Art work

One of my favourite things about Etsy  is the fact that you can buy so much fantastic art work and know that it's not on every body elses walls too. It gives you the chance to be exposed to artists that you just wouldn't normally be able to hear about, especially if you live in the UK.
In the last few weeks I've spent many, many happy hours trawling through Etsy, choosing prints to hang in M-P2's room. I've been looking for artwork that is suitable for a baby's room without being babyish in any way. And I have to say that with Etsy the difficult part is choosing what not to buy, there's just so much wonderful work out there.
The first print that I knew I had to have for the room is by the wonderful Ashley and is such a perfect picture to celebrate the fact that I'll have two girls that I couldn't wait to get it. And the fact that Ashley was so kind and sent it as a congratulatory gift just makes it even more special for us all.

It's still waiting for me to frame it (as are all the prints that I've bought), but I know just where it's going to look perfect.

I've also been really excited to buy both these prints from Magic Jelly's shop.

I love both of these, but am also  a little surprised to discover that orange seems to be playing a larger part in the colour scheme than I would have expected. Before I even ordered these I finished a floor rug for M-P2's room that uses the accent colour of orange, but I assumed that that was a one off, since the rest of the room is mainly red and pinks. But it would appear that I'm determined to introduce as much orange as possible. Who knew?

I can't remember where I first saw this next print, but I know I was trying to find a copy of this  print to buy in the UK (anyone know if it's possible - I love it awfully) and in turn found this one, which is equally wonderful.

It's by Green Chair Press, and yes, it does appear to have a little orangy/red in there doesn't it?

Another print that I really wanted was this one (yeah, yeah, I can see the colour) but unfortunately I haven't been able to get hold of one.  My disappointment though was tempered by the fact that  Cecelie has her wonderful 2008 Calendar available and that every page is fantastic.
I haven't fully decided yet, but I'm thinking that I may frame the pages seperately, rather than just hanging it as a calendar.

The final print (there isn't that much wall space)is this Jen Corace  one, which obviously wasn't bought on Etsy but which I first saw here .

I love Jen Corace's work and was so excited when I saw that this print was actually available, because I never get there in time with the Tiny Showcase  prints. And this one is exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately it was for a limited time only and is no longer available, although this  equally fantastic one still is.

My only problem now is how do I come up with the small fortune necessary to frame all these great prints? And how do I come to terms with all the orange??

Comments

[liz r.]

Ooo, lovely choices. I have just had the best time clicking through all those links. You will come to terms with the orange--think of how you have come to terms with yellow over the last year or so. The baby's room will be gorgeous with that mix of colors and images.

As for the money to frame them--make a bunch of items and list them in your shop!

[mikawendy]

For frames, try IKEA. Also, maybe there are tutorials on the web on making your own?

I LOVE the calendar with the bird and the trees. The great thing is that later, you can cut the calendar apart and frame the pages, or make paper gift tags or ornaments with them, or save the calendar whole and use it sometime years later when the days match up.

[The Shopping Sherpa]

I'd also suggest IKEA - especially the Ribba frames. You might also have luck in your local bargain shops - here I get a lot of my frames (already matted) from Hot Dollar and Go-Lo for under $10.

[dottydesigns]

Hi Manda I think orange looks great with pink and red, i have often seen those colours together and love them, look at Tricia Guild Designers Guild) and she puts those colours together beautifully. Love those prints-lucky little girl your going to have.

[Al]

You see my only dilemma would be acutal wall space. We have tons of prints that have never made it to the framing stage and every birthday and Christmas, Nick asks me to frame some of his prints which I dutifully don't do! Thanks for the addresses, I think they will do the trick. Hope you had a great evening.
Al x
P.S. I'm very partial to orange!

[Angie]

All those pieces are just lovely! That first one by Ashley couldn't BE more perfect for a baby (or for me... am off to look at shop).

I too received some Etsy art yesterday which I am over the moon with! http://www.lemonlight.org/weblog/2008/01/home-is-where-t.html

[Kristy]

Please remind me.Who was it who sent an orangey parcel to prove to and an orange hater that it is really a yummy colour? Can you remember?!!!

[Sam]

Are you familiar with John Dilnot? That Magic Jelly print reminded me of his work. I have been trying (and failing) to justify buying one of his prints for about 2 years. The birds print is lovely. http://www.johndilnot.com/

[steven]

hey great minds think alike...i also bought one of magic jellys stuff prints...just need to frame it and treasure it forever...xx

[Amanda]

Great choices. She's a lucky babe!
By the way, Have nominated you on my blog for "you made my day" cause you do - quite often!

[lindsey]

Manda - I am off the the States on 17th February. According to the Binth website, there are several stores in New Hampshire and Vermont (where we are going)that sell their things. Would you like me to look for you? It would be no trouble.

[Michelle]

"....come to terms with all the orange??" Honey, you EMBRACE the orange! Orange is good....It's my favorite color and was once a very big part of my children's nursery (my children have moved beyond having a nursery...all big kids now!).

[Sarah]

Gorgeous prints Manda, the first and last one I really adore. I too bought the Green Chair Press one for Christmas, it looks great with a dark frame. Hope you manage to find some good frames!

[Periwinkle Vintage]

Such a fun dilemma! What to buy??? I love the paper doll print best of all, but then, I was born in the paper doll generation! That's going to a well-appointed baby's room!
Cheryl

[Maitreya]

We are like art twins or something. :)

[amy]

yahoo for ashley- I bought from her over a year ago and felt that she was SO talented- she is in Urban outfitter stores now!! xo