Sometimes when you’re trying to figure out what to hang on your walls, it makes sense to come at it from an abstract angle first. Rather than just shopping for what you like or hanging what you might already have, sometimes I think it’s best to imagine what would be right for the room and for the wall space. Especially in a room like a laundry room where things can and should be a little more light-hearted and not so serious.
The long stretch of wall to the right of the storage cabinets was crying out for a big statement piece of art and the small bit of wall to the left of the window also needed something. I think every room needs a mirror – it adds light and a different dimension to the space. So I set off to IKEA with my wall dimensions in hand to figure out my options.
I found this little oval mirror for about $15 and a pack of bright red clothespins.
For the large art, I picked one of the canvases that was the most mono-chromatic.
And then I painted over the image just with some of the leftover paint from the cabinets in the laundry room. I didn’t want any of the old image peeking through the final product.
I was going to leave the frame silver, but decided to paint it out black at the last minute to give the space some dark contrast.
I found an image online that I liked (this one is by Phillipe Halsman and I used the file found here). You don’t need to be too worried about finding a high-res image with this printing process – the highly pixelated look sort of works here. Also, I don’t really want to bring up the subject, but I think it’s worth mentioning that I felt okay using this image for this project since it is a really old image and I’m just using it for personal use in my own home. If I were selling these prints, I would definitely be more sensitive about copyright laws. I’m sure we all fall on different spots on the spectrum here, and this is where I felt comfortable. :)
I carefully cut out the print (which I had printed to exactly match the size of the canvas). And then once the paint on the canvas was dry I used a strong spray adhesive to adhere the paper to the canvas.
I don’t have a photo of the next step, but I used mod-podge to glue down the edges, so everything is glued down nice and flat. The only tricky part was getting the seam right, but I don’t think it’s too noticeable in the end.
There were a couple of spots that I touched up with some dark gray paint and that worked well.
And then for the mirror, I just super glued the red clothespins right to the surface of the glass. I used a super glue that said it would work with glass and I think that really helped.
Also, I let the mirror sit untouched for a full 24 hours. I usually get impatient with superglue projects and move them too soon, but this time I think letting the glue sit for a good long time did the trick. :)
I love how the overall effect is a bit like a sunburst mirror.
It’s fun to have wall art in here that is really unique and that only cost about $60 for everything. Success!
Have you done any cool DIY art projects lately? I’d love to see!
I used your $4 blueprint idea this weekend, and it was a total life saver. THANK YOU.
I'm totally doing some blueprint art to go in my music room. My favorite pic, however, is the one of your splatter-painted hands. Your hands are so incredibly capable and experienced! And it seems like they never. stop.
I have to agree with Barbie, your hands are inspiring! I really love the burst of red and the print is just fantastic. My husband is a general contractor so I can easily use his blueprint printer and have been meaning to for a while now! This has been extra motivation to get at it! Thanks for sharing, Jenny!
It's a little ridiculous, but your bright red mirror reminds me that I actually took the famous Safety Red spray paint to an old leather purse this weekend, with surprisingly great results. Even my husband loves it. The only downside is the smell, which I'm hoping will fade soon so I can carry it. But the Safety Red has been getting some careful but fabulous use around the house lately – thanks for the recommendation!
And also, three cheers for a Gene Kelly picture anywhere!!
Love your DIY art! SO good and the price is great too! I recently did three large engineering prints with a quote, such a fast and cheap way to make a statement piece!
What a great idea! I especially love the Gene Kelly pic. So fun anywhere but fab in the laundry room. Your creativity never ceases to amaze.
Susan
http://simplymodernhome.com
I really love your ideas and your willingness to go out on a limb and try something new. As I'm renovating my front room, I often ask myself, "What would Jenny do with this space?"
If I may ask — why did you cut the picture?
Fab! Amazing DIY, i actually love that hand shaking pic. I use this spray with my slice for a tacky surface on the glass, works great. I sprayed it only once and cut every thing I needed for a project and it stayed tacky for the whole time. I cleaned up with soap and water to remove the spray from the glass surface. And yeah i also saved 10% by using sears parts direct coupon code
Brilliant one again! I love that large art print. I'm definitely trying this!
I love the clothespin mirror! It couldn't be more perfect for a laundry room.
Funny you should ask, because I just did a little project that I posted about on my blog. How to make red dish soap:
http://anniehearts.com/blog/kitchen/how-to-make-red-dish-soap/#sthash.pIQI0A4i.dpbs
Come and check it out when you have a minute!
Annie XO
That's awesome. I never would have thought of buying one of those huge IKEA prints as the base for the project. I often look at those big pieces and wish they were more my style. Also I took a copyright law course related to web design and you're right about using the image, even copyrighted, your allowed as long as replication is limited to personal or "fair" use. You can't sell the reproductions but to brighten the laundry room is no worries.
What 2 awesome DIY's! I'm going to use these ideas for sure! {www.thepinkzipper.blogspot.ca}
Love the statement art piece– definitely a great touch :)
>>>> Madebygirl.blogspot.com
>>>> MadeByGirl.com
I'm definitely trying that over my bed. I'm gonna print a beach picture of my girls silhouettes though. Can't wait, thanks for your inspiration! Big Fan!
http://www.designtendencies.blogspot.ca
I absolutely love the art project!! So simple but so striking.
I've been looking for a piece of art for my dining room. I have large walls that are yearning for a statement piece like this.
I've been waiting for an affordable DIY project and I think I've found t. Thank you!!
– Pam
http://www.mydecoreducation.blogspot.com.au
Hi Jenny – everything looks fabulous! Your talent is unending!
Would you mind sharing the eyeball lamp source? LOVE. Reminds me of the Dwell Arion lamp that I am so in love with (but not its price!)
it is so beautiful !
What a great and creative idea :)
I know that koocam.com are looking for people who know how to DIY etc
recommend you to check it out