The Crab Nebula

smoky haze reminds me of swirling gases in outerspace

Last summer, I painted the tv/game room a pumpkin orange.

album frames are from Restoration Hardware

A couple of space themed movie posters and framed album covers 

helped turn the once bland walls into a cozy, modern, fun room

with a hint of retro appeal.

However, I was drawing blanks when it came to decorating

the large wall space behind the pool table.

Adding more album covers or movie posters seemed excessive. 

The bar mirrors that used to hang on the wall 

no longer suited the ‘family’ décor.

I had purchased a poker table for my husband over the holidays.

The table top was protected in the carton by

(2) 48"x48" x1/8" mdf boards.

They took up a lot of space but I'm glad I saved them.

After months of debating, a recent viewing of the Crab Nebula

set in motion an idea for the vacant wallspace.

One of the boards would make an ideal canvas

for my "interpretation" of the Crab Nebula and
a perfect compliment to the movie posters.

I lightly sanded the sheen with 100 grit sandpaper,

cleaned, and followed this up with 5 coats of gesso.

I also applied gesso to the back as well.

The size of this board would be expensive to frame

and the thinness (1/8") would make it display more like a poster. 

Not the impact I was going for.

My solution was to attach a hidden frame

made from square wood stakes

that would allow the board to set out from the wall,

creating a shadow effect.

  

The frame is reinforced with L-brackets

making the mdf very sturdy but not too heavy.

Picture sits out approx. 2" from the wall.

The rough cleat also provides a convenient way to hang on the wall.

I created the effects by applying acylic paint 

with rags, cellophane, feathers, and sponges.

The vibrant colors and scale of this painting did not stand out

until I added stars using qtips.

Amazing how that little detail, really transformed the picture.

Total cost, < $20. 

That pleases me the most. 

Vintage Better Homes and Gardens 1960's

A few more days and I will be back to the work stone. I am enjoying my extended vacation. Still organizing and clearing stuff out. Speaking of that. Look what I found.


My Grandmas books that have been packed away since 2003 when she passed on. These almost went into the auction. Luckily I had the fore thought to pack them away for safekeeping. I am so glad I did. I spent a fair amount of time last night looking through these.

The Betty Crocker New Cookbook was a birthday gift in 1966 from my Mom to my Grandmother. There is an inscription hand written by my mom on the first page.

Better Homes and Gardens Treasury of Christmas Ideas, copyright 1966. Lots of decorating ideas and creations using felt, construction paper, beads, tissue paper… My kids will enjoy making some of these decorations next year. Especially the 3 wise men made from toilet paper roles and construction paper. Too cute.

Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Book copyright 1968. This one is my favorite. Though its forty years old, the distinct decorating style of the 60s is still awe-inspiring. The colors and textures intermingled with timeless furniture, cool decorating techniques, and bold art would be show stopping in today’s homes. The strong use of color is a constant throughout this book featuring bright patterned carpets, robin egg blue painted walls and fabric covered walls, rich velvet couches with contrasting trim, and oversized rich wood furniture.