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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: painting

Mae Chevrette

09 Thursday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Featured Artists

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animals, art, birds, blue, design, flowers, Inspiration, Mae Chevrette, mixed media, ocean, painting, photography, pink, sea, sky, sunshine

I read about Mae Chevrette in Oprah Magazine and I have to say what an incredible artist she is. Only 25 years old, her travels have brought her tons of inspiration and with her painting and mixed media skills she creates works of art that are unique and beautiful. She went from working as a research technician to being a successful artist in no time. Starting with her Etsy shop she slowly put more time into her art and finally quitted her day job.

Mae Chevrette

I have always been a fan of mixed media art. I’ve created a lot of my own throughout the years so I can truly appreciate the creativity that goes into this medium. I love how Mae uses objects she finds on her travels and makes them come alive in her paintings. Although there are many elements to her work, she brings them all together as if she’s mending a collection of thoughts. Streaming personal memories while inspiring others. What else could you ask for?

Here are a few of her pieces that I adore. You can view her work on her website as well as purchase it at her Etsy shop. Check out her Etsy interview in 2011 and keep tabs by reading her blog.

Mae Chevrette

Mae Chevrette

Mae Chevrette

Mae Chevrette

Mae Chevrette

Mae Chevrette

Make Your Space Birdcage Beautiful

04 Monday Jun 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Crafty Ideas

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birdcage, crafts, moss, nature, painting

Have a corner that needs a little pick me up? What about a table or dresser that needs some pizaz. Well, my birdcage project is an easy and cute way to brighten up an room and give it some style. Remember, hanging things on the wall is not the only way to take up space. A home shouldn’t feel like a museum or gallery. It should reflect who you are and exude life, comfort and creativity.

I have always loved birdcages. Especially ones that had vintage appeal.  Maybe it was all the birds I had growing up. Whatever the reason, birdcages are really beautiful things. Not only do they fill space in a smart way but they allow the space to still feel spacious because of their cage like exterior. They could be pretty pricey so finding one that is easy on the wallet but still packs in style may be a challenge.  However, there are so many different kinds and due to popularity, they are sold in many shops. Just be on the lookout and you will find one in no time.

The set of birdcages I used for this project were actually found at a garage sale. Reusing and recycling is the best way to shop. Just because someone is getting rid of something doesn’t mean its garbage. Check out the yard sales in your neighborhood and I promise you will find the unexpected. I came across this set for $6 and I couldn’t walk away empty handed.

Make Your Space Birdcage Beautiful

If you decide to buy a birdcage from a store, that’s fine too. Check out antique shops and don’t forget about Etsy and Ebay. The fun is in the hunt, so get your comfy clothes on, gather up some loot and get ready to shop.

Once you have your birdcage(s) you are ready to begin. Now, if you like it just the way it is than fine. But if you need to make some changes – let’s begin. The set I bought were an ivory color but I wanted them to be white and have a shabby chic feel. This is how I did it.

First, I bought white spray paint and changed the color. I would recommend you use Rust-oleum. Make sure you do this step outside and wear a mask if you have to. You don’t want to breathe this stuff in. Once you’ve waited about 10 minutes or so, the cages should be dry and you can move on the next step.

Now, you can really get creative here so don’t hold back. I chose to add some reindeer and sheet moss instead of real moss. But you can certainly use it if you want to. I think it would look really cool too.

Make Your Space Birdcage Beautiful

Make Your Space Birdcage Beautiful

I also picked up a small bird’s nest with robins eggs to place inside. I thought it would look really cute and add a nice touch. Plus, for $.99 why not, right? So far this project is costing me $14! Not bad.

Make Your Space Birdcage Beautiful

If you don’t want to use a moss-like feature than try flowers or even air plants. Once you have this step complete you are pretty much done. If you are going to hang them up you can either use ribbon or string.  I actually prefer hemp cord because its strong and looks natural. Plus, it’s really cheap and you can hardly see it when the cages are hung. If you don’t want to hang yours than just make sure you place it with other items so it doesn’t look all alone. If you have a set like I do, keep them together.

Make Your Space Birdcage Beautiful

Make Your Space Birdcage Beautiful

I hope you enjoyed this project and can be proud of what you created. Just because something is not exactly how you like it doesn’t mean it can’t be yours. All you have to do is use your DIY powers and you can turn it into something you love.

Color in Films: Across the Universe

22 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color in Films, Color Inspiration

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70s, across the universe, art, color, dance, design, films, hippies, love, lsd, music, painting, the beatles, theater

Across the Universe is a beautiful love story packed with creativity, art & design and fantastic colorful imagery. Directed by Julie Taynor, the film is written to go along with songs composed by The Beatles and is presented through a theater style perspective bringing tons of dramatic flair.

Bringing us back to the wild times of the 70s, Across the Universe takes us through the lives of six young people who try to  find themselves in a world where war surrounds them. Losing loved ones, trying to survive and falling in love are three main topics of the film. The story is mesmerizing and the music is unforgettable. The visual and creative aspect of the film is what lures the viewer in to a place where colors soar and the mind travels through galaxies. The energy and emotion between the characters is like the big cherry on top.

Across the Universe explores every color of the rainbow with a color scheme so vibrant and free, it makes you feel like you’re the one on LSD. You gotta love the 70s! Take a ride back in time and experience young love with all the fixings. You might even want to get up and soar the across the universe yourself.

Color in Films: Across the Universe

Art Inspired Palette: Jeff Soto

14 Monday May 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, Art Inspired Palette, Color Inspiration

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art, flowers, graffiti, jeff soto, nature, organic, painting, pastels, sky, spring, sun

Jeff Soto is one of my favorite artists. His work is incredibly inspiring and within the genius of his art, the color schemes he chooses are beautiful and free. With a mix of illustration and paint, his graffiti style pieces have been shown throughout the world in numerous galleries and shows.

Born in California and a graduate from the Art Center College of Design, Soto has been inspired by his youth, hip hop and popular culture. One can clearly see this in his work. I would describe his imaginative style as wild, alive and organic. There seems to be no boundaries to his aesthetic which I admire. The “no holds bar” approach highly resonates with me.

His piece, Spring, is one of many that I adore. I felt with the season at our door, it was perfect to showcase. Between the pastels and earthy feel, I fell in love. The contrast of dark and light is superb as well. I recommend you check his other work out if you aren’t familiar with it. It’s one artist you will never forget.

Art Inspired Palette: Jeff Soto

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