3rd party article

Erinn Valencich

Fill your wall space with a collection of frames; this is an especially great way to go if you're on a budget. These don't all have to match, and a variety of sizes is going to give you the best look. The frames are part of the look—so start looking and collecting ones with a shapes that you like. Thrift stores, garage sales and frame stores when they have sales are great places to pick them up.

Keep all of the frames in the same color, either black or white or a dark stain wood, for instance, if you wish to have a more uniform look. You should mix the thickness and sizes however.

Once you have your frame collection growing, start pulling out images you like from magazines, art books or even posters that you love. And you don't have to use the entire poster; you could cut up one poster and frame all four quarters separately for a very fun look. It's that easy!

Another great decorating technique is to spell out words or statements, maybe even write a poem, then make the font extra large and print it.

Once you have your "art" ready to frame, you may want to consider using a mat. Precut mats are available at most art stores; however, if you have a custom-sized piece of art, a store like Aaron Brothers will cut a custom mat for you at a very affordable price. The real cost savings come from framing it yourself—so splurge on the custom-cut mats if needed!

Once you have all the pieces assembled and framed—you're ready to hang!

Things You'll Need:* Frames* Paint* Poster art* Custom Mat boards * Art* Kids art* Paper * hooks & a ham