The best art collections incorporate the unexpected. They have unusual pieces that make you go, “Whoa, I never thought to display something like this.” They have the type of art that inspires one to scour eBay and Etsy, looking for ways to copy the look in their own home. The collectors aren’t trying to capture a trend or a moment; they’ve curated something personal.
We’re positive that you have a unique or personal item in your home that adds a certain je ne sais quoi to your wall display. If you need inspiration, we’ve got a few ideas for you.
Documents & Paper Products
Some documents and paper products are easy to find. Antique wedding certificates, illustrated birth records, and family trees are all great examples. Think beyond those items. One of our clients made a wall display with pages from their childhood composition notebook. Another framed vintage alcohol labels and prints of tea labels. You can use small pieces like tickets to fill in small spots on a shelf or in a gallery wall.
Memory Shadowboxes
If you’re someone who saves everything, then a memory shadowbox may be perfect for you. You can create a wedding shadowbox with pieces from your special day. Save medals and bibs from your race and create a marathon shadowbox. One client framed all of their family military medals for an impressive display. Memory shadowboxes are some of the most fun and dynamic ways to tell your story visually.
Objects
This is one of the easiest ways to create art. Almost everyone has at least one object they cherish above all others. You can frame school varsity letters with pins or photos. You can frame homemade art, like this mosaic. One client framed a bugle. Others have framed fishing lures, a paper fan, and wooden spoons. You can frame (almost) anything.
Stamps
Stamps make great affordable wall art. From Calvin & Hobbes and Jane Austen to turtles and space, there is a stamp for just about everything. You can use a pristine full sheet from your collection or a single stamp you ripped off an envelope. This is a great option if you have to buy art. Stamps are pretty easy to find online if you don’t have your own, and many of them aren’t that expensive.
Textiles
We love a good textile. Clients have framed antique family needlepoints and handwritten notes with their provenance. They frame monogrammed pieces and handmade lace. One client asked us to stretch their favorite fabric like a painting. You can frame a vintage scroll or a decorative tea towel. Textiles are versatile and add texture to any wall display.
Front & Back
Sometimes, you have a piece that’s too interesting to cover up on one side. If that’s the case, show it off. A professional can design the frame so you can still see the back anytime you want. For this project, our client found an old moonshine recipe in their home. The pages had handwriting on both sides, and the client didn’t want to hide one side in the frame. Other clients have asked for the same treatment with collectibles, postcards, and other types of art.
These are just a few examples of how you can use what you have to make a memorable art collection. You can use these ideas to get inspired, or you can start by just walking around your home. Everyone has piles, boxes, and drawers full of items they’re saving for a special project; they just don’t know what.
If you’re feeling unsure about your pieces, consult a professional. We meet with clients every day who have an idea but aren’t sure how to execute it. A pro will help you figure out which items to use, how to design the frame, and where to hang it. With the right frame, a ten-cent gum wrapper could look interesting and valuable.
People online will try to convince you that you need to buy, buy, buy when it comes to art. It’s easy to see a post on social media featuring a beautiful vintage tennis racket on the wall and think, “I NEED this.” Then you find one, and it doesn’t work with your design or your personality. Before you hit the thrift shops or online auctions, shop in your home. You’ll be surprised at what you find.
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