Officially Progress

Here's an update on my office make-over. We're almost done! Woot woot!
(To see where we started, click here.)

It's a good think one of my favorite crafty past-times is framing new art. :)

And I know I've said it before, but it bears repeating: a shadowbox frame + pretty scrapbook paper + a scrap of foam board = the best DIY framing EVAH. Just look how cute:

The frame was $5 at JoAnn's, and I already had the fun stripey paper. (The art is by Katie Cook.) Add a square of foam board to lift the art card up about half an inch, and voila! No custom mat needed!

[Update: thanks to Kim, the "print geek" for this reminder: always use acid-free materials if you want your art to last!]

For the prints that do need mats, I sometimes cheat and use black poster board instead:

It's impossible to tell the difference from a distance, really, and soo much easier than going out and ordering a custom mat. Plus, instant gratification: I likes it.

And just to complete the Star Wars theme going on here, check out this bit of hilarious kitschy awesomeness:

This is a record sleeve from 1977. See how "Star Wars" is in huge type? Now see the tiny white squiggle above it? That squiggle says, "Music inspired by." BWAHAHAA!!

When reader Isabelle-George e-mailed me this picture, I was compelled to seek one out for my very own. A quick ebay auction later, I was the proud owner of a mint condition Star Wars disco album.

Hey, your art should make you smile, right?

Oh, and speaking of which, check out this oh-so-adorable pairing:

The Gonzo card was my favorite of the ACEOs I purchased from Katie Cook at the Star Wars Celebration, so I was crestfallen when I realized she'd forgotten to sign it! Fortunately, though, these two look so much like a set that I think it works with just the signature on Sam's card. (If you can't read it, Gonzo's card reads, "Weird love," and Sam's says, "You are all weirdos!" Perfect, right?)

Ok, more progress shots:

Freshly routered (is that a word?) & painted cabinet doors, with big new porcelain knobs.

I'm still working on the wall of cubbies and worktop directly behind my desk. This is the current arrangement, but I have a feeling things will get moved around a lot.

Remember my Labyrinth door knockers? Well, they're finally up!

I loooove them. The doorknobs are antiques that John re-finished and mounted as door pulls. (That was hard.) I'll have better detail shots in my final "After" post.

And finally, here's the (extremely colorful) right side of my desk:

Recognize the little guy between the two Stay-Pufts?!? Yep, I had to order him from Australia (man, I'm such a geek) but thanks to you readers I found the WeenIcon Ghostbuster! And yes, the shipping cost more than he did. Really, you guys are bad for my budget. But I love you for it.

Ok, the next post on my office should be the last, and of the finished product. I still managed to keep a few surprises tucked away, so I'm excited to get to the final reveal! Not to mention show you the AMAZING desktop that John and I have been slaving away on. Fingers crossed we'll be done in another week or two, so wish us luck!


Ok, I'm almost afraid to ask, but...what kind of wall art makes you smile? Have any favorites? Share and link in the comments!