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Young House Love » Our Second House » Making Five Dollar Art With Colored Paper

| By John Petersik | March 10, 2011 | 511 Comments

Making Five Dollar Art With Colored Paper

Remember that grid of eight Ribba frames above our sectional (that we got right the second time around)?

Ribbas Straight On Rug

Well, we figured out some in-the-meantime “art” for them (so we don’t have to stare at those brown squares every night). You know, until we come up with something better. And it only cost us five bucks. Okay, $5.17 if you’re being picky. So worth it.

We’re still not 100% sure what we want there in the long run, but we’re leaning towards something graphic and colorful. And since the brown frame back is the opposite of that, we wanted to at least put something in there temporarily that wouldn’t cost much or take any time to toss together. Enter one of our favorite solutions: 12 x 12″ craft paper from Michael’s.

ColorRibbas Paper N Sue

We picked out eight sheets that complement Sue (aka: our inspiration napkin). They were the perfect size to slip in our 12 x 12 Ribba frames and at about 60 cents a pop it was kind of a no-brainer.

ColorRibbas Receipt2

We tried a few different arrangements on the floor before putting anything in frames. Since we had picked a couple of duplicate colors, we wanted to keep them far enough away from one another, so we ended up with this grouping:

ColorRibbas Paper On Floor

The frames definitely helped them feel less like sixty-cent craft paper and more like something worthy of being displayed behind glass (seriously, what can’t you slap in a frame for a more polished look?). It definitely added that temporary injection of color we were looking for, and it was kind of reminiscent of the cool art that we saw – and loved – in this House Crashing adventure from back in the day (aka: a month ago).

ColorRibbas Horizon Straigh

It’s kind of like a simplified version of Sue the napkin now lives on our walls, eh?

ColorRibbas Blown Out Windo

We’ve been living with them for the last 24 hours and might be in danger of falling in love with them as a not-so-temporary solution. Uh oh.

ColorRibbas Close Angle

They just look so much nicer than the brown frame backs they covered. Actually, what we’re thinking that we might do is try to build on the concept somehow, like adding some modern white doilies, stencils, or layering some other pattern in front of them so we still can enjoy the color scheme that “shows through” while creating something a little more graphic. Almost like a custom version of those Classical Symmetry prints from Crate & Barrel (this set of six retails for $369, btw).

ColorRibbas Crate Barrel

Or we might still consider doing the personal photo thing by using the colorful paper as large mats around small square black & white pictures. Sherry even mentioned sticking tiny fortune cookie fortunes in the center of each colored sheet of paper. So you have to get really close to read them. ‘Til we decide on anything, we’re kinda loving the cost-of-a-Subway-footlong solution for these eight frames. And of course we’ll keep you posted when we finally get around to updating them for the long haul.

ColorRibbas Vertical Straig

Do you guys have any colorful art that you’re loving? Or affordable sets of images that you’ve spotted? Oh and how cool is this solution to empty Ribba frames that Krissy posted on our Facebook page? As Sherry says (way too much) “um yeah, love it.”

Psst- We announced the winner of this week’s giveaway. Click here to see if it’s you.

More posts from Young House Love

Filed Under: Crafting & Art, Our Second House

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Comments

  1. Avatar for TanaTana says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:28 pm

    Cute! Love it :)

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Hilary @ My So-Called HomeHilary @ My So-Called Home says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:28 pm

    Love all the color! It’ll be fun to see how those frames change as time goes on.

    http://www.mysocalledhome.blogspot.com

    Reply
  3. Avatar for MeaganMeagan says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:29 pm

    Wow! These look great guys! A temporary solution that looks permanent. Love it :)

    Reply
  4. Avatar for sarah k.sarah k. says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:29 pm

    looks great. adds color.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for ErinErin says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:29 pm

    Love it! I’m really impressed that you went to Michaels and came out with only 8 pieces of scrapbook paper!

    Reply
    • Avatar for megs & baconmegs & bacon says

      March 10, 2011 at 2:40 pm

      *like*

  6. Avatar for nikkinikki says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    Hubby and I just did this in our hallway! Picked up three black ribba’s and tossed in some old scrapbook patterned paper that co-ordinated with the pale blue wall colour. Since the frames were a birthday gift at the beginning of the month, the entire thing was FREE.

    He wants to put in photos but I am loving the pattern. We’ll see where we end up :)

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Mallory @ R. Simple LifeMallory @ R. Simple Life says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    Oh wow! I actually really like that :-) And I LOVE the fortune cookie idea too. I want to “borrow” that one…

    Reply
  8. Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    LOVE!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for AprilApril says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    Love it!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for MomladyMomlady says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    Brilliant solution! Simple and so easy to tie in any splashes of color you add to the room.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for LaurieLaurie says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    Ok, that’s awesome!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    I LOVE it! I may just steal your idea and do it in my next apartment! Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, no?

    Reply
  13. Avatar for JulieJulie says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    Love it with no changes at all!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for HollyHolly says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:32 pm

    That..is…AWESOME!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for KristaKrista says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:32 pm

    That is genius. I might copy you for my dining room. Love it! I like the more embellished ideas you’re considering, too. But really, this looks great if you ask me!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for JessieJessie says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:32 pm

    Great idea! Super affordable and definitely chic! Love the colors too!

    Jessie from http://www.mixandchic.com

    Reply
  17. Avatar for ChristinaChristina says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:32 pm

    This looks great! Love the colors, and love the idea of putting white design paper on top. So many possibilities!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for JulieJulie says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:32 pm

    Oh, and if you do the fortune cookie idea, I think you shouldn’t center them. Just an idear.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 2:35 pm

      Ooh, I like that idear.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for kylakyla says

      March 10, 2011 at 4:47 pm

      I was thinking the same thing when I read that.

    • Avatar for annabelvitaannabelvita says

      March 11, 2011 at 8:28 am

      If you put them in the right place then they might look like paint swatches from far away!

  19. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    Love the colors! I was thinking about doing something similar with patterned paper but I love the idea of the solids!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for liz @ bontempsbeignetliz @ bontempsbeignet says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    ooooo very nice ‘temporary’ solution. Very fun!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for kaka says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    perfect way to tie in your painted light shade in the corner over the game table…love!

    speaking of games, i’m reminded of candyland when i see this grouping.

    Reply
    • Avatar for CindyCindy says

      March 10, 2011 at 2:45 pm

      Awesome.

  22. Avatar for AnissaAnissa says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    This is brilliant! And it looks so awesome!

    I was at Michaels the other night and I found some scrapbook paper that I thought would look really cool framed, and I thought of you guys!

    I get paralyzed by the idea of decorating our walls, and as a result, they mostly stay blank. I’m not sure how to get over the “Starting” hump and just START.

    Reply
  23. Avatar for sue at nobaddayssue at nobaddays says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    How lovely and restful. Yay for $5 art!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for KerriKerri says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:34 pm

    Oh this looks so good! My “cheat” for fun, cheap art is to buy fancy paper (Paper Mojo is my favorite store) and frame it. I especially love the prints from Snow & Graham.

    Reply
  25. Avatar for Sally M.Sally M. says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:34 pm

    I fell in love with your site! I have a question- where did you get that yellow patterned rug in your living room? I love it!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 2:41 pm

      That’s the Moorish Tile Rug from Pottery Barn (they no longer sell it but maybe try ebay?).

      xo,
      s

  26. Avatar for JohnnaJohnna says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    <3 Love <3

    Reply
  27. Avatar for MichelleMichelle says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    When you guys come up with things like this, I have a total “why didn’t I think of that” moment. Except I do know why. Because I have not one creative decorating bone in my body. The paper looks amazing in the frames!! Great idea!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for SaraSara says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    The colors are so perfect it would be a shame not to have them. You could find some geometric stencils similar to the C&B Symmetry prints and use white or dark grey paint to compliment the walls/frames. That way you still have the geometric look with those brilliant colors!

    Reply
    • Avatar for karenkaren says

      March 10, 2011 at 3:13 pm

      I love this idea! Or like a clear varnish on top of the stencil. In one of your frames it looks as though the trees from outside are being reflected…that would be cool to do like an nature/organic theme.

  29. Avatar for Bobbie BrownBobbie Brown says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    Whoa… it is amazing what a little sheet of plain paper will do for a room!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for jenjen says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    so great! i love how one tiny napkin is transcending into each room of your home. i think i might need to replicate this idea in our toddler’s bedroom… thanks for the cheap art idea!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for CindyCindy says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    This looks great, you guys! After I first saw that same art from Crate and Barrel many months ago, I decided to create something similar over my fireplace mantle. I also ended up using 12×12 scrapbook paper!

    Using nine pieces, I made a Spring/Summer arrangement with blue/tan/cream glued to wood framed canvases with the canvas edges painted. I also made a Fall/Winter arrangement where I took flocked black and cream papers and put them in black frames with no glass. Big impact for little $. xo

    Reply
  32. Avatar for LorenLoren says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    Wow it really pulls the room together.
    If it were my house I would consider doing family silhouettes in them. I know you guys have a lot of silhouettes in your house already. But I don’t so that is what I would do. :)

    Reply
  33. Avatar for Brooke BuckinghamBrooke Buckingham says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    I actually think they look great as-is! Loving this idea!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for Cait @ Hernando HouseCait @ Hernando House says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    Cute! I think patterned paper version of the C&B prints would be a good solution – and cheap!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for ConorConor says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    Love this! I’m adding this post to my favorites now. I’m going to steal this and do this in my dining room. I have a huge blank wall that’s staring at me and asking me to do something with it, and this is super clever! :)

    Reply
  36. Avatar for LeslieLeslie says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    I like it. It is simple, clean and refreshing. I love all of the colors together.

    Reply
  37. Avatar for careecaree says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:38 pm

    cute! speaking of ‘free’ art, inspired by some of your previous posting about what to hang on the walls, I got some Ikea frames (10 smaller white ones) and wanted to do something that meant something to my husband and I. We are both from the same small town (somewhat historic), and I came across a collection of antique postcards from the 1930’s- 60’s. I printed out the ones that we would recognize or have some meaning to us. Ta-da! “Free art”. Just the cost of printing them ourselves and the frames themselves.

    And for the map lovers, you could also do topo or street maps from important areas in your relationship. Print free topos (in color!) from usgs.gov

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 2:42 pm

      Amazing tips! Thanks for sharing! Both the maps and postcards sound like lots of fun.

      xo,
      s

  38. Avatar for tracietracie says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:38 pm

    I thought you were going to frame your set of Sue the Napkin. Love this, though. It looks so bright and fresh.

    Oh, stenciling the design you had on your old sunroom floor might looks cool on two or three of them.

    Reply
    • Avatar for CarrieCarrie says

      March 10, 2011 at 3:03 pm

      I thought the same thing! Sue in a frame!

    • Avatar for megan emegan e says

      March 10, 2011 at 3:24 pm

      I support the framing of Sue

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 3:30 pm

      Maybe we’ll make her a pillow!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Rebecca @ Smiths in ProgressRebecca @ Smiths in Progress says

      March 11, 2011 at 10:54 am

      I was excited about the idea of framing Sue, too! I have even seen someone do high-quality color photocopies of fabric. They made party invitations with the paper, but you could certainly use the same idea to make art for a frame, without having to use as much fabric (or as many napkins!)

  39. Avatar for HannaHanna says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    Love it! I like how it is a kind of in-your-face reminder of the napkin colors too. I am totally tempted to do this in my house just to keep me on track when it comes to picking out accessories/drapes/pillows/etc.

    If you are looking for something more graphic that is on-hand, I bet some of the clara picure project fabrics would go great in there.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Julia MJulia M says

      March 10, 2011 at 3:00 pm

      I DIYED all the art for my daughter’s room and I am a huge fan of framing fabric, Hanna! I picked up some of Ikea’s adorable fabric and framed it for my daughter’s room. Cheap and beautiful!

      http://chrislovesjulia.blogspot.com/2010/12/progress-in-nursery.html

  40. Avatar for megs & baconmegs & bacon says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    LOVE!

    Reply
  41. Avatar for Kaitlin With HoneyKaitlin With Honey says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    You guys are SO creative and inspirational! I’ve been trying to figure out a cost-effective way to have colorful art and you definitely just inspired how I am now going to decorate the living area in my apartment. Seriously, you guys are awesome. Thank you!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for GingerGinger says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    Brilliant as usual. Before I saw it done and read that you were putting those squares up, I was skeptical, but it’s bold and beautiful! I wonder what a gallery would charge for those?

    Reply
  43. Avatar for PattiPatti says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    I LOVE this! You guys are so consistently right on, I love that about you. I like to frame gift wrap. Kate’s Paperie is my current favorite, they have a lot of beautiful paper that doesn’t look like traditional gift wrap.

    Reply
    • Avatar for KristenKristen says

      March 11, 2011 at 7:29 am

      Kate’s Paperie is HEAVEN.

  44. Avatar for ChristinaChristina says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    Wow, the paper adds so much to that space! I’ve started using scrapbook paper I already own to make new art for the house. When I’m feeling blah about the house I whip up some free new decor when I can’t afford a trip to Home Goods.

    Reply
  45. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    I love the frames! They look great. If you really are interested in those Classical Symmetry prints you can get them from art.com for $29.99 (without a frame)a piece. They will also give you 15% off your entire order today if you use the promo code SPELT… just thought I would share!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 2:43 pm

      Woah- I love how on top of that you are! Thanks for the info.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Amanda GailAmanda Gail says

      March 10, 2011 at 3:54 pm

      BEST NEWS TODAY!!! They even have more options to choose from – you ROCKETH.

    • Avatar for brittneybrittney says

      March 11, 2011 at 9:46 am

      That’s exactly what I did with the same Ribba frames to get those great classical symmetry shapes onto our walls for less $. Art.com rocks!

  46. Avatar for KarenCKarenC says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    I love it… I think you should keep them. They’re a great, contemporary punch of color. Can’t wait til y’all bring in a new rug.

    I was looking at that picture and thinking how great a cool chandelier would look hanging over Karl.

    Reply
  47. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    I likey! I likey a lot!

    Pefer your solution over C/B version (price aside). Your solution seems to have more drama/impact!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for Allison SuterAllison Suter says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    This looks SO GOOD. Period. It’s an open canvas to do much, much more if you choose to. However, if you choose not to, it’s perfectly simple. Love.

    Reply
  49. Avatar for Lisa @ Room by RoomLisa @ Room by Room says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    Nice color! I made my own artwork with scrapbook paper and silhouettes. http://lisasroombyroom.blogspot.com/2010/11/artwork-diy.html

    Reply
  50. Avatar for pamMNpamMN says

    March 10, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    You guys are so creative. I am new to your blog and am enjoying it immensely. How about adding some text/font in the form of signage to your pieces? Something that uses the graphic element in the rug would be nice too.

    Look forward to reading more!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 2:53 pm

      We do love words! Definitely a possibility!

      xo,
      s

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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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