearing from you guys, so I’d be delighted to hear your answers.  One winner will be selected randomly and emailed in a week, some time next Friday the 12th!

After you leave your comment, go and leave a few more comments for your favorite blogs out there, or let your friend know she did an amazing job planning your last get-together, or tell your coworker you love her new haircut.  However small it may be, spread the love whenever you feel it.  It will be so appreciated.

Love you guys <3.

 

*UPDATE*

A winner has been selected!  There were 39 valid entries and using random.org, comment number #21 was selected which was…  Jessica!! Here’s her comment:

“I stumbled upon your blog from Pinterest based on my favorite project of yours – your beautiful black, white, and gold desk! So much inspiration and I’m SHOCKED you’ve only been at this one year. Incredible work!”

Congratulations, Jessica!  I can’t wait for you to receive your mystery box :D.

09/01 DIY

100 Fall Decor and Craft Ideas

100 fall project ideasThe first day of September means that it’s fall, right?  At least it means we can start preparing for the best season ever (aka fall is my favorite season).

To get you inspired, I’ve gotten together with some blog buddies to round up our best fall projects from last year.  Any long time readers remember any of them??

What’s fun for me is that last year right around this time is when I first started my blog, so I was prepared to have a cringe fest when I went back into my archives to look for my fall projects because these were some of the first projects I EVER did.  While there are some things I’d change about them now, I had a lot of fun looking back at where I was back then and still like a lot of the projects that I had done!

I really think these ideas are worthy of inspiring again this year, and at least for me, I’m inspired to switch things up and challenge myself to do things differently this time around.  So check them out!  See if there’s a project here that can inspire you to make something for the fall:

Gold Dipped Pumpkins Centerpiece

Gold Dipped Pumpkin Vase

DIY Gold Leaf Bowl

Gold Leaf Bowl

Fall Centerpiece

Fall Centerpiece

DIY Candle Holders

Candle Holders

So where are the other 96 fall ideas?  Each one of us shared four of our best, so hop around and give everyone a visit and you will for sure be prepared to start your fall crafting.

Maison de Pax

Design, Dining, and Diapers

Homey Oh My!

The Happy Housie

House by Hoff

The Blissful Bee

Place of My Taste

Life On Virginia Street

Uncommon Designs

Making Home Base

TinySidekick

At the Picket Fence

The Turquoise Home

My Fabuless Life

Fox Hollow Cottage

The Thinking Closet

Wood Grain Cottage

Live Laugh Rowe

Persia Lou

Just a Girl and Her Blog

The Golden Sycamore

Tell Love & Chocolate

Upcycled Treasures

Liz Marie Blog

Setting for Four