Recently, I made the decision to slowly transition my way into a new lifestyle, minimalist. I was always consumed with clutter and to think that I could recreate my space… in a simple yet accommodating fashion. I downsized my bedroom furniture and changed to a more classic, but elegant style.
I only wanted to purchase items that I loved for my bedroom. After all it is a sacred place to me, my own place of tranquility and bliss. I was able to piece it all together, but still something was missing. My bed had a high headboard, but it needed a touch of color… something that would be simple, yet eye catching.
After looking though numerous magazines, books, online forums etc. Something caught my eye! If you recall from my previous posts, I have an eye for expensive things! The Pottery Barn once again did not disappoint! I knew that this is what I had been looking for, they were perfect… until I saw the price! These botanical beauties came with a price tag of $899.00 for a set of 4, or $249.00 each! Now, lets be realistic, I don’t mind splurging here and there if it’s a must have item, or something I saved for… but I couldn’t do it.
SQUIRREL! I could paint my own!
I decided to give it a shot! After all, when I originally started my college education, I was going for an art major. (Only lasted about a year- I changed to business!)
I started with a watercolor canvas paper and I didn’t care for it. I changed to regular watercolor paper and it helped create the look I was going for. Now, the paint is an entire other story. I have never really experimented with watercolors and I once had an art teacher tell me to “Stop wasting paper!” I was used to acrylic paints, so getting the color I wanted was very difficult. I tried different greens, and it seemed the darker I went, the more teal-blue the paint would come out. After several trips to Hobby Lobby, I settled with an olive green. It created a subtle, seasonal feeling and it blended well with the colors in my room. It presented the “pop” of color or inspiration I was tying to create.
The paintings came together quickly, averaging about an hour and a half per picture. After they were completed, I took them to Hobby Lobby to be framed. I loved the look of a solid dark wood frame to match my bedroom furniture, but I still wanted a simple elegant feel to them. I went with a white mat that had a black inlay, therefore it broke up the background without taking away from the watercolor leafs. When you have Hobby Lobby assemble them, you get half off the frame! So that was a money saver! With the artwork being mated and framed, it was still less than the original cost of the frame! Plus, they added a hanging wire, I love making things simple!
Once I picked up the pieces, I was just blown away and speechless. They were exactly what I was looking for and imagined for my own tranquil, peaceful spot.
Items you will need:
- Watercolor Paper
- Watercolor paint- choose the colors you want for your artwork
- Paint brushes- I used a thin all purpose detail paint brush
- Inspirational artwork
How I got started!
I decided to try to paint one of the watercolor leafs. I pulled up the inspirational artwork on my phone, mixed olive green watercolor paint and started to freehand the leaf. You can always try to outline it with a pencil. I always recommend that you do this DIY project during a time with little to no interruptions or distractions. Having two children of my own, I found that the evening or early mornings were the best.
The first piece took me about an hour and a half to complete. Don’t be too hard on yourself, unless you are an outstanding artist, it will ever be an exact match to your inspirational piece! This is your masterpiece, so you don’t want it to be an exact replica.
The second session was more streamlined. I was becoming one with the watercolor and understood it properties a little more, feeling more comfortable and confident with the medium. Once they were all completed, I put them in a secured area to dry until I could take them to be framed.
Cost comparison:
I had majority of the painting items, so the only out of pocket expense was the new paint ($4.50 with a coupon) and getting the paintings framed, which was $160.00. The inspired artwork retails for $899.00 for all 4 pieces… if you can spare the time, pull up your sleeves and get a little creative- it will save your wallet some heartache!
I am elated with the outcome of these pieces. They really complete the feeling of serenity for my bedroom.
Let me know if you try this out yourself! I would love to see your inspirational artwork pieces!
Secret Squirrel Moment 