Fabric Canvas Wall Art

Wow!  What a rush!  Who knew that a fairytale would be so busy?  Without the seven dwarfs to help with chores, the servants to cook and clean, or king daddy's trust fund to ease one's labor duties, life is full of rewarding responsibilities.  Matt and I celebrated our one year anniversary in June, and my fairytale continues.  We experienced many changes since we met; Matt has moved to Lubbock (temporarily), we moved into a new home, and our children continue to grow and develop into the unique individuals that make them divine!

My time is quite limited now that I'm working in a completely new profession, but this Thanksgiving break gave me the respite I needed to jump start some creativity.  Aesthetic design within my home is vital to my zen, but my pocketbook is equally important.  This juxtaposition leads me to create with prudence.  One of my projects that I recently completed is a fabric-canvas wall art that optimizes the appearance of previously drab, boring wall.  This was super easy and super CHEAP to do!  Check it out:

1. I bought individual wood frame strips that snap together from Hobby Lobby in order to make my own canvas frame- much cheaper than covering an existing canvas.  I wanted three large frames 24" by 36" so I purchased six 24" pieces and six 36" pieces.

• $1.69 for a 24" strip
• $3.99 for a 36" strip
• 6 x $1.69= $10.14
• 6 x $3.99= $23. 94
• Total = 34.08

2. I purchased the fabric at Joanne's during a 30% off sale and spent around $25 (I threw away the receipt and don't remember exactly), and with a little guidance from an old friend (thanks Kelly Duriex) I found the perfect sixties floral print!

3. I snapped together the wood strips to make three frames. 

4. I cut the fabric around each frame, leaving about two inches extra on each side.

5. Finally, I used a staple gun to staple the the fabric to the backside of the frame.  

Voila`!  I have fantastic, colorful wall art from fabric specifically chosen to match my sitting room design.  And the crux is the entire thing cost less than $60!  These days, you can't buy one large piece of wall art for under $60, let alone three!

Boutonniere

Flowers=Money, and lots of it! 

As much as I would love to have Jeff Leatham http://www.jeffleatham.com/ do my flowers, I must be realistic and cut some of the blooming budget!  In a previous post, "Centerpieces, a true story of vintage," I sampled the centerpiece, sans flowers.  Today, I address the gentleman's adornment.  Where creativity is my muse, unconventional is my merit, thus bringing a fresh take on a old tradition, the boutonniere. 

Feathers.  Pheasant feathers, red feathers, and a button to complete the look.  

The groomsmen are wearing chocolate brown suits with ruby red vests, ties, and pocket squares.  Matthew will wear a champagne tux, vest and tie, but sport a red pocket square to match his men.  

And I believe the feather boutonniere will complete the look.  

Against the brown...

Also a lighter background, like Matt's suit.  

I think this flows with our theme, especially the old buttons, which came from my Nana's old button collection!  

What do you think? 

~Truly, Cinderella