Kitchen Art Inspired by 'Printables'

Kitchen "Printables", or free downloadable artwork, seem to be all the rage on Pinterest. And for good reason; typography is a really cool design element in any home and its popularity has been on the rise since 2000. Remember this über popular meme? 

Originally a World War II-era British public safety poster intended to strengthen morale, in 2000 the poster was recovered and displayed in a British bookstore, sparking a phrasal sensation. Learn More Here

Pinterest People are making a statement in their decor by literally hanging statements. Maybe its because we're drawn to the unique fonts, or perhaps its the simplicity of design. Regardless, "printables" make sprucing up your space as easy as clicking print. You've likely scrolled past these free downloads on the Pinterest site:

You can download these signs here

When I saw the above "printables" I immediately found them to be clever, in that dorky-sort-of-way I so adore. However, as an ardent scrapbooker itching to use my beautiful new papers, I decided to make my own kitchen art.

Creating these canvas signs was relatively easy. I stole the general design from Pinterest and let pretty scrapbooking paper do the rest.

Materials I used:
- 9x12 flat canvas
- scrapbooking paper
- fine tip black sharpie
- scissors & crinkle cut craft scissors
- tacky glue & glue stick
- paint brush
Optional: sticker details

The most difficult part was cutting out the shape of a rolling pin and cheese grater - it took about two tries each. Other than that, I picked two papers I felt complimented each other and glued them on the canvases. Then I added some decorative touches like the bands of contrasting paper and wrote the catchy phrases in sharpie.

Here are some tips:

1. Use a paint brush to smooth the tacky glue so the paper doesn't "bubble"

2. "Wrap" the canvas in the scrapbooking paper and secure the wrap with glue or tape

3. To create fancy lettering simply write once in the general shape and go back to add curves or "fill in" the letters (it helps to look at a font you want to imitate)

 

Lastly, to display the canvases, I bought two 11x14 frames (on sale) and instead of buying boring ol' regular mattes, I made two mattes by wrapping the cardboard that came in the frames in the same colorful paper. 

I was quite pleased with the end result. What do you think?

I love the bright cheery colors.

Creating a Kitchen Design from Flea Market Finds

I am so in love with thrifting that sometimes I shop when I can't buy anything but just want to entertain my imagination. When sifting through Pinterest photos and filling my "Homey Cozy" board just doesn't cut it, I seek out LA Flea Markets. On sunny mornings I'll wonder the long aisles of colorful booths and take pictures of the beautiful furniture that will one day rest in one of my five living rooms. On my most recent outing, I found these Melrose Trading Post gems for one of my future kitchens. 

Mint green and shabby - this baby is a beaut!

The knobs! The curves! This hutch is my dream!

This doesn't even look like kitchen furniture but its green and curved and g*dammit its just meant to be!

This, my friends, is not for my beautiful mint and yellow kitchen. But it will rest in one of my kitchens! Let me assure you.

I highly recommend ditching the design photos on your computer and exploring the thrift stores and flea markets in your city. The eyes can ogle in 3D! Get out and window shop... and take me with you!

Q: Anyone else ever find treasures they wish they had the space for?