Slowly, but surely, I’ve been doing little projects to complete my daughter’s room. The biggest one — the makeover of her IKEA Malm dresser — is prepped and ready to go, but I haven’t found the time to finish it yet. This one, however, I tackled one afternoon while I watched reruns of Billy the Exterminator. Please don’t judge me.

I’d been wanting to make some chevron art for a while, and thanks to the awesomesauce that is Pinterest, I found my fair share of inspiration photos and tutorials. In the end, I used this tutorial, mostly because it linked to a pre-made template I could use to make the lines exactly how I wanted them. I learned from experience that free-handing a crisp chevron is a pain in the butt, at best, and damn near impossible, at worst. So the template made my life a lot easier.

I also loved the tip about using thumb tacks to punch tiny holes in my canvas, which would then guide my tape lines.

With the holes punched, placing the tape was relatively easy. In the overlap areas, at the points, I just used an Xacto knife to remove the excess once I was done taping each row.

Then came the easy part: Painting. I have a LOT of paint leftover from when we painted the accent wall in my daughter’s room. So much, in fact, that I really wish we’d bought a quart instead of a gallon. Anyway, I used some of it for this project. And believe it or not, even after painting the accent wall in her old room, her pink dresser and her dollhouse, we STILL have a decent amount of pink paint left. So I used that too.

I used 1″ Scotch blue painter’s tape, and while it did its job, the resulting lines weren’t as crisp as I would’ve liked. But after looking at it for a while, I grew to like the slightly jagged, raw-looking edges, because crisp lines would’ve been a little too perfect. Up close, it reminds me of a fancy ikat fabric.

So where did I put this new…ahem…masterpiece? Ja’Naya has a built-in desk and shelves opposite her bed. I considered painting that wall too, but decided it wasn’t worth it, since we’re renters. But the area at the very top of the shelves was looking bare, so I decided to inject a little color with this art, and something else I had up my sleeve.

See that colorful peacock poster next to my chevron piece? I broke out my Illustrator chops and designed it just for that spot. I had it printed at Kinko’s FedEx Office and just threw it in an IKEA Ribba frame we already had. Came out pretty great for something that took me about an hour to create Here’s a closer look:

I made the pink edges slightly raw on purpose so it would better complement the chevron art. If you like what you see you can download it for free! Just take it to a local printer and get them to put it on 12″ x 18″ paper.

Get it in: Pink — OR — White

So what do you think? Would you attempt to make your own inexpensive art?

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Ever since we moved into our new place, we’ve been spending a lot of time trying to figure out how to place all of our old stuff. For example, I was absolutely in love with the design of my daughter’s room in the old apartment. However, the design was very specific to that space. Now, her room is quite a bit smaller and the available wall and floor space is completely different.

We faced a similar challenge with our art. We’d found the perfect spot for most of our photos and wall art in the old place, but we were struggling to decide what to do with our huge collection in the new place. The ceilings in this apartment are also really high, so small pieces of art floating in the middle of the wall weren’t really going to work. Since we had no intention of acquiring a bunch of new art (though we have bought one or 2 pieces for new spaces), we had to figure out how to work with what we already have.

My solution? A gallery wall!

You’ve seen the beautiful photos in magazines: Eclectic collections of art and photographs that work well together all on one wall. Even my favorite husband/wife blogging team, John & Sherry over at Young House Love, created a whole gallery hall (shown above). Once I realized that we have a LOT of black frames, I knew we could pull something together.

I sat one afternoon with the Pinterest app on my iPhone (for visual inspiration), a stack of art, and lots of floor space to lay out my frames. Not all the art made the cut, but we wound up with a pretty great collection. This is what it looked like laid out on the floor. I did edit a couple of placements before I put them on the wall though. Sorry I didn’t take a pic of the final “before.” But here’s the After:

In my opinion gallery walls work best with frames of varying sizes and shapes. We sprinkled in a couple of silver frames for variety (and because they worked best in those spaces), but overall, the look is very purposeful. And we’re thinking about covering the whole wall area with more frames over time. And best of all, this project cost us Nothing. Zip. Nada. We already had tons of picture hooks and all the art on hand.

We were able to use a variety of beloved family photos, art and posters. But if I had to pick a true favorite, it would have to be a drawing my niece gave my husband and I for Christmas. She recreated a photograph of our daughter taking a picture with my Nikon using pastels. She took the photo last Fourth of July and gave us the framed, matted artwork for Christmas. My heart melted when I saw it, and I’m so happy we finally have a place for it

What home projects have you done lately with stuff you already have?

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I can’t imagine I’d ever want to have real animal parts hanging on my walls, but there’s something about these papier-mâché animal heads that’s just…endearing.

I could see the bull head in an eclectic girl’s room, and the lion head could work for a boy’s room or a study. Either way, you’ll have a piece on your hands that’s almost guaranteed to start a conversation.

You’ve also got to love the story behind them: They are produced by an group that employs 200 talented artisans in Haiti. They are handmade from recycled materials, including cement sacks and cardboard, then sealed using glue made of arrowroot starch and covered with fabric scraps. Even the packaging is made sustainably: They come in a reusable box made of recycled newspaper.

I’m getting a little bored with square picture frames on our walls, so I may have to surprise my husband with one of these smack dab in the middle of the gallery wall we just finished (more on that soon).

Why It’s Green:

• Handmade
• Product and packaging both made of recycled materials

Price: Lion, $68; Bull, $170

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The week has just started and already I’ve found 2 great deals for you!

Amenity is having a huge clearance sale on products that have been discontinued. You’ll find wall art, table linens, pillows and more marked down by up to 75%. Given the quality of their products, you really can’t beat the pricing. I assume the sale will end once everything is sold out, since these are all discontinued items.

Mod Green Pod is also offering their Wee Jubilee fabric in the licorice colorway (black & white) for 50% off. If you’ve ever wanted to try their fabrics but balked at the pricing, now is a good time to do it.

Why It’s Green:

• Mod Green Pod fabrics are printed in the U.S. on 100% organic cotton using non-toxic pigments
• Amenity’s sale textiles are printed on a hemp/organic cotton blend fabric and printed and sewn in Los Angeles with non-toxic, water-based dyes

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I am starting to get the itch again. You know — the one that makes you want to redo every room in the house. We finished my daughter’s room last April, and I can’t help but feeling like it’s time for a change. Of course, because we’re renters, the end of our lease is always looming to remind me that it might not be worth the effort to do a whole new design. Still, I want to do something to freshen up her room, and these cute marionette pillows and prints by Ferm Living have given me a ton of ideas.

The whimsical illustrations are done marionette style, and the characters even have names: Aristo Katt, Mr. Frank Fox, Elle Elephant and Posey Panda. They are part of Ferm’s Darling Clementine collection, and I think they would be fabulous in a child’s room or nursery, and I could even picture them in the office of a graphic designer or other creative. They are fun, but not necessarily childish. And I want at least one

Why It’s Green:

• Printed on an organic-cotton shell filled with natural down

Price: Pillows, $36/ea.; Prints, $46/ea.

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Today is Green Gift Monday, a day established to help frenzied Cyber Monday shoppers divert their spending toward greener products and causes. I can’t think of a better time to introduce you to the Macy’s Heart of Haiti product line.

Heart of Haiti is a collection of art, housewares and accessories handmade by Haitian artisans in an attempt to help them get back on their feet after the historic earthquake that shook the island nation in January. The earthquake made it virtually impossible for Haitians to make a living. When you buy one of these pieces, it directly benefits the Haitian artisans who created them. They receive 22% of the retail price for each item in the collection. This sustainable income will allow these artisans to repair homes, pay for their children’s schooling, and feed and clothe their families.

Here are some of the artists this campaign is helping:

When the Blogrollers reached out to me and asked if I wanted to be a part of the team of bloggers working to promote Heart of Haiti, I jumped at the chance. While for the most part, I recommend buying products that are made in the U.S., the biggest exception to that is Fair Trade products that help the artisans who create them have a better life. This is also a special opportunity to shine a light on people who are in dire need of help, and whose plight has been long forgotten by many because Haiti is no longer in the headlines daily.

In this collection, you’ll find beautiful artwork (all of which reminds me of my own upbringing in the Caribbean), stunning mirrors and wall art, tableware, jewelry, and more. There’s something for everyone. Heart of Haiti is featured in my Green Gift Guide, and any of these items would make a great, meaningful gift that gives back. To learn more about Heart of Haiti, click here.

Why it’s Green:

• Handmade by Haitian artisans in cooperation with Fair Winds, a Fair Trade partner, and Macy’s
• Many items are made of recycled materials, including recycled oil drums, newspaper and more
• Your purchase will help Haiti recover in a way that is meaningful. There’s something to be said about helping others by giving them the means to help themselves.

Price: $10-275

(Disclosure): I am a Heart of Haiti Ambassador. While we are not compensated for our participation, we will receive free products so we can see these artisans’ work in person. Given that I would gladly tell you about this for free, I plan to give away the products I receive to my readers to encourage you to support Haiti in its recovery.

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Sometimes it sucks to be a grown up. I can get away with crazy colors, patterns and shapes in a child’s room, but if I ever tried some of those ideas in a space primarily designed for adults, everyone would think I’m crazy.  Unless, of course, I opted to sneak in something as innocuous as animal art. Who doesn’t need a cute photo of a zebra or lamb in their living room, right?

OK…not really. But these art pieces from Toast Slice are simple enough to appear anywhere without looking too childish. Although they are cute, there’s something sophisticated about the illustration style. And did I mention they were green AND inexpensive?

For a limited time, the art prints shown above and nine others from Toast Slice are on sale for about 35% off at Gilt Groupe. Gilt Groupe sales typically last 24-96 hours, so if you like these, you should to act fast. Gilt is having a sale from eco-friendly kids’ retailer Green Bambino, and they have a variety of other products on sale, including storage cubes from Green Lullaby, toys from Green Toys and organic cotton t-shirts by Wonder Toast.

Why It’s Green:

• Artwork is printed with non-toxic ink on bamboo paper
• Mounted on bamboo plywood with acid-free adhesive

Price: $27/ea. Also available for full price ($42/ea.) directly from Green Bambino.

How to Buy:

If you’re not already a member of Gilt Groupe, you’ll have to sign up. Once you’ve registered and signed in, mouse over “Children” in the top navigation menu, then click “Eco-friendly Products for Kids from Green Toys, Wonder Toast, Toast Slice & more.”

(aff): If you sign up for Gilt Group via my invitation link, I will receive a $25 site credit if you make a purchase.

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I have known about American Clay plaster wall applications for quite some time, but I have dragged my feet on sharing it with you. I am all about low- and zero-VOC options when I want to change the color of my walls, but that usually involves some sort of latex paint. But clay plaster is a great alternative that also happens to be an environmentally sound choice.

It is zero-VOC, non-toxic and made in the USA, these plasters can give your walls depth and texture. They are traditionally seen as more of an alternative to cement, acrylic and lime plasters because of the application and the texture. It is designed to cover most wall surfaces, but they don’t recommend using it on materials that are prone to expansion and contraction with changes in temperature and moisture (like tongue and grooved paneling) or as a finish over ceramic tile.

What I have noticed is that the clay application tends to lend an Earthy, more rustic feel to space, and the American Clay color palette reflects that. But as you can see from the photo above, you can also pair it with modern decor for a look that has nice depth. They offer several finishes and 43 standard colors, but they can match almost unlimited colors.

The other great thing about this company is that their website provides an extensive set of online tutorials, explanations and resources so that even the first time user be able to get insight in the process, or even take a workshop from a local dealer or applicator. You can also find a professional applicator if you’re uncomfortable taking a DIY approach.

And if you’re still hesitant about buying after reading all their information, or if you want to try out a color or finish before you buy, small samples of their plaster are available from their shop. You can also reach out to them via Twitter and Facebook.

Why It’s Green:

• Clay plaster is a non-toxic, zero-VOC finish
• American Clay is dedicated to recycling and reusing content, maintains low-energy production standards to reduce energy consumption, and sources locally to keep fuel shipment costs low.
• Application contributes to LEED credits.

Price: Start at $55 for an 80-lb. bag of plaster. Many accessories, pigments and more also available for purchase.

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

I have seen my fair share of things made from recycled vinyl records. Bowls, clocks, mirrors, coasters — if it’s made from a record, I’ve probably seen it. The common thread between all of them is that they all still look like records. That’s great if you’re buying them for nostalgia’s sake, to help you remember what music sounded like on a record player or in memory of days past. But these clocks from etsy seller Kailey Hawthorn of Studio K are a far cry from their humble beginnings.

The records were used as a canvas, and the result is a collection of beautiful handpainted clocks that are unlike any I’ve ever seen. You all know that I have an affinity for bold, graphic patterns. Every single one of these is right on target. And even better? They are affordable at less than $50 apiece. Since I don’t have the skill to paint one of these myself, nor the desire to try, that sounds like a really good deal.

Kailey also offers a great selection of handpainted wooden letters. I’ve been looking for something to put on the shelf in our entryway, and I’m thinking a huge “P” (for Petersen) might do the trick.

Why It’s Green:

• Handmade
• Painted on recycled vinyl records

Price: $37-49

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As creative as I like to think I am, I’m nowhere near THIS creative. Seriously, whenever I come across old cassettes, the only thoughts that come up are memories of when they were bought or recorded. I distinctly remember shushing people who came in my room when I was trying to record music from my favorite radio station onto cassettes. These days though, we no longer own a cassette player, nor do we know how to recycle the ones we find. And I, like most people, still defer to traditional recycling methods. Ie. The recycling bin. God bless the people who find grander uses for everyday objects. Artist Erika Iris Simmons is one of those people.

She is a self-taught artist from right here in Atlanta who creates amazing portraits and images from old cassette tapes and other recycled and repurposed materials. She was inspired to do this one day in 2008 while waiting tables. In her own words:

I love the nostalgia of the archaic and I hope that not everything which has outlived its use goes to waste.

I am in awe of the talent it takes to create recognizable portraits at all, but to do them with these mediums? I genuinely want one of these in my home as an homage both to my and my husband’s love of music, but also to the idea that beautiful things don’t have to come from raw materials. This one is in my sights:

My hubby (a.k.a. the reggae artist) would love it.

You can see more of Erika’s work in her Flickr portfolio, and you can email her about which ones are for sale or for custom work.

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

I will readily admit that I totally suck when it comes to creative upcycling. I can easily imagine a glass jar being used as a container for small items or a flower vase, but it is hard for me to see past its jar-shaped form to imagine it as anything else. That’s true for just about any other material I put in the recycling bin. I can imagine furniture with a new finish, but I can’t reimagine a cereal box as a magazine holder — at least not on my own. So when I find truly creative upcycling projects, I am happy to feature them. This wall art from etsy seller creationsbyingrid1 certainly qualifies.

The framed word collages are made from soda cans and sewn on to acid-free paperboard. First, it’s difficult for me to imagine cutting pristine letterforms out of soda cans. But second, it is even harder for me to imagine then sewing those letters onto paper without ruining them. It looks like it would take a lot of patience. The final look is a far cry from its humble beginnings. This will make me think twice before I recycle an aluminum can again.

Why It’s Green:

• Made of upcycled soda cans
• Handmade

Price: $29-45

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

For the past week or so, I’ve been floating somewhere between tired and exhausted, and feeling more than a little uninspired. My stepsons are here for the summer, so we’ve instantly gone from a household of 3 to a home for 6. That’s taken its fair share of juggling, and I definitely needed a little pick-me-up. Enter these fabulous prints from Daisy Janie, with quotes just pretty and aggressive enough to smack me into feeling like myself again.

My favorite of the bunch? “Why Push the Envelope When You Can Shove It the Hell Through?” Check out these others:

So what inspired these quotes? In Daisy Janie’s own words:

The Flourish quotes are part of a sweet & empowering letter my husband gave to me in 2004, when my work as a decorative painter was part of an emotionally & physically exhausting Designers’ Showcase. The ideas represent what he learned by observing my work process during those long, draining weeks. I’ve had the letter posted on my bulletin board ever since – simple reminders to focus on what allows my work to ‘flourish.’ Maybe they will prompt others to flourish, too!

They’ve definitely helped me get back on track today, and I hope they do the same for you.

Why It’s Green:

• Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper
• Processed chlorine-free
• Carbon neutral plus
• Green-e certified

Price: $15/ea.

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There are a lot of small, random non-recyclable materials that I tend to collect, hoping that one day I’ll have a spark of creativity and figure out what to do with them. For a while, it was toilet paper rolls, and now it’s bottle caps. I can’t tell you how many of these I have accumulated, because the local recycling center will take the bottles, but not the caps. Thank goodness there are a lot of people out there with more ingenuity than I have!

Etsy seller cpstudios made this gorgeously simple abstract sculpture from an array of multi-colored bottle caps. I’m amazed by how great it looks! The average person walking in a room would have no idea. The bottle caps are slightly more obvious when looking at them from an angle, but on the wall, the view would be head-on. I really need to grab an old picture frame and make one of these for myself. But if you’d rather not collect bottle caps, you can own this one for just $29.

And if you’re impressed by this, be sure to check out the other recycled and upcycled creations in the cpstudios shop. Impressive. Seriously. Hot pink and gray candelabra anyone?

Why It’s Green:

• Handmade of a recycled frame and bottle caps

Price: $29

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A few months ago, I featured a clock made by an ingenious Etsy seller c2design of recycled magazine pages and a CD. I fell in love with that clock, and I love it still, but it is just too small for the place where I want to put it. So when I stumbled on this beauty at Organize.com, I felt like I had struck gold.

This one is a mirror, and the magazine pages are rolled much smaller, and many more of them are used. As a result, the size of the overall piece is much more substantial: 35″ in diameter instead of 16″. In fact, the center mirror on this piece alone is 16″. I just hate that it costs more than $200. Never one to spend that much without a fight, I’m actually working with c2designs to see if she can make a larger version of her masterpiece, because I’d much rather give her my money.

But one way or the other, I WILL have a recycled magazine clock or mirror hanging on the wall of our new apartment when we move.

Why It’s Green:

• Made from magazine overprints and extra copies that would otherwise have been discarded into landfills
• Rolled by hand

Price: $249.99 (aff)

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Most days, I am reasonably content with my financial status. We have a roof over our head, food to eat and all the amenities of modern life. But there are moments, few though they may be, when I wish I had an unlimited amount of disposable income. Because if I did, I wouldn’t even blink before buying this beautiful mirror from SO Green Store. I have been on the hunt for a vintage sunburst clock or mirror to hang over the TV in the living room, opposite a trio of black and white photos in black, museum-style frames. This mirror would be the like the cherry on the pie. The room would be complete without it, but would just enhance the space so much more!

I am literally awestruck by how beautiful this is! Most of the items in my home have clean, geometric lines. More transitional than modern, but definitely not frilly or over the top. For that reason, this mirror would call attention to itself and be the definite standout in the room. At 36″ x 36″, there’s no way anyone could miss it, and I am seriously wishing I had an extra $600 right now. Are you listening, universe?

Why It’s Green:

• The artisan who makes it is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a “1 for 1″ replanting program to replace every tree that is consumed to produce this product.

Price: $583

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.