I need your help! I've mentioned a few times that we have these beautiful notes our wedding guests wrote to us to read on our one-year anniversary. I really want to preserve and show them off in an artistic way (rather than just putting them away in a box somewhere) and I've been racking my brain for inspiration. Normally ideas for projects like this come fairly easily, but I'm having a hard time! I thought I'd share some possibilities and see what you, my dear readers, think.
Here was my original idea--to frame them in a grid in a large gold frame (it would have to be quite large to hold all of the notes--the inside would need to measure 16' by 20'). The backing would be some kind of cream matboard. Part of the problem is finding the right frame that is large enough yet doesn't cost a fortune.
Another more recent idea I had was to decoupage the notes, again in a grid to keep it neat and tidy, on top of a cream-colored dresser or a table-top. I have mixed feelings about this. In the photo below, I love how the map looks decoupaged to this sideboard. But I wonder if notes would look tacky? If I used a dresser, I thought it would be fun to paint the dresser ivory and the drawers gold (two of our wedding colors), but again, I can't decide if the decoupage element would look classy or forced. What are your thoughts?
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Image Source / The Painted Hive
The last idea would be to break up the cards into three gold frames of different sizes and create a little gallery. This would surely be more affordable, because the frames are small and I could even possibly use thrift-shop frames and paint them gold. But the cards would be broken up, and I don't know if the effect would be as dramatic as the single large frame.
I need your help! Which idea do you like, if any? Or, do you have a different idea? Don't be shy!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI think that since it's something you'll be keeping forever, investing in one large frame is a better choice. As for the furniture, if decoupaging is permanent then it's not really a good idea because there's no guarantee that you won't fall out of love with the actual dresser/table and want to get rid of it later on in life. Also, people are always going to notice if it's up on a wall in a frame but may not notice if it's decoupaged on a surface that's naturally going to be covered with objects. Just my two cents. :)
Hi Rachel, thanks so much for these thoughts! I think you are right, and am leaning towards the large frame myself. You pointed out some things I hadn't thought of--so thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat cute ideas Kate! I can see why it's a tough decision. Because I love gallery walls, I'm going to vote for several smaller frames, and have them smattered in with other photos and mementos from your wedding (programs, dried flowers, swatches, pieces of music, etc.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think I’d go for the large frame as well, that way it can always be a real statement piece in your home and it’ll never get outdated the way furniture does! :) You might be able to get someone to make you a custom frame?
ReplyDeleteSo happy to have your input, Katie! Yes a custom frame is a great idea....my husband suggested I make one myself! Ha! I think he believes in my DIY abilities a little too zealously!
ReplyDeleteI've seen where some people have displayed items from their wedding in a tasteful shadow box. The extra room allows for some creativity if there are multiple mementos to be kept. I love the look of the gold frame!
ReplyDeleteI took a framing class at Ft. Drum's arts & crafts center and made a custom frame for one of my prints. It was a cool experience - definitely not something I could've done by myself. But maybe you could look into a class like that?
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea, Renee! I will look into it. I bet you're so proud of that frame you made!
ReplyDeleteI've seen shadow boxes too but have never seen one I loved. It's a good thought and I'll have to keep me eyes peeled in case I see a cute one. Glad you like the gold frame! (It's getting the popular vote so far.)
ReplyDeleteI think the idea of the large frame is my favorite of the three. The shadow box mentioned by Leah also sounds like a fun idea. You could incorporate some gold elements (ribbon, glue, paint) in the shadow box too, to stay true to your wedding color scheme! I'm looking forward to seeing what you decide to do!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! I love what you said about staying true to the wedding colors. I really hope to achieve that, however it turns out!
ReplyDeleteWhat if you decoupaged cupboard doors? There's a lot going on in this sample picture - but the general idea might work. If you didn't want to commit yourself to permanently changing an entire piece of furniture, perhaps you could just find old cabinet doors to use and display them on their own. You could paint them gold and still get the framed look, but could (perhaps) be cheaper
ReplyDeleteCecelia, that's such a neat idea!! I love it. You're right, this would sort of combine the two ideas. And using old cupboard doors might lend the whole project sort of a cottage look, which is right up my alley. Thanks for the great idea!! I'll keep you posted :)
ReplyDeleteYou could make copies of the notes and then you wouldn't have to worry about the commitment. Then save the real notes to divide among your future children. Love your blog BTW.
ReplyDeleteOh I love the idea of dividing them someday between our future children! That's lovely! Thanks so much for your comment and for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteYou could also place the notes underneath a piece of glass fitted for a coffee table. That way you could see them through the glass but they would be safe from dust. I do love your idea to place them in one big frame! That way it would be easier to move just one frame instead of three!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great input, Maggie! I'll keep you posted :)
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