Remember that grid of eight Ribba frames above our sectional (that we got right the second time around)?
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.
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.
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:
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).
It’s kind of like a simplified version of Sue the napkin now lives on our walls, eh?
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.
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).
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.
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.
Kiran says
Love this framed art. Can’t wait to DIY it for our home :)
Jenny Joy says
Ummm… I wouldn’t change a single thing. Those simple pieces of paper look INCREDIBLE all gussied up in a frame. Awesome!!!
Emily D. says
First-IKEA should give you some kind of kick back because your blog causes me to take more trips there than their commercials :)
Second-LOVE LOVE LOVE Krissy’s idea and now I know what to put on the big open wall over my futon!!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh good you can follow that link and it works? Krissy mentioned it might not be working. Is anyone else having an issue? I updated it to something else so I hope it’s ok now!
xo,
s
Krissy says
Love, love, love the temporary solution. You and I are so alike…i wouldn’t have lived long with the brown paper either!
Thanks so much for the shout-out! Not sure if the link is supposed to go right back to my pic? Right now it just goes to the home page of the blog. But WOW! I’m so honored to be acknowledged. You guys rock!
YoungHouseLove says
Darn! I updated it to another url. Now does it work? We’re obsessed with your idea so we want everyone to see it!
xo,
s
Elaine says
The link seems to be working now. Great idea, Krissy!
YoungHouseLove says
So glad!
xo,
s
Melissa Gibney says
Really love it! Really love your blog!
I picture something white and graphic for the center of your frames. Maybe like a “shadowbox” look!
Katie @ Domestiphobia.net says
Wow, that definitely added some great color to the room! You know, I kind of like the fortune cookie idea. :)
Kim Olson says
Looks great! For the graphic take on the Crate and Barrel high dollar collection: using the colored paper for the background then paint the graphics in metalic silver or even silver leaf. I think it would be a great look…
Dasha says
I kinda love these as a permanent solution :)
Kristin says
I absolutely LOVE those crate and barrel prints and have had them in my inspiration binder for the future so I can re-create something like that when we have more walls to fill.
I also LOVE how simple, colorful, and affordable your idea of filling those frames with paper is! Genius!
tiffany says
you guys are really talented!
Wendy says
Frame Sue the Napkin! If you could get another one, you could replace two of the sheets of paper with napkins.
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to work Sue in somehow. Pillows perhaps! We’ve been hunting for bolts of that fabric to make something bigger!
xo,
s
Wendy says
It would be awesome if you found a bunch of fabric and then you could work something into each room – napkins in the kitchen or dining room, a pillow in the living room, an upholstered headboard or ottoman or something in a bedroom, crib skirt in Clara’s room. You could even stuff some batting or something into a ball and roughly sew the edges to make a toy for Burger!
YoungHouseLove says
I know right? We heard a rumor that only the Crate & Barrel in NYC has bigger Sue stuff (shower curtains, curtain panels, towels, etc) and we’re dyyyying to go!
xo,
s
Katrina says
Road trip!
Shopper Gal says
Great minds think alike. I just posted my version yesterday!!! SO cool. I love how yours turned out!!
http://www.shoppergal.com/2011/03/making-my-own-crate-barrel-wall-art.html
molly h says
i don’t know how easy they are to take down & put back up, but your mention of doilies or snowflakes makes me think this could be a great seasonal thing. keep the colors as is, but add in white shapes or other flat decorations as the holidays/season suits. white paper hearts for valentines day, the snowflakes for winter, black bat silhouettes for halloween?
YoungHouseLove says
Cute! Always a possibility!
xo,
s
Amy J says
WE had six ribba frames in our dining room in our last house – we did the temporary scrapbook paper in the frame thing. Two years later when we packed up to move the paper was still there. When I put the frames up in our new dining room I just got new scrapbook paper to refresh the colors for the new color scheme. I am not even telling myself that I am going to put something else in them now – love it.
Becky says
I really like the pop of color they add! And, fun childhood memory: They remind me of the little cards you use in Candy Land. Adorable. :)
Conkie says
Love the art! When do you sleep? I love your energy…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, well sometimes I sleep standing up. While putting scrap paper in frames. Haha. It’s not so bad actually. We’re just dorks for DIY so we can’t stop.
xo,
s
Kim says
So simple, yet genius.
Krysta@http://domesticfordummies.blogspot.com/ says
I am loving all the color you are using. The house is like one giant play room for Clara! Can’t wait to see the other things you decide to stick in the frames.
jodi says
looks great just like that!
Mandy says
Love this idea, great job guys!!
Jessica says
For some cheap-o wall decor in Ribba frames we also used scrap book paper. We picked up a pad of Amy Butler scrap book paper (with the Michael’s coupon of course) and framed the different complementary patterns. It’s great for the bathroom!
lisa says
That looks nice and colorful. I like it. It’s funny, in the first picture, right under the colored paper pics…the bottom right picture, looked like it had a tree pic in the frame. I was like, “huh? Why did they put that one in there and the rest all colored paper?” Then, I scrolled down and realized it was just a reflection from outside. Haha.
frances martin says
AWESOME!
julie s says
Here’s a similar idea that I really like from the October 2010 issue of Canadian House and Home (also using Ikea frames). Instead of paper, they used felt!
http://www.houseandhome-digital.com/houseandhome/201010sample#pg12
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo,
s
CTDC says
Love this idea. I started a new job last year and didn’t have much money to decorate my new grown-up office. So I bought 2 of the bigger Ribba frames and some really nice oversize paper ($7 a sheet or something, from a stationer) to put in them. I get compliments ALL. THE. TIME. I also put some cool magazine covers in frames from HomeGoods, and some postcards I got on a trip in another frame. Other people are now asking me to decorate their offices…. I love “real” art but sometimes you just can’t afford it and you also can’t stand blank walls…
Lindsey B. says
I JUST did this yesterday. I got bored with the cheap-o art that I put together 8 months ago in my shadow-box frames so I went to Joann’s and got some doily-looking paper from their scrapbook section and layered it over a bold color paper (like yours). It adds a lot of texture to our otherwise dull hallway- and it only cost me about $1.25. Score :)
Alyson says
I’d let my kids go at those with white paint pens, and keep ’em forever. Love the colors.
Jenee says
LOVE this so much! Can you tell me where I might find an ottoman similar to the one you have in front of Karl? Right now we have a leather sectional in chocolate and a matching square ottoman, but I really want to get some different textures in our room and love yours! I also love the sheepskin thrown over it!
YoungHouseLove says
We got that from TJ Maxx a while back, so maybe try there and HomeGoods and Marshall’s? Good luck!
xo,
s
Heather says
Love the color combo. I used the same frames and colored backgrounds from Michael’s, then threw in some hand-made botanicals. You can see them here: http://loveyourspace.blogspot.com/2011/02/art-you-can-make-floral-silhouette.html
and the finals, with white backgrounds, here
http://loveyourspace.blogspot.com/2011/02/more-botanicals.html
Then I played around with cut-paper animals. http://loveyourspace.blogspot.com/2011/03/art-you-can-make-cut-paper-animals.html
You could do them in white to complement your ceramic menagarie!
YoungHouseLove says
GORGEOUS! Love it.
xo,
s
karen says
I love your ‘in-the-meantime’ art! you guys are so clever!!
kelsey says
i love framed paper! i have framed paper in my daughter’s nursery with Ribba frames! so fun and cheap and i can’t even tell you how many people are like”where did you get that cute art?” when i tell them it is paper they don’t belive me! i have also used the paper as a runner for baby showers! i always get the paper and put it all crazy down the middle of the table!! the house is looking great, love the blog!!
Julia H. says
We use framed postcards from our travels. They are so inexpensive, yet still colorful and unique. Now our friends and family have started sending us postcards to add to the collection!
georgia says
I LOVE LOVE luuuurve them! Amazing what a bit of cheap card can do…
Dont you think it was a bit steap paying a whole 10cents more for the ‘posh’ coloured card? ;)
I dont know if you like this style but what do ya think of a Keith haring style art that you could paint yourself – you could have people jumping through frames…. there is even a dog stick person ha! :o)
http://www.google.co.uk/images?um=1&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENGB327&tbs=isch:1&q=keith+haring+art&revid=1936952835&sa=X&ei=WC15TeziN86ChQfm2_DvBg&ved=0CDMQ1QIoAQ&biw=1350&bih=555
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I know, right? What’s up with that 10 cent increase for the posh paper? Haha. And we love those funny Keith Haring guys too!
xo,
s
Donita says
LOVE THIS!!! Did you know, that you can buy the scrapbooking paper that has the white or black designs on top of colors? I have seen the same papers, that you show with designs, only they are not layered. I have a few of the design ones myself. ;-) Great job guys!!
YoungHouseLove says
We’ll have to keep an eye out for that type of paper!
xo,
s
Claudia says
those are awesome. there’s also lots of scrapbook paper lines in a variety of colorways, you could find a bunch of sue-color prints and solids and match those as well. or, get more sues and frame those. but i like the solids as they are.
Katie says
What a cute idea…I have always been a fan of using scrapbook paper in small frames, but I’ve never been brave enough to really go for it like you did. I have been schooled. Thanks for sharing!
SouthsideShellyP says
You cats are so clever!
What happened to the calendar you bought on your beach road trip? I thought perchance you might use that artwork in these frames. Nonetheless, the colorblocking is super cool in full effect.
YoungHouseLove says
We’re thinking of using that for guest bedroom art or playroom art. Or even some hallway or dining room art. Lots of walls to decorate!
xo,
s
LYM says
Is there a Canadian bone in either of you? Noticed you used the term “eh” in your post.
YoungHouseLove says
John says it all the time! I think he’s channeling Canada!
xo,
s
margie says
whats with the lamp in the doorway? is that staying there?
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, we’re building a long console table for behind the sofa and then we’ll add two table lamps back there – but for now I need light when I read in my chaise. Haha.
xo,
s
Carolyn says
I love it, too! It’s like putting the color scheme for your entire house all in one pretty place. It sets the tone for everything else and makes it all come together. Beautiful!
Someone may have already asked this, but do you have any plans to frame Sue herself? Once you’re done carting her around to stores, it could be a fun way to pay homage to your inspiration piece!
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to make her a pillow or two I think!
xo,
s
Ashley says
I love that!! I would totally leave them they way that they are! 1) it’s completely Stodgy (which we learned is synonymous with sexy) and 2) sometimes it’s nice to just appreciate simple, clean art! :)
Ya’ll are so talented!
Bob says
OK… so fair is fair. This might be the best idea and design solution I’ve seen on your site yet. Although I just know you’re going to end up adding something to these, I strongly suggest leaving as is. Minimal, conceptual and colorful. Nice work!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Bob! Means a lot coming from an artist like you!
xo,
s
Kansas Kate says
I read the headline and I thought “sweet! 5 buckeroos per piece!”
But oh no. You’ve further made my day. $5 for EIGHT!
We’re in the “getting insurance and termite inspections before closing” stage on our house and every day I read your blog, I get a little (okay a LOT) more excited to move in and get to DIYing!
Tiffany says
I love the colors! I’m really enjoying everything you have been doing with the new house – it looks so great already!
My husband and I bought our first house back in October, and we have been working on a bunch of renovation projects, but the pace is definitely slower than yours. I just have to remind myself that we’ll get there at our own pace. :)
We are actually on the lookout for some cool art for our big, just-finished, renovation of our basement (which previously had a suspended ceiling, wood paneling, and a linoleum floor – YUCK!). We ended up going for a bright red accent wall around our fireplace, and I LOVE the splash of color. Now we just need some coordinating art!
Carolyn says
Just saw your previous answer to my question about framing Sue. Nevermind! :)
Krissy says
Love, love, love this temporary solution! We are so alike in that I wouldn’t be able to leave the brown paper for more than 24 hours either. Thank you for the shout-out! You guys rock. My favorite blog, by far.
Chelsey says
I don’t comment often, but I saw this item on Etsy about 2 minutes after reading this blog entry. How great would these look in the center of your color blocks? I love paper cuts and these are made from paint chips! How perfect is that? She has several designs:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68600050/spring-cleaning-hand-cut-8×10-shades-and
YoungHouseLove says
Those are amazing! Thanks for the link!
xo,
s
Kirsten says
Wow. LOVE. Although I nearly choked on my lunch when I saw the price of that C&B set. ;)
Josh says
You could use transparencies and print shadow images onto them. So that you just see the black of the shadow but you still have the colour in the background? Depending on the frame you could even have fun with depth and have multiple transparencies with different depths.
The colour schemes are obviously not the right ones but you should get the idea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoO8XqYOPpE
Just an idea.
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that’s a fun idea too! Love it.
xo,
s
DJ says
LOVE