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Style Guide Jun 12, 2013

Cool Idea: Custom Framing (You Can Afford)

If you think custom matting and framing is out of your reach, it may be because you haven't stumbled upon our latest discovery: framed & matted.

by Angela Elias

If you think custom matting and framing is out of your reach, it may be because you haven't stumbled upon our latest discovery: framed & matted. This online resource provides an easy, cost-effective route to nailing that gallery wall you've always wanted. Prices range from $75-$250 and include free shipping and free sample kits!

How do they do it? As opposed to retail frame shops, matting & framing uses multiple suppliers and distributors to find the best prices, orders a curated selection of high-quality materials in bulk to lower the prices for customers, has super low overhead (since there is no brick and mortar), and also offers a DIY framing option for customers who would prefer to insert their art (with the customized mat and frame) instead of having that step completed for them. Genius, right?

If you're not sure what look you want to go with, just browse their portfolio of gorgeous rooms and click on a space to find out which of their frame and mat combinations will reproduce the look. If you need something to frame, check out our favorite resources for affordable online art!

Art Jun 10, 2013

How to Feel Good in a Bikini Without Working Out

As much as we love Summer, the hot season does come with its drawbacks.

by Lisette Mejia

As much as we love Summer, the hot season does come with its drawbacks. Namely, the pressure to rock a bikini at the drop of a dime. There's no reason to feel insecure in the body department, though, since there's more to life than just diet and exercise. Because we all need a little reminder every now and then, we've rounded up these awesome art prints from Etsy as a little pick-me-up. The next time a pool party invite rolls around, just think of our friend the rioting cat, grab your towel, and head out the door.

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photography Jun 09, 2013

8 Illustrators to Obsess Over on Instagram

A love of photography may have brought us to Instagram in the beginning, but the users that have us currently addicted to the photo-sharing app are artists of a different medium: illustrators.

by Kelly Schwarze

A love of photography may have brought us to Instagram in the beginning, but the users that have us currently addicted to the photo-sharing app are artists of a different medium: illustrators. Get a peek into the creative process, works in progress, and enchanting final pieces of these masters of pen, ink, watercolor, pencil, and even sharpie marker. From fashion forms to deceptively delicate science-fiction scenes to pugs on a tropical getaway, prepare those fingers to wear out Instagram's heart button.

Don't worry about searching the far corners of the social network for inspiration — we took care of that! Get motivated to create with a look at the eight illustrators we love on Instagram (and don't forget to hit Follow).

Source: Instagram user paperfashion

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Art May 30, 2013

Lady Pun Artwork: Famous Females Like You've Never Seen 'Em

What happens when you mix art, puns, and famous ladies?

by Tara Block

What happens when you mix art, puns, and famous ladies? You don't even have to guess, thanks to the work of illustrator Dav Yendler. Teaming up with Society 6, he created a genius line of prints and canvases that portray legendary women in a new light. Picture Eleanor Roosevelt as a boxer and Coco Chanel as a crow — yeah, they're that good. Snag one for yourself, hang the lady puns on your walls, and then pass on the cleverness to your girlfriends; they'd make great gifts, don't you think? Click on to see all of the pieces (which come with hilarious descriptions), and let your imagination get going.

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Art May 22, 2013

10 Free or Low-Cost Summer Activities For Kids

Wondering how to keep your kids entertained all Summer?

by Circle of Moms Editors

Wondering how to keep your kids entertained all Summer? Stave off Summer boredom with these 10 fun and affordable activities recommended by Circle of Moms members.

1. Library Programs

Local library Summer programs are recommended by numerous Circle of Moms members. As Rebecca S. advises: "Libraries are always having free events with story times, magic shows, etc." And Evelyne R. shares: "I also love to take my children to the library, most of them have a Summer reading program that offers prizes for books read. My children love this and it is free."

2. Free Bowling

Free bowling for the kiddies all Summer long? Sign us up! Thanks to Kids Bowl Free, children can register for two free games of bowling every day this Summer at participating bowling centers in the US and Canada.

3. Gardening

Gardening is a great Summer activity for children of all ages. "The garden is full of hidden surprises" for preschoolers, says Jeanette B., as they can be entertained by "just looking under rocks (and) feeling the textures of different materials, such as grass, leaves, flowers, stones, [and] fir cones." For older children, Alissa V. recommends encouraging older children to independently make or redesign a small flower bed. No backyard? See if community gardens accept children as volunteers (try the ACGA locator tool). And don't forget a field trip to the local farmers market for inspiration.

4. State Parks

To engage curious kids, says Laurie W., "the best activities involve the outdoors — lakes, ponds, streams, conservation areas and trails — to explore rocks, bugs, birds, and plants." And as Chaya S. suggests, Summer is a great time to explore state parks in your area; many have kid-friendly guided nature walks and science centers.

Keep reading for six more ideas!

photography May 16, 2013

Cool Idea: Vintage Photographs Become Art Prints

I am always drawn to the boxes of old photos at my local flea market, but after stockpiling them over the years, I have to admit that I have no idea of what to do with them.

by Miranda Jones

I am always drawn to the boxes of old photos at my local flea market, but after stockpiling them over the years, I have to admit that I have no idea of what to do with them. Luckily, a company called Project B does, and the results are fantastic.

The team behind Project B seeks out anonymous vintage photos and makes them available in museum-quality, limited-edition prints — essentially rescuing bits of history and bringing them back to life.

The photos are strong on their own, but since they are already curated in albums such as Inside Hollywood and Americana, it's easy to buy prints that work well together. With prices starting at $95, you are going to be tempted to stock up on a little bit of history.

nostalgia May 15, 2013

Artistic Twists on Disney Princesses (and Other Heroines)

While our adult selves may cringe at princess culture and the outdated stereotypes that come along with it, there's just something special about the Disney princesses we grew up with like Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Aurora, and Ariel.

by Tara Block

While our adult selves may cringe at princess culture and the outdated stereotypes that come along with it, there's just something special about the Disney princesses we grew up with like Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Aurora, and Ariel. And they aren't all damsels in distress; the newer crop of the crowned ladies have attempted to be better role models for little girls. These include Princess Sofia the First and Brave's Princess Merida.

Merida is about as modern as they come, being one of the only Disney princesses who's not only a bow-and-arrow-wielding tomboy, she has zero interest in finding her Prince Charming. Because of this, Disney has been in hot water recently for creating a "sexy" version for their princess site, and it looks like a petition to change Merida back has worked: the company swapped the art back.

But whether these Disney princesses — or, for the purists, animated heroines — are classics or newbies, they've inspired many creative artists who've transformed them into thought-provoking modern art. So while we wait for The Real Housewives of Disney to become an actual show, satiate your obsession with some of our favorite artistic renditions of Disney princesses!

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Art May 15, 2013

Insta-Inspiration: 27 Ways to Decorate Your Walls

If your bare walls are giving you the blues, Instagram is here to help!

by Angela Elias

If your bare walls are giving you the blues, Instagram is here to help! We've sifted through the well of hashtags to bring you the best wall decor ideas to get inspired by. Keep reading for fresh ideas and don't forget to hashtag your own home decor-related pics with #casasnap!

— Additional reporting by Molly McGlynn

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Art May 10, 2013

Last-Minute Mother's Day Gifts (Shhh . . . We Won't Tell!)

If you're still stumped about what to get mom this Mother's Day, you're in luck!

by Angela Elias

If you're still stumped about what to get mom this Mother's Day, you're in luck! Turns out, getting a gift on the fly can be just as thoughtful as a present you took weeks to plan. Trust us. Keep reading to get the skinny on our three go-to gifts for mom (that won't require overnight shipping)!

Terrariums
Think of it as a riff on the tried-and-true Mother's Day bouquet — only this one won't wilt after a few days. While you could pick up something stunning like this geometric vessel, you could also get away with shopping your shelves. Glass punch bowls, vases, and even wineglasses can look just as cool. For tips and an easy how-to, check out our terrarium DIY!

Gift Baskets (Done Right!)
I know what you're thinking, but replace the cellophane and granny basket visual with a more modern, lidded version filled with foolproof home goods. One-stop shops like Target or Cost Plus World Market will guarantee you a good-looking basket and the fixings. Tea towels, wrapped soaps, neutral picture frames, and a beautifully packaged candle will never steer you astray.

Decorator in a Box
For the mom who wants to redecorate a room or has a design conundrum, consider buying her a gift certificate for Decorator in a Box to slip into a Mother's Day card. Decorator Annie Pauza offers a virtual design service that's more affordable than hiring a traditional interior designer. It's great for moms who need creative help but don't mind doing the leg work. Starting at $350, you can purchase a design plan for an entire room (complete with a decor shopping list, layout, swatches, etc.) or you can pick a single service, a la carte item for something like paint color selections or window treatment design starting at just $50.

Framed Art
If you're stressed about the sticker shock and time commitment associated with this type of gift, don't be. Peruse coffee-table tomes filled with photography or vintage botanical prints and snip something for mom. Ikea carries a range of affordable frames with clean lines that look good with any type of art. Use the mat that is sold with the frame or pop into craft stores like Michaels for a custom job that won't cost a fortune.

Art May 03, 2013

Take Your Love of Modern Art From Canvases to Cakes!

Eye candy for art enthusiasts and sugar hounds alike, pastry chef Caitlin Freeman's new book, Modern Art Desserts: Recipes for Cakes, Cookies, Confections, and Frozen Treats Based on Iconic Works of Art ($16, originally $25), is definitely worth perusing!

by Angela Elias

Eye candy for art enthusiasts and sugar hounds alike, pastry chef Caitlin Freeman's new book, Modern Art Desserts: Recipes for Cakes, Cookies, Confections, and Frozen Treats Based on Iconic Works of Art ($16, originally $25), is definitely worth perusing! While Caitlin's desserts are currently sold at SFMOMA's Blue Bottle Coffee Bar, she masterfully breaks down the process into 27 recipes for the book that range from basic to downright ambitious.

What started as a field trip to SFMOMA for a college photography class, ironically shaped Caitlin's serendipitous path to becoming a master of sweets. The former co-owner of San Francisco's pastry shop Miette and current pastry chef for Blue Bottle Coffee Company, Caitlin blames her career change from aspiring photographer to pastry tycoon on Thiebaud's Display Cakes. "Once I discovered it, I found myself sneaking off for illicit visits while my classmates ogled the old Walker Evans photos," she writes.