SCOUTS HONOR

Would you like to buy cookies?? These adorable Girl Scout journals just arrived today, and we just had to share them!

Girl Scout Lined Journal - $9.95 @ Lola's

Have you ever thought how busy your child's life is? Girl Scouts on Tuesday. Piano on Wednesday. Dance class on Thursday. Cheering on her older brother during his wrestling meet on Saturday. Plus, when you add homework and chores to the mix, being a kid can be as demanding as a full time job.

We love the idea of showing your child their hard work is appreciated! If your little Girl Scout achieved her cookie selling goal, buy her this cute journal. If your son did his best in the wrestling meet, take him out to lunch - just the two of you. It doesn't have to be anything extravagant, just a small gesture to show your kids know that you recognize, and appreciate, their hard work! 

Scouts Honor... a little extra effort from you, as a parent, goes a long way.

KIDS BOOK CLUB: 02.28.12

Little Louie Takes Off
by Toby Morison

Take off on a high-flying adventure with Little Louie! This adorable bird is struggling to learn to fly, so he has to take a plane in order to fly south and meet his family for the winter. And so the adventure begins. This book is perfect for any child who is amazed by airplanes. Its a fun story and beautifully illustrated. Kids Book Club books available at Lola's, or call... we can ship it to you!

Retail: $15
Save 10% off this book through 03/06/12

Watch for new Living Lola Style Kids Book Club posts every Tuesday!

YOUR NEXT DINNER PARTY

Which fork to use? One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was this: when trying to decide which fork to use, work for the outside in. I am actually amazed at how often over the course of my lifetime this one tidbit of advice has come in handy!

Now that I am a grown up, and have my own dinner parties, I realize there is more that goes into setting a table than "working from the outside in."

I found this diagram on imom.com and thought it was so useful!!! Every creative person can make a table look gorgeous, simply adding flowers can dress up a table, but setting a beautiful table really starts with the basics. The flatware, the glassware and the dishes. Here are a few helpful tips of my own:

Flatware:

• Set flatware for every course being served
• Roll flatware in napkins for a buffet, to make it easy and faster for the guests to move through the line.
• If you are hosting a large party and don't have the proper amount of flatware, mix it up. Add a few different styles of flatware to your table. You can either set each place setting with a different pattern or mix and match each place setting. I set me table this way every night. I love the eclectic look it brings to the table!
• Set your flatware with a pretty napkin. There are some nice disposable or do-it-yourself options available. Search the Internet for more tips.

Glassware

• You do not need to set wine glasses if guests will be served wine with appetizers, before sitting down.
• Add pitchers of water on your table to keep guests hydrated and from over indulging in the wine.
• Make sure your glasses do not have spots! Wipe with a paper towel to remove water spots. You can also soak the glasses in a vinegar and water mixture to remove stubborn spots, just rinse thoroughly before setting on your table!
• Again, if you don't have the proper amount of glassware, mix it up. You can add different glass cuts to your table, just make sure everyone has similar size glasses.

The Dishes

• This is where you can be creative! Select dishes that support your theme. 
• If you don't want to continual buy dishes, invest a good set of white for parties, they mix in and match with any color theme. 
• Add a pop of color with serving pieces and/or salad plates, soup bowls, etc. 
• Use the good dishes. If you don't have a complete set of china, check your local thrift store. Often, dishes cost as little as 49 cents each. 
• Again, following my favorite theme, if you don't have matching dishes, mix it up systematically. Alternate place settings to give the entire table a uniform look and collective feel. I always search thrift stores for china patterns that will mix well with my dishes. Odd bowls and plates can be used for serving. a piece of advice, if you see dishes that you at a thrift store, LOVE buy them at that moment. Once you go home and realize how much you truly love them, they will be purchased by someone else!

Dinner parties can be fun! Be creative and have a theme. Enjoy planning the menu and decorating the table. Setting the table should be the least of your worries. One last tip: set your table ahead of time, prep as much of the menu early if, then focus on being in the company of friends and family. Enjoy yourself!

- Stacey Olson, Featured Contributor

Stacey Olson is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.

DECORATING WITH JEWELRY

Dressing up! When I was little, I remember going to visit my Grandmother, Velma. She was a petite red head who made the best homemade cinnamon rolls on the planet. Everyday, she wore bright red lipstick and colorful jewelry. When I would visit, grandma would set aside a bowl full of necklaces, clip on earrings and empty make-up jars on a dressing table for me to play with. I remember putting all those treasures in her old black purse and walking into the living room. I would pretend to be the Avon lady and ask each adult if they wanted to buy anything from inside my bag.

I still love jewelry, and make-up, and let's face it... playing dress up. A few years ago my grandmother passed away. When my aunt asked if there was anything special I wanted, the one thing I associated with Grandma was the empty make-up jars and jewelry. I picked a handful of her costume jewelry and love it to this day. Looking at the plastic beaded necklaces instantly makes me feel 5 years again, and of my Grandma.

Years later, I still have all that old jewelry. Even though none of it is real, I think its beautiful, sparkly and needs to be a part of my every day life. I think if I applied bright red lipstick and wore grandma's necklaces, my husband would think I had finally lost it! So instead, I have decided to think of ways to incorporate Grandma's jewelry into my decorating.

Earrings and Broaches

I love this idea. I framed one of my favorite broaches and display it as if it were a piece of artwork. Using an old frame, I took out the glass, covered the cardboard backing in an old encyclopedia page and then stuck Grandma's pin into the cardboard. I applied a touch of glue to keep it in place. This would be beautiful to hang within a mix of family photos and mementos. Something similar could be done with a pair of clip on earrings too.  A family photo or newspaper clipping would also make a nice background image.

 

Necklaces

I gathered up all my grandmothers remaining jewelry: rings, necklaces, pins and earrings. I paced them all in an apothecary jar. This would be a heartfelt touch for a powder room or on a make-up table, it could even serve as a cute way to decorate your walk-in closet. I have a friend who put her grandmother's engagement ring and wedding ring in a terrarium. Any idea is a good one. Family jewelry can serve as a daily reminder of where you come from and who you want to be!

 

It doesn't do any good to store old jewelry in boxes or a drawer. Display it. I always say use the good dishes. Don't save your good China, or you'll never use it. Serve ice cream on the China! This is similar! Show off grandma's jewelry! You may even find a few pieces you would actually wear in public! Vintage in in!

- Stacey Olson, Featured Contributor
 

Stacey Olson is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.

REDBIRD VINTAGE HOME

We couldn't be more proud! RedBird Vintage Home, friend to Lola's, will be featured this weekend at the West Elm store in Lincoln Park, Chicago!

Kay Holsted, owner of RedBird Vintage Home, produces these amazing vintage inspired pillows. We also are proud to carry her pillows at Lola's. She also sells through a highly successful Etsy shop.

In fact, due to this Etsy shop, she was chosen to participate this Saturday, February 24, 2012, in the We Heart Handmade Art Event. This event takes place in the Lincoln Park West Elm store, located at 1000 West North Avenue, in Chicago. RedBird Vintage is one of only 13 Etsy sellers who were invited to set up shop in this retail store for one day. We know everyone shopping at West Elm will love her pillows as much as we do!!!!

You may have seen these amazing pillows in Elle Decor magazine, (yes, Elle Decor!) and you can also find them at Lola's! We love these one-of-a-kind, hand made pillows using recycled and re-purposed material! All these pillows are reminiscent of Ralph Lauren style, with an urban flare. Check out their Etsy store, then order the SAME pillow through Lola's. Save on shipping costs!

  

Good luck Kay and RedBird Vintage Home! You are proving that 'Living Lola Style' works! Do what you love, and others will love what you do! Congrats!!!

CHARMS

Your jewelry is charming! My best friend and I were on vacation in Denver. We found this fabulous store, Pandora on the Hill. They sold charms and would make them into necklaces for you while you shopped. We had so much fun and made too many necklaces that day. I always remember that day, and recently brought the same idea to Lola's.  I am on a mission to bring back charm  - with a touch of Lola Style!

Tradition

If you grew up with a charm bracelet, you know how much fun it was to find a new charm and add it to your collection. Here's an idea: pass along the tradition to your daughter or granddaughter. I love the idea of starting "her" bracelet with a charm from your own bracelet. Create a new tradition. Its a sweet and thoughtful gift that will mean more to her over the years than any other newly produced bracelet you could buy.

Bracelets

Stacking bangles and bracelets is hot right now. Add a charm to your bangles or bracelets. It will dress them up and add a splash of "bling". I have a few charms that I have attached to clasps and can easily rotate to different bracelets depending on my mood or outfit.

Necklaces

I have a vintage pearl beaded necklace that I never wore. It always seemed to be missing something. In my travels I came across a vintage-style love pendant locket. I added it to the necklace and now I receive compliments every time I wear it. Also, if you have broken necklaces or mismatched pieces in your jewelry box, add them to other necklaces. Create your own jewelry. Its easier than you think.

Vintage Treasures

I always watch for interesting jewelry whenever I visit a flea market, thrift shop or garage. Its true that ones trash is another ones treasure. Look for vintage pieces without rust or tarnish. Use charms or pendants to update old chains or necklaces, or use old charms and pendants to add character to new necklaces. Reuse, re purpose and re create!

The best thing about re purposing jewelry with charms is that you will create a totally unique piece with character unlike any other jewelry owned by your friends! Lola's store sells charms, necklaces and bracelets, and the team will assemble your creation while you wait! Brings friends, and make memories!

- Stacey Olson




Stacey Olson is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.
 

SAY WHAT YOU MEAN

Do I have to spell it out? Quotes, inspirational sayings and alphabet letters are a hot trend in decorating. Yes, you can order wall decals from Etsy, or buy artwork with a favorite saying at target, but thinking outside the box is what Living Lola Style is all about.

Playing Games
Scrabble Letters were popular were crafts. In the 80's I wore a scrabble letter tile, hot glued on a pin, on my winter coat. Groovy, right? More recently, people spelled their last names or messages with Scrabble tiles and lined them up on the wooden scrabble piece holders. Cute, and a bit Kitsch. The new thing in re-purposing games is to use letter dice and cards from games. Plus, if the game pieces are vintage, that's even better!

Flashcards
At Lola's, we love flashcards with beautiful artwork. Hang a grouping of frames with flashcards of your child's first initial your the initial of your last name. These make great new baby or wedding gifts. Another option for using flashcards is to frame the entire name or a saying (love, read, eat, etc). They can provide inspiration in a whimsical, and edgy sort of way.

Be on the Search
When you are shopping, be on the search for letters. You can use almost anything to write your message for all to see. Greeting cards, tin signs, mugs, magnets - anything. Spell out what you are trying to say! Shout your message for all to read!

INSPIRATION

Live this quote! Take this quote and set forth onto your next project. Brave that uncharted new frontier. You can do it! Have you been dreaming, plotting and planning your big project? Do you need to redecorate a room? Finish  piece of furniture? Organize your closet? Whatever the project, believe you can do, start it and, most importantly finish it. Sometimes all it takes is starting the momentum. Before you know it, you'll have completed the project and be on to the next!

KIDS BOOK CLUB: 02.21.12

The Getaway
by Ed Vere

The notorious cheese thief, Fingers McGraw, has struck again and ace lawman Detective Jumbo Wayne Jr is in hot pursuit! This action-packed adventure is loaded with vivid artwork and vibrant story that any age will love! Available for purchase at Lola's, or call... we can ship it to you! 

Retail: $14
Save 10% off this book through 02/28/12

Watch for new Living Lola Style Kids Book Club posts every Tuesday!

BOXES OF PHOTOS

  

Smile! You probably have boxes full of family photos that need to be organized. Its one of those projects you promise to get to"some day'. Sure, you may frame a select few. Or file some in photo albums. What do you do with the rest of the photos? 

Digitize

If you have a scanner, you may want to turn those prints into digital files. Tackle the project in small intervals. Set an easy to attain goal, such as scan 25 photos each week. File the photos as your scan. Then you can throw the photo away. It is hard to throw them away, but once you have scanned them there is no need to keep the photos. Be sure you back up your files online or to an external hard drive. If you are going to keep your old photos, label the boxes and store them neatly - where they won't get wet or become affected by humidity.

Frame

A family photo wall is always a favorite in any home. Try to include more than just the kids school photos and wedding photos. Mix in candid photos of all family members. Hang a photo of the friends and relatives who are in your life on a daily basis. Nothing makes guests feel more welcome than seeing their photo hanging on the wall. Refer to the blog post, Wall of Frames, for tips to creativity hang the frames to make an impact. This is also a fun decorating idea for your child's room too. Use brightly colored coordinating frames and include photos of grandparents, school friends and accomplishments.

Unique

Think outside the box when creating photo displays.  Photo's hung on branches are a charming touch in an entry way. Some of our favorite idea's include:

• If you have an old frame, hang photos from clothes pins on a piece of twine. 
• Make a photo collage under a large piece of glass on your desk.
• Tack photos on a large bulletin board and mix in memento's

Parties

Any of these idea's can be applied to support a party theme. Burn CD's of the photos for family members for holiday, anniversary or wedding gifts. Photo CD are great party favors. Use a childhood photo of each guest as place cards for your next dinner party. You can string old photos to make garland. The idea's are endless. Be creative and think outside the box... or, uh, outside the photo album.

PARTY THEME

Love this idea! We had a customer come it the store who was going to a 'White Elephant' party. You know, a party where everyone brings a wrapped gift and you play a game to exchange the gifts. We wanted to make her gift stand out. We wrapped the gift in wrapping paper, but placed the print inside. If you look closely in the photo above, you can see the cut guides and scissor images. This would usually go on the inside. The Lola's team added white ribbon and white string to complete the gift. It was fun and looked fabulous!

This got us talking.... What was the best themed white elephant party you have ever been invited to? Our neighboring store, Gigi, had a White Elephant for their holiday party. The theme, anything vintage! It was as much fun shopping for an item as it was opening the present. Other themes we love include: books, vintage tea cups, gardening pots, kitchen items, spices, or 'something from your house you are no longer using". Call you friends and plan a White Elephant themed party. Every loves a gift, and you never need a reason to throw a party!

Share your creative White Elephant party ideas in the comment area below!

DECORATING WITH BOOKS

This is a dream! For any reader, a favorite decorating prop is books. Books add dimension, provide elevation and/or substance to any display you are doing within your home.

Old Books

The worn appearance of old books can a sense of history and comfort to your home. Fill your book shelves with old books. You can use a variety or stick to a theme. Display old cookbooks in your kitchen, books of poems in your bathroom, or reference books in your family room. Old books are even a nice addition to your office. If you are, say, a realtor, collect old real estate books. Its interesting to see how professions have evolved over time.

Hard Bound Classics

Any type of hard bound book adds substance to a display. If you remove the dust jacket, most books have a beautiful colored cover. One idea is to follow your room's color scheme by using books with covers of a similar hue. The photo to the left shows books in hues of blue. Did you eye naturally pop to the one green book? Add a few books similar to support your accent color.

'Cover Off' Trend

Anthropologie stores may have started this trend, and to their credit, its a creative way to display books. Tear off the cover and spine cover of your old paperbacks. At Lola's, we tear off the first few blank pages too. The black text and the white pages make a sort of muted and collective statement. This would be beautiful to add to a shabby chic or french cottage interior. Also, this would be a great way to add various levels of height and dimension on a table for a garden party or wedding.

Wrapped

Covering a book is a nice way to mesh with your interior without harming the book. This style has been popular in high end interiors for awhile. Wrapping the all the books in one color, most often a white or black card stock, allows the book to be displayed without competing with the decor. Its easy to do, just cover the books the same way you did in high school. There are simple to follow instructions on the internet. We love how Apartment Therapy wrapped the books in this photo with Kraft paper and used white labels to mark the important books Some of Lola's favorites wraps include sheet music, newspaper, wrapping paper, and even old dictionary pages. This is a great way to show your creativity.

However you choose to include them, books are a great decorating tool. You may discover that simply by having books around, you may be more apt to pick one up and start reading.

TRUNKS

Trunks make a great alternative to a table.

Don't junk your trunk. Decorating with trunks is a hot trend right now. Trunks have always been popular at the foot of the bed. However, trunks are making a comeback and they are reappearing in all rooms throughout the house. The can be useful in almost every room and offer a touch of history, unique charm and even a hope of travel.

A trunk flipped on its end
makes a creative  pedestal
for a lamp.

Trunks serve as a nice way to bring a touch of history into your modern living room. Use an old trunk as a coffee table. I personally like the idea of flipping a trunk on its end and using it as a pedestal. When on its side, place a lamp on the trunk to utilize behind a reading chair. 

Trunks are also nice additions to a family room (store games), a kitchen (store pans, baking supplies or crock pots), in the playroom (hide the kids toys) or even a bathroom (think of how many towels or how much make-up you could fit inside a trunk). Regardless of which room you decide to display a trunk, they serve as a wonderful storage.

If you are one of the lucky few, you have your great grandmothers hope chest collecting dust in the attic. If that is the case, make the rest of us jealous - bring it down from the attic, clean it up and put it on display for the rest of the world to admire. If you are the majority of the population, and you don't have an heirloom trunk begin the search now.

You can even decorate the outside too.

Many antique and vintage stores sell trunks. If your favorite store doesn't have one in stock, let them know you are looking for one. They may have one in storage or have a contact interested in selling one. Its funny how that happens. Lola's, actually has four different antique trunks in stock currently.  You can also check Craigslist, Estate Sales and Auctions, even post it on Facebook. You may discover that finding a trunk could be easier than you think.

READING LIST: CEMETERY GIRL

I have a passion for books. They are one of the few simple man-made beauties. Nothing can compare to the feeling of snuggling up with a cup of tea and wrapping yourself up in a new book. The feeling of the paper as you turn the page can not be replaced. At times, I become so wrapped up in the story, I forget to quit reading about some other person's life and live my own. (I usually realize this after taking a drink from my two hour old, now cold tea.)

Quote from a post on Pintrest. Original web site unknown.

Reading List: Cemetery Girl by David Bell

Two nights ago I read Cemetery Girl. I began and finished the book all within the same day. (A little obsessive? At times.) In all fairness, I must admit I did stay up until 3am to finish the last few page turning chapters. It was a very good, easy read. I would highly recommend this book.

Book Bio:

"Four years after Tom and Abby's 12-year-old daughter vanishes, she is found alive but strangely calm. When the teen refuses to testify against the man connected to her disappearance, Tom decides to investigate the traumatizing case on his own. Nothing can prepare him for what he is about to discover." - Amazon

Book Club:

Join the Living Lola Style Book Club. You don't have to commit to anything. In fact, you don't have to sign up even. I would love to discuss this book with you. Leave your comments here or email me. we can be our own book club! Watch for new Reading List additions as I read more books. Local readers, I will have this book at Lola's store (126 E. Washington Street, Morris, IL) if anyone would like to borrow it. Simply stop in and ask! 

This week, take time out to devour a good book! 

- Stacey Olson, Featured Contributor

Stacey Olson is the owner of Lola's, located in Morris, IL, and is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog. 

TREAT BAGS

Show your love! Valentines Day is right around the corner. This year show the ones you love how much you really care! Most of us usually wait until the day before, then rushing out and buy a handful of Valentines cards, a box of candy and/or flowers. Nothing against those tokens of love, but why not plan ahead and take a few extra moments out of your day to show them how much you really care! 

Remember how much fun it was to receive a treat bag in grade school? It can still be fun, for kids and adults, and it doesn't have to be attached to a class party. Make treat bags for your loved ones.

The Bags

The easiest thing to use is a paper lunch sack. A lot of stores carry brown paper lunch bags, but take a few minutes and search out the white ones! They are the perfect size and easy to decorate. 

Decorate

Decorate your treat bags. Remember how much fun it used to be to draw hearts all over anything with colored markers, use glitter stickers, and make bows with beautiful ribbons? Channel your inner child. Decorate each treat bag in a unique way, because each person on your valentines list holds a unique place in your heart.

The Sentiment

Tie a gift tag to your gift bag. At Lola's, we sell these adorable little gifts and each one is a bit different.  You can cut the tags into heart shapes and attach a string. You don't have to write much. Use candy hearts as your inspiration. They say so much with few words. "I love you.", "True Love", or even "Luv ya!" The gift sends the message itself, even without a poem or letter.

The Fun Begins

Here is where the fun begins and your creativity comes into play. Fill the bag with tokens of your love and appreciation. Journals, books, magazines, gift cards, jewelry, perfume, lip balm, pens, candles, frames, their favorite candy or treat... anything! Little things that remind you of your valentine. 

Everyone appreciates some sort of gesture on Valentines Day. Don't forget your children's teachers, grandparents, neighbors and coworkers. Have fun and share the love!!!

MIX-MATCHED CHAIRS

Mix and match chairs as seen here from luckyboysunday.dk

Love this! Mixing different types of chairs adds yet another visual element to an otherwise uniform table. You can instantly make a formal table feel cozy and comforting.

The Rules.

The rules are this... there are no rules. Mix different types of wood, add in a metal chair, or a cushioned chair - whatever you like. New and old. This is an easy way to tie in accent colors or add a pop of color.

Shopping.

Once you start looking for chairs, you'll be surprised where they turn up. First, scour your home, garage and basement. You can easily paint or refinish old chairs. I prefer to try to up-cycle existing chairs instead of buying new ones. Find chairs is by shopping garage sales, estate sales, vintage shops, home decor stores and even Craigslist. You don't have to pay much, just make sure the chair is sturdy, comfortable and has good bones (or a good design).

Where to use this tip?

I am sure you first idea was to use this in your kitchen. This is a easy way to add some fun into the kitchen. There are many other places around your home to use ix-matched chairs.

Dining Room

You can use mix-matched chairs in the dining room. It may be an easy change to a formal dining room, changing it into a warm atmosphere. If you do have a formal living room, try to add chairs that have similar elements. I suggest keeping within the same color scheme or finish, possibly finding chairs with different trim and back designs.

Family Room

One way to encourage family bonding is to play games together. Set up a game table in your family room and set-up mix-matched chairs. Take the idea one step further. Let your children pick out their game chair. We have a game wall at our house. If the games are in sight everyday, you'll be surprised how much you actually will play!

Hallway

This is one idea I will use someday! If you have a long hallway (or large entry way), line the wall with mix-matched chairs. Add mix-matched frames above the chairs to help support the theme. This wall of chairs will make a dramatic impact on visitors when they walk inside your house. Its original and makes a memorable impression.

At Lola's, we use mix-matched chairs to display books.

Most importantly, design should be fun. So, have fun! If one chair doesn't work, simply switch it out. Play with the arrangement until you are happy with it!

INSPIRATION

Living a Lola Style Life!

In preparation of writing today's post, I reflected on this quote, which is one of my favorite. I really wanted to share it, but I asked myself "Why?" This quote inspires me and makes me want to dream. I think, "It sounds great and I'll do that....someday." or "I wish I was the type of person this quote is referring to." However, I usually read quotes, feel warm and fuzzy inside, then file them in an images folder on my iPhone (which I seldom revisit). 

I decided if I wanted to share this quote, I'd have to figure out someway to apply the quote to my daily life. Here's what I came up with:

Dream.

Dreaming is one of my favorite activities. I find my self dreaming often throughout the day. I think this is why Pintrest has become so popular. Everyone loves to view images of how they wish their home would look, what their child's next birthday party be like, or even an outfit they wish they could wear... after losing 15 pounds. So, the first step today, is to dream. What would your life look like if you could change it?

Action.

Now, what is one thing that you could do to move closer to attaining that dream? For me, I just had to pick the phone and make a call. Poof! My dream is in action. If your dream is redecorating your kitchen, make time to get color samples today. If your dream is a new job, start working on your resume today. You get the idea... take one baby step TODAY!

Proceed.

The best way to attain something is through hard work and keeping your dream insight. Take one action step every day. I am committing to doing this, so should you. Don't procrastinate! Eventually, before we both know it, the quote above will speaking about us! - Good luck!

[Follow Lola on Pintrest or Facebook]

WALL OF FRAMES

One of my favorite walls.

Making a statement with a wall full of frames is one of my favorite ways to decorate. Its a creative way to display memento's, collections, photo's and keepsake treasure's. I love the visual interest it adds to a room. By producing a Wall of Frames, you will completely transform your room.

Here are some tips to make your wall look like organized chaos:

1. Theme.

I have decorated with both options. My first attempt was a family photo wall, next came the kids artwork wall, then there was the wall of anything and everything framed ... and finally my favorite, the wall of reading. (photo posted below). It is currently up at my store, Lola's, in Morris, IL. We framed book covers, book pages and anything to do with reading. If you are going the 'no theme' route, challenge yourself to ensure there really is no cohesive theme. Your wall will look finished and I guarantee you will receive many compliments from friends and family.

Similar frames give a relaxed feeling.

2. Frames.

Frames are the most important feature to a wall of frames, (hence, the title). Again, decide theme or no theme. By hanging all your pieces in similar colored frames, it will become a relaxing wall. By using eclectic, mismatched frames or all sizes and shapes, your wall will be exciting and visually stimulating. 

3. Matting.

The items displayed in your frames do not have to be professionally matted. You can purchase pre-cut mattes, but the costs can quickly add up. Think outside the box. If the photo doesn't fill the entire frame, think outside the box. I have used old music sheets, book pages, and  scrapbook paper. My new favorite matte is pages torn out of a 1946 encyclopedia. I love the overall visual effect and the fact that it is so inexpensive.

4. Cost.

This wall doesn't have to cost you a fortune. Watch for sales at your favorite retailer. Check the clearance aisles everywhere you shop. If the glass is broken, no problem. Some frames without glass will add a nice visual effect to your wall of frames. If the frame has a scratch, no problem. You can mask scratches with a bit of sandpaper. Sand the entire frame to give it a worn look. Also, search thrift stores, second hand stores and consignment shops. Unique, inexpensive frames are the best finds!

5. Eye-Pop.

When planning your grand statement, be sure to add some eye-popping visual effects. I always use mirrors as one of my eye-popping elements. Mirrors reflect light and open up a space. Another element is hanging items directly on the wall, not framed. I have used badminton rackets, vintage plate's and old architectural element's. Anything works. Its something unexpected and your eye will natural "pop" to that item first. 

Lola's Wall of Frames in the store.

6.Hanging Your Wall of Frames.

Customers continually ask me how I produced such a magnificent wall. The wall is approximately 10' tall and 20' long. I am consistently receiving comments such as, "This must have taken days to hang all these frames!" or "How did you ever plan all this out?" The answer is its simple and easy, and relatively quick to complete. I pick one corner and work my way down. No rhyme or reason is the best philosophy. Don't worry, there are no mistakes. If you don't like where a frame is,switch it with another. You do not need to go to through the hassle of cutting templates to space out your frames - unless you feel like making more work for yourself! Last tip, have at least one set of frames touching. It gives people an uneasy feeling, but adds a great visually exciting feature.