Reframed Art

 

As a follow-up from my New Year Refresh post back in January, here is the final result of the pieces I had featured.

 

I admit I am most pleased by the Hereford bridge piece. Something about its new frame and matting makes me want to continually admire it. We have decided to make a trip to Hereford on our next UK trip, to visit this very spot.

(With new frame and matting)

(In original frame and paper mat)

This oil painting has already had three different frames. The first was done mainly in copper tones, (I can't find a picture of it). It was very pretty, but I eventually wanted something more transitional. I had it framed in a simple silver wood frame seven years ago. Recently, I thought the transitional frame didn't do the painting justice. It maybe even took away from it somehow. So, I went for a warm textured frame with an extra trim piece to really make it come alive (I kept the transitional frame for future use).

 

(New frame - colors and texture really stand out)

(Previous frame in a simple transitional style)

Do you have some special pieces you'd like to frame or reframe? A painting or drawing you or your children have done? Or an old painting from a family member? It's amazing what a difference a  frame can make - try it!

New Year Refresh



(A pretty view of the Rocky Mountains from the Glenmore Reservoir in Calgary, AB)



We've had a warm and refreshing chinook wind here over the past few days. These mild temperatures always get me inspired for a brisk walk and doing more activities. It also seems to have inspired my desire to completely redecorate. So, before I got totally caught-up in that notion, I took action and honed in on some small scale changes.
 

First, I ordered new covers for our air return vents on the main floor. A small detail but a significant change. I ordered the new covers through Majestic Vent Covers in California. The ordering process online was so easy and they have many beautiful styles. I selected the 'Ribbon Grille' style in silver. Through the ordering and shipping process, Donna in their sales department was especially helpful!

 

The second improvement currently underway is the reframing of two pieces of art. This painting that was a gift to Andrew's father, is long overdue a proper frame. With the help of an expert at Michael's I chose a double mat with color and an interesting larger metallic wood frame. I can't wait to share the result with you.

I'm also having this oil painting reframed for the second time. I'm a little bored of its subdued transitional look and decided to go in an entirely new direction. I think the larger new frame and border will compliment the colors and make the piece more significant.

Are you making any changes to your home for the New Year? New paint? a rug perhaps? Or an new furniture arrangement? Have fun and enjoy it!

 

Artful Additions

 

Sometimes it's fun to insert art into alcoves and interesting spaces in rooms; creating vignettes here and there. Late last year I added four new pieces of art to our main floor. Each are completely different but add a little something to each space.

 

The print at the top was done by a local artist. Andrew has had it in a drawer for years.  It's a fun, modern collage depicting the energy of our city's downtown core. The best part? Andrew is in it!

 

The next piece was a gift to Andrew's father from a friend of his in Hereford, England. As a young man, Andrew's father became good friends with the artist and he gave him this piece. It's an interesting pastel and I just love the colors. The frame should probably be replaced, but there is something vintage and kitschy that I really like about it as it is. Nestled behind the chair and lamp just seemed like the perfect place.

 

Our niece and nephew gave us this charming framed bird etching for Christmas. I originally placed it on a tabletop easel and positioned it on the kitchen bar, but the window seems like a much better place. I've paired it with some kissing balls to suggest a type of window box arrangement.

 

Lastly, a vintage print from our Sweden trip made its way into a corner of our dining room.  This wonderful scene was actually in our hotel room at Hotel Diplomat in Stockholm so it holds some lovely memories for us. I really don't like colored matts. However, the young hipster framer was quite insistent and looked devastated when I told him I didn't want color. In the end, I went with his recommendation and he was so right (Never question the expert!).

Do you have any pieces of art that are longing to be seen? Pull them out, have them framed, or do it yourself! You'll be so glad that you did.