Dude, my dad is an artist. I mean not by trade (he’s a super-genius math teacher), but both he and my mother sketched and drew for fun during my childhood (in turn art was my favorite subject in school and off I went to get a bachelor of fine arts in NYC). I remember being in complete awe about how my mom drew horses and ladies while I loved how my dad drew all sorts of abstract shapes that filled a page with lines and dots and squares. Sort of like this.
So about a week ago I was standing in the frame hallway thinking about my dad and his awesome drawings and realized that I needed one to frame in honor of him and his super cool art skillz that inspired me so much as a kid. So I called him up (you can see an old picture of him here) and begged him to photocopy one of them and send me the copy in a big rigid “do not bend” envelope. But he did me one better. He sent me the original (!) of what he calls his “best drawing ever” – a super sweet seventies-tastic owl that he sketched in 1972 (when I was negative ten years old).
First of all, I love that dad named him “Owlie” since I’m no stranger to naming my ceramic animals (like this gal). I also love that if you look closely you’ll see that the entire owl is made up of repeating shapes and patterns (totally a signature thing that my dad did in nearly all of his sketches). And everything from the repeated hexagons to the soft layered colors that feel so “authentic seventies” just makes me smile. I know owls are all the rage these days, but I love that my father sketched this guy 39 years ago! Although maybe owls were hot commodities then too. Haha. Everything old is new again.
Anyway, true to my obnoxiously excitable personality, the receipt of this amazing guy got me ridiculously hyper. Stupid-giddy even. I couldn’t bring myself to frame the original (way too precious) so I decided to scan it so I could mail the original right back to dad where it belonged. And since my father had mentioned that he wished he hadn’t cut it down and matted it on purple paper decades ago, I took the opportunity to “digitally restore” his sketch to its original glory by putting it on a while background just as it had originally appeared. I also moved the little signature and date together for the new not-cut-down arrangement while I was at it:
Then I printed it out and popped it into a hallway gallery frame that had something less exciting (a picture of our wedding table, but we already have a few other more beloved wedding pics on the wall so… it got dethroned by Owlie).
Total spent: $0.
I think it makes the entire wall.
And sure enough, when we recently had some people over they gravitated to it and I got to proudly tell them that my father drew it in 1972! Woo to the hoo. Get it? Owl? Hoo? See what I did there?
Anyway, I love me some dad-made owl art. And as many of you know, I also love me some crocheted owl hattage on the bean (she calls this her “hoo hat”). Can my child really be into bad puns at the ripe old age of a year and a half?
With us parents… I think so. Oh and in case you haven’t seen her singing Adele, here’s that link for ya.
Have you guys framed anything that your friends or relatives have drawn? Did you only feel right keeping a copy of it? For some reason the original just feels like it belongs at dad’s house taped up next to his desk like it always has been (I also sent him a “digitally restored” printout, in case he wants one of those). What’s with kids wanting their parents to keep their houses exactly the same for sentimental reasons, anyway?
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I love everything about this post: the pic, your dad, the scanning and emailing, C’s hoo hat..
Your dad is so talented! And it’s definitely 70s-esque… the shapes look like my parents’ former kitchen floor… :)
Owls are crazy popular right now! I don’t know where this trend came from! but Clara looks super adorable in her owl hat :)
haha That is so cool, and it’s even cooler because your dad drew it, so it has sentimental value to you. I need to make myself a gallery wall, stat! I am so inspired by all of your sentimental homemade art.
This is so cute! I love that you framed a piece of your dad’s art work. I love all the geometric details of it (even though it’s from the 70’s, it still feels pretty modern). It definitely does make the wall!
That is wonderful! I love the idea of framing meaningful art! Not only is it (often) free, but it reminds you of something special every time you look at it!
Did you send your dad a copy of the unmatted digitally-remastered Owlie?
Yup! I figured he might one of those too!
xo,
s
Wonderful artwork! Your dad is talented! I just bought a wall hanging from Ikea yesterday for my kids’ bedroom that has three owls on it. It makes their room!
Love the new owl addition! I just shared an owl themed Sip & See I recently styled – complete with a white ceramic owl!
http://thisnestisbest.com/2011/12/01/woodland-owl-sip-see/
So sweet! Love it!
xo,
s
My parents moved and my brother got our old house. My bedroom was turned into my nieces room and I have yet to go in there and look at it. I just can’t forget how my room was, it’s sentimental!
I wouldn’t be able to go in there either. Sometimes I will drive by my childhood house but never could I walk it again.
Love the owl! Your dad has skills! It works perfect with the colours in the other art too.
That’s amazing! And it looks so good in the wall gallery.
My brother fancies himself an artist and he once drew a beautiful flower for me on a long brown paper bad. I plan on getting it framed at some point, but right now it just sits on a shelf.
You should totally do a canvas wrap for your dad with a purple background!
I think its awesome, I wish I had drawing skills. And you are right, it TOTALLY makes the frame wall now ;)
Aw, that’s a fun idea!
xo,
s
This is soo cool! What an awesome addition to the wall! My mom has some amazing artwork that she did in high school like you I was in the negative years lol. It’s really amazing to have something like this knowing that your parent(s) created it so long ago! I love it love it! Of course Miss Clara is looking to adorable in her hat!
Very Nice! And even more special since it has sentimental value!
That’s so crazy! I just blogged this morning about a mercury glass owl I purchased over the weekend at an Antique Store that we named “Owly.” Small world!
Haha- love it!
xo,
s
Looks awesome! Our apartment is full of family art – including some large renderings that my boyfriend’s father did during archtectural school in the 70’s (still have the grades he received marked in the corner), and sketches that my grandmother did in college in the 30’s. Really makes things feel special, and of course, it was all previously sitting in basements, so it cost nothing and is so nice to be able to bring it out and appreciate it.
Super Cool, er, groovy?! I have very fond memories of all the owl plackards and other 1970’s owl related decor that my grandmother had. So awesome to have such a personal and meaningful item to add to your fram gallery! And on owl-related banter, here’s a liitle crafty owl mobile that I whipped up for my baby niece last year :)
http://applesforolive.wordpress.com/projects/owl-mobile/
Cute!
xo,
s
I absolutely love owls, so this is awesome in my book.
One of our friends is an illustrator so we always frame we hand drawn birthday cards!
My boyfriend proposed using a note last weekend (sounds weird, full story here: http://annabelvita.com/a-story-about-a-ring) so you can bet I’ll be framing that luggage tag he wrote it on somewhere! Most sentimental art ever.
Aw soooo cute! Congrats girl!!!!
xo,
s
This is really cute! I love owls and named a necklace I got last year “Owlie” too. I agree with you, this new addition really makes the wall :)
Great Owl!
Just had to comment to say that everything old is indeed new again! In fact, that’s the name of my blog! I started it a few months ago when I bought my first house. It’s new to me, but 151 years old. I spend almost all my free time trying to fix it up with modern flair that complements its vintage/historic charm. Thanks for the continued inspiration!
Owls were totally in during the 70’s. And mushrooms-in many varieties of cuteness. It all comes around again.
Yes they were! I had forgotten the mushrooms thing though and I grew up in a house that had orange/gold/avocado colored mushroom wallpaper in its only bathroom! I see so many art and design trends today that are fresh takes on 60s and 70s design.
J&S, can you remind me who did the painting/drawing of your first house seen in the pictures above? I’d love something like that in our living room. Thanks!
p.s. currently working on a wall gallery and I must say you guys made it look easy! I’ve had 2 broken frames (fell while trying to hang), and realized one of my RIBBA frames can’t be hung with nails so had to re-do the set up and I have a lot of various holes from trying to keep things even. Love the finished product though so it was all worth it!! You guys are just so impressive that you were able to do it so fast and without any broken frames!
Here’s that post for ya: https://www.younghouselove.com/daddy-daughter-a-deal-or-two/ Hope it helps! As for the frame wall- we did break our poor ceramic dog when a frame fell on him! So sad.
xo,
s
you know, I rememberd the dog breaking, but didn’t want to mention it. :-( I guess it’s just a part of the wall gallery busines. Something must break.
Haha- yes! It’s just the rule I guess!
xo,
s
Love the owl! Just a quick question though, where did you get the painting of your old house? I absolutely LOVE it. We moved at the beginning of this year and I would love to get a painting made of our old house! Thanks!
Love that thing! Here’s that post for ya: https://www.younghouselove.com/daddy-daughter-a-deal-or-two/
xo,
s
I just loooved this post!
I am also a gal who has gotten tons of inspiration from a very artistic dad. I love the idea of framing some of his drawings and doodles. Ispired by this post I think I will have to look around my parents place for some cool old drawings.
That is a really cool retro owl, and the Photoshop job (taking away the purple background — oh, the 70s) was the right choice. :D It looks great, and you’re right — it totally makes the wall!
D’awww, hoo hat. Clara is just made of precious, isn’t she?
I LOVE your dad’s drawing! If I ever saw it in a store I would spend mucho moolah on it to have it in my home! I love how everything from the 70’s is back in right now, such as owls. Even the style your dad drew it in is back in…love it.
Great post! I love the owl! my kids took a print making class this summer and I am framing some of their work for my living room! Original art is great, especially when it is made by someone that you love!
LOVE IT!! “Owlie” is as old as I am, as I was born in 1972. And yes, owls were all the rage back then–I remember my house being adorned with many different owl-related pics & objects. So much so that a year or so ago when I brought home a big white ceramic owl, my husband’s first comment was “it reminds me of something your mother would have”. Well, yes, but updated and much cooler! I’m a bit owl-obsessed lately myself.
My mom was very artistic, and when she passed away a few years back we found one drawing in particular that she had done back in high school, of a bird on a bamboo branch. It was beautiful, but the paper was badly degraded from 50 years of storage. My brother’s fiance surprised him by taking it to someone who could restore it to it’s original condition, and it now hangs in their home.
That’s so sweet! I’m sorry for your loss, but so glad that you guys could restore some of her high school work!
xo,
s
Very cute. I love Clara’s outfit. Hoo Hat, Jacket, shorts/or capris and barefoot….oh and her sippy cup. HA! She’s ready to go! :)
My niece’s school does a fundraiser every year where you can order “stuff” (quilt squares, mugs, etc.) with your kid’s artwork on it. I always get a matted print, so I have a little gallery of her artwork. She’s pretty talented, I think.
Love the owl! You’re right, it totally makes the wall. I used to doodle full pages of lines and dots and shapes and things when I was in school – clearly not paying attention. It’s so theraputic! I’m glad you got to include something from your Dad in your collection. Super sweet. Off to check out the video now. I’m addicted to Adele!
-Diana
I love the owl…you should do a look whoo’s turning two party for Clara. I wanted to also let you know that I am doing the 25 days of painted Christmas stuff and I used your ornaments as the first! http://www.fortheloveofpainting.com
Aw fun! Love it!
xo,
s
Oh, one more way we’ve used family art–my daughter drew an adorable holiday scene back when she was 4. We had her sign & date it, then we took a good, close-up picture of it (turned out better than scanning it), loaded it into the computer, and made it into our Christmas card that year. It will always be my favorite card ever. :)
That’s so cute! I love that idea so much!
xo,
s
How neat! My cousins twins (14 months) both say ‘Hoo, Hoo’ when you ask them what the owl says. I’m trying to find them a talking owl for Christmas now. Might have to change to look for a hat!
Haha- so cute!
xo,
s
I don’t have any art to frame from family members, but I bet I could get some! I have framed one of my son’s first birthday cards and a wedding card we received though!
love it. we have a picture of a turkey my husband made by tracing his hand when he was in grade school hanging in the mix of framed school art our kids have done. love it!!
1. Your dad was WAY ahead of his time with the owl, color scheme, and graphic pattern. It makes so much sense now… it’s all in the genes!
2. Evie sings “Someone Like You” too! This is KISMET. A Clara/Evie duet? I vote yes!
And for your viewing enjoyment, here’s the link of our Adele cover video:
You both are amazing..
-side note: Where did you get the floor lamp behind you?
So, Jen, I’m glad you posted the whole video… I found your website through it and you may be my new favorite singer!
Oh. Oops. I didn’t realize it would paste the whole video on there. I thought it would just give you the link and send you there.
At any rate, stay tuned for the blooper reel after the song! Enjoy!
Haha- love it! You have such a gorgeous voice- and Evie is such a cutie!
xo,
s
Great addition to the wall. What made you not leave “Owlie” on it? I know you always have lots of thoughts behind your processes
I just thought since dad mentioned that he wished he hadn’t cut it down and “cluttered it up” that he regretted writing Owlie- so although I loved the name I knew we’d remember it and that way I could send him back a “restored” version without the clutter and the cutting down stuff!
xo,
s
Good decision. DId your dad get it all back yet? What does he think?
Not sure it made it there yet, but I did send him the link to this post so… surprise dad!
xo,
s
That’s such a great drawing! It reminds me of my grandfather. He owns a barber shop in downtown Richmond and has an owl collection there. He’s a tough old man and a new owl is one of the few gifts that can get a big ole grin out of him. :)
I Love the Hoo Hat! So cute!
love the owlie! if your dad ever opens up an etsy shop, please let me know!!
Haha- will do! He’d be flattered to hear that Owlie is in demand!
xo,
s
That owl is amazing! Your dad is a terrific artist and it totally makes that wall.
Sherry! Clara totally looks like you! I clicked back to that picture you linked to of you and your dad and had to do a double take! You totally have the same facial expressions.
Happy December my favorite decorating duo! I am sure this addressed somewhere in your blog, but…how do you get your gallery art to stay so straight? Obviously, some are “two-nail hung” which, if leveled, would stay straight, but what about those items that only have a “one nail hanger?”
Thanks and I love you guys…
Sometimes we like to use 3M velcro (it’s 100% removable so it won’t mark up the wall) to hold things in place! It’s nice and sturdy so they don’t rock!
xo,
s
Very cool story! I love it!
I actually have framed something drawn for me. My grandmother was selling the house I grew up in, and a friend (who was a deployed soldier) used to draw to relax in Iraq. He asked me for a picture of the house and drew it for me. It still hangs in my dining area and serves as a conversation starter more than I could have imagined.
That’s amazing! What a cool keepsake!
xo,
s
Ok first of all, the picture of Clara is beyond precious. Something about the way she is standing, holding her mouth, and of course wearing that hat makes her look like a little sprite or elf. Hehehehe.
Secondly, love the artwork. I am constantly amazed at the talent of some people. My husband can draw or paint ANYTHING and make it look like it costs a million bucks. Me? I can’t draw a stick figure. You are so lucky to have two artistic parents that passed that love and talent on to you (and hopefully to Clara!).
Way to make your home even more special and sentimental and STILL look incredible. You guys inspire me!
Hey Sherry, I was wondering what printer you use to have such great quality images? Like the owl, and pictures from your wedding and of Clara.
We have an HP Photosmart – it’s a little wonky for being wireless, but printing on card stock yields great images!
xo
s
We have a HP Photosmart wireless printer too and I feel the same way about it! It prints great quality, but the wireless is a little funny. Glad to know it isn’t just me! :)
i love everything owl! i am currently wearing an owl ring (my mom’s in the 60’s) owl earrings and an owl necklace.and i have an owl build-a-bear. and my first beanie baby when i was 4 years old was an owl named hoot. and the mantle piece in my living room has antique Audubon owl prints and a taxidermy owl (that is surprisingly not that creepy, and died of natural causes). I also have various owl shirts and my sister cable knit me a sweater with owls around the neck and they hve little button eyes.
I might be a little obsessed but i also have a parliament of owls that lived in the crop of trees outside my bed room window and they are noisy all day and night. i love it!
okay this is long winded, but i also do the pattern things all over my notebooks in class. I’m always covered in ink by the end of lecture!
you guys are awesome :)