Wednesday, July 20, 2011

DIY Graphic Wall Art

I have been having a little too much fun searching for and creating new wall art to add to our nursery lately. When I started looking for ideas, I was overwhelmed by the variety of things out there. I tried to stick to a simple style and theme, and just couldn't do it! There were too many things I loved! After finding a few different inspiration pieces on Etsy and various online stores, and seeing their price tag, I decided I was just going to set out to make my own instead! That way, I could infuse as many styles and ideas as I like without breaking the bank.

After I decided which direction to head, I hit a major road block: I am NOT a graphic designer. I wanted my art to look somewhat professional, but without photoshop or some other software, how was I to do it? My husband looked at what I wanted and prompted me to just use Microsoft word. Really? It could be that simple?

Well, he was right! A few fun fonts, custom colors, word art and character spacing alterations later and I had almost exactly what I was looking for.

(* I came across this quote idea on either a blog or etsy sight a while back, and cannot get back to find it, if you know where, let me know! I love it and definitely want to give credit where it is due! Thanks!)
It's difficult to explain exactly what I did, but I promise if you are even a tiny bit proficient at Word, you can figure it out in no time at all!
The last touch was to print off the fun designs in colored ink on just the right scrapbook paper. After printing and framing, you will be astonished at what you can produce on your own computer, practically for free, right from your own home!!


I combined my new designs with the vintage flashcards I shared last week, and am very pleased with the eclectic result. The cards were too small on their own, and didn't bring the pop of color I discovered I was really looking for.  Adding the new designs was just what I was looking for in this nursery space!
I'll be linking to these parties this week. Hope you'll stop by and check them out too!
Happy Wednesday!

Posted by Patrice at 5:00 AM
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11 comments:

Unknown July 20, 2011 at 5:22 AM  

These look great! You've encouraged me to try my own non-graphic hand at some designs. It's good to know I don't need an expensive software program. Thanks!

Tonia Lee Smith July 20, 2011 at 5:34 AM  

Cute as pie. Great for the non-graphic designer.

Jessica July 20, 2011 at 6:21 AM  

Looks great Patrice! Abbot is going to love his room:)

EmbellishedbyEmily July 20, 2011 at 9:27 AM  

I love these!! As a graphic artist, I must say it's probably better to NOT be a graphic artist sometimes -- less conflict going on in your head with all the options you know are available, so your result is very crisp and clean. I love the subtlety of your display of Abbott, too.

Rachel July 20, 2011 at 9:47 AM  

Oh yes! I think the new pictures are just what it needed to look complete: they look really good!

Nikki July 20, 2011 at 10:00 AM  

I just recently did some for my baby's nursery. I love your boy ones!! Here's mine (if you're interested) http://naturesheirloom.blogspot.com/2011/06/nursery-song-posters.html

Tiffany July 20, 2011 at 10:20 AM  

WOW! Patrice, this seriously looks amazing! You could not have picked more perfect scrapbook paper to highlight your word creations! LOVE that wall. Perfect.

Kate Fredrickson July 20, 2011 at 3:43 PM  

That's one of my fave Groucho quotes! Very cool. Love the color combo.
Kate @ welcomedtempest.blogpsot.com

Shug July 20, 2011 at 4:42 PM  

Smart thinking, and smart work...

Don't you just feel good all over for a job well done.

Looks great!

Seriously Moses July 22, 2011 at 8:45 PM  

These are super! Love the dog art!

Christen @ 3 Dog Wife July 25, 2011 at 4:34 PM  

Very cute! Where did you find the clipart?

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