Oversized Art: A Quick, Cheap, DIY Way to Fill Big Walls!

 

Hello Polished Habitat Friends!

It’s been awhile since I’ve been here to chat with you all and I’m happy to be back today! I’ve got a fun little DIY in store to show how you can pack a big punch on your walls without breaking the bank. All it took was a few thrift store frames, a can of spray paint, and some specialty paper! Voila!

I talked a few months ago about budget-friendly art and this DIY is right in line with that. I’m a firm believer that with a little patience {and a can of spray paint} you can fill the walls in your home without spending big bucks.

This DIY starts with a little trip to one of my favorite store’s – Paper Source. I’m a sucker for all things paper – cardstock, patterned gift wrap, contact paper and the list goes on and on. There are rows and rows of pretty things to pick from and I’m like a kid in a candy store – I can’t just pick one!

And for around $6 for a 20×30 sheet of paper you don’t have to choose just one! Heck go wild and pick two or three. After much deliberation I walked away with these two sheets – ya’ll know I can’t resist a good floral!

Save Hand Drawn Floral

Save Black String Dot

The blush is the Hand Drawn Floral on Pink and the graphic print is the Black String Dot on Cream and I snagged both for about $12. Worth every penny.

I knew I wanted to frame these beauties but at this size the frame certainly wasn’t going to be cheap. So, they stayed in my closet for a few months until I stumbled on two extremely large {and perfect} frames while out thrifting one day.

So 80s-tastic right? You gotta see past the ugly sometimes. This 24×38 frame was just what I needed to let those beautiful papers shine and there just so happen to be 2 of them for $5! The frames are very heavy duty, the glass is in good shape, and they already have hanging hardware on the back. So for $5 this was a STEAL!

A quick google search showed metal frames in this size ranging from $60-$100 so I’ll consider this a win. Always keep those eyes peeled friends – little treasures are lurking everywhere.

Now where was I going to put 2 very large frames you may ask?

Let me show you!

This big ‘ol empty space right here. Our foyer has vaulted ceilings that we painted white about a year ago (which I love) but it also leaves an empty canvas just screaming for some love. Every time I walk down the stairs the empty wall is staring me in the face saying ‘decorate me’. When I saw the fine art paper AND the huge thrift score frames I knew exactly where they needed to go!

The frames didn’t come with mat, so I headed to my local craft store and had them custom cut two white mats for a 24×38 frame and a 20×30 opening. The mats were the most expensive part of the project! I got both for around $40 – now if you have a fancy mat cutter than all you’d need to buy is the thick board which I think is around $10.

I laid out the paper on the floor to get a sense of what I was working with and help choose a frame color. The original frames came in a tacky brass gold so it was either spray paint it in a more modern gold or glossy black. I know you’re thinking I probably went with gold … BUT I actually chose glossy black! Something about these big frames on that white wall had me feelin’ the glossy black vibes.

I just removed the glass and the back of the frame and gave it a few coats of spray paint! One it was dry I brought it into the house, added the mat, and attached the craft paper with some glue dots.

I replaced the back of frame and my new art was complete ! Of course, I needed the handy husband to hang these puppies on the wall because a) I’m REAL short and b) he’s way better at power tools than me.

What do you think?! I just love the way they fill out the space!

Total cost breakdown : $60 give or take – in my opinion not too shabby for a wall art of this magnitude!

I like to think of decorating as evolving over time – sort of like your wardrobe. You don’t just go out and buy an entire years worth of clothes all at once {at least I don’t} you add a few pieces each season until you have a well rounded closet of items to pick from. There are some splurges along the way, just like in decorating, but it’s fun to mix in some inexpensive pieces to spice things up. When you keep an open mind you can find ways to creatively fill your home with items that you not only love but are unique and interesting.

I’d love to hear about any great thrift store finds you’ve stumbled upon! I realize giant metal frames probably aren’t high on the list but hey – ya never know what you’re going to find! And please tell me I’m not the only hoarder of all things paper!