Frugal Decorating: Making Postcard Art

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

21 Feb 2007 10:52 AM

Do you have an empty wall that can use some decorating? Why not try postcard art for a chic and cheap way to brighten up your space.

I am a big fan of all of those decorating and design shows and magazines that showcase gorgeous professionally designed rooms. Unfortunately, the price tag on many of the pieces that go into one of these rooms is far more than I would pay. But I still enjoy watching and reading, and getting lots of ideas that can be adapted to fit a more frugal lifestyle.

One theme that does keep coming up on these shows and magazines, in relation to art on the walls, is the idea of featuring a collection of framed pictures that somehow related to each other. Instead of hanging one large piece of art, let's say, you would hang several smaller images, usually (but not always) in a square or rectangle shape (see the photo on the Bookplate article for an example of what I am talking about).

A great way to use this idea in a very frugal way is to take advantage of picture postcards. There is such a large variety of postcards available today, that you could pretty much find postcards for any design idea.

Although you can limit your postcard art to places that you have been, there are so many more possibilities to explore.

For example, if you wanted something rustic, you could find sepia-toned postcards. A collection of individual states could be hung on the wall in order to essentially make a large map of the country. What about a collection of postcards featuring oranges and lemons to brighten up a kitchen wall?

Although you can frame your postcards any way you wish, using a clear "frame-less" frame will allow you to give a little more cohesiveness and impact to your postcard art, since the eye will be drawn to the postcards themselves instead of the frames.

Would you try this idea? I'd love to see photos of your results!

Related Articles:

Frugal Art: Make Your Own Bookplates

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger