Tuesday 27 January 2015

SIMPLE SUPERHERO MOVIE POSTERS

Do you like to watch movies? Any particular genre?

I'm fond of mystery and horror movies. But to be honest I wouldn't hang any of their posters on wall in my home.
Also, I wouldn't hang any original poster (maybe there are some I would like, but haven't find any yet). But, I like some ideas from them, mostly from Marvel movies (not all).
Searching through Internet, hunting some ideas, I have found many non-official posters made minimalistic.
I'm not used to steal other peoples ideas or work. I'll always go hard way and try to do it by myself.
So, a few months ago I made these few hanging on our living room wall and one in our hall.





 




I've just noticed that we don't have Superman......

You can find some great ones: here, here, here, here, here, here, or just google: simple movie posters

Bye, bye, 
Marta

IN NEED OF INSPIRATION: DECORATING BOYS ROOM

Currently we're in huge dilemma, puzzled with indecision to move or to renovate.
Most of rooms are in pretty fine condition, things which are wrong or decrepit could be easiliy fixed.

Biggest problem of all is my son's room. I wouldn't go into any structural problem we have, but let's just say that it would be impossible to solve it without a wall demolition....or moving to another address.

The thing is we have two bedrooms, and ours is bigger, with big windows and huge amount of natural light. The other is smaller (too small for double bed and closet space), looking into inner yard with window looking into another window, and since we're on 1st floor the amount of sunlight is extremely limited.

The solution would be: change for rooms! P is using his room mostly at daytime, and we're only sleeping in ours.
But....big bed could not fit into space (we'd had to sleep in bunk beds) and there is no option for any closet bigger than the one for my clothes only...maybe. Second problem is we would loose the possibility of  using our balcony at night. I'd never accept that idea. Sorry! Sitting there on warm nights, after all day hustle and bustle, drinking some wine or beer and discussing on whatever we could think of is the only luxury D and I have. The windows and door of this, bigger room are leading directly on it....

Since, we're in some kind of non-solvable limbo and we'll eventually decide to move in next few years, I'll try to make P's room as good as it can be and simply redecorate it (for probably 7th time). 

There are some ideas, already pinned on my Pinterest board: Kids room.

So let's see...I'll reveal the final result.



bedhuisje-base-bed




The charcoal gray walls are lifted by the presence of a bright white ceiling, and a large cream area rug sprawling from beneath the end of the bed, and the vintage style chest at it's foot.









As you can see...I'm stuck between scandinavian and industrial style....ecclectic is somewhere between those two...

Stay tuned,
Marta





Tuesday 12 November 2013

DIY: MAKE YOUR OWN PHOTO CANVAS

I'll tell you a story. We're in process of re-designing our sons room. He has grown up, and has outgrown his guardian owls, teddybears and bed for babies.It seems this process will never end, but we're moving...slowly...

End of 2009 - end of summer 2011
End of summer 2011 - beginning of 2013
I'm not going to show you whole room until it is all over, and this story is about PRETTY LADIES ON MOTORCYCLES...with note that bikes must be new models!??!? This came out from mouth of 4 years old boy. I've decided to make a few canvases with some vintage car/motorcycle/train posters, and asked him what does he like more. He said: 'Bikes!', and added:'...but I don't want old ones. They must be new...and, I want pretty lady sitting on it.'

I was speechless. But decided to find a way to make his wish come true, keep my vintage idea and to stay within borders of good taste acceptable for his age.
I must admit, and it keeps bothering me - I'm not satisfied, this tiny bit of conservatism inside me keeps telling me that is wrong to put photos like this on wall...in small child's room :((

But, liberal as my husband and I are - pretty ladies on motorcycles are still hanging there...or better to say it is just one lady, and she is very pretty ;))So, what you need to make your own canvases? I have found many tutorials on web, but none of them with plain photocopy paper. 
I'm sorry for not taking photos of the process :((

FOR ONE CANVAS:

#1 Pre - streched white canvas - you can buy the cheapest one (here, in Croatia it can be found for less than 20 HRK in Offertissima, KIK and similar stores).

#2 Choosen photo or picture printed on laser printer or photocopy (DON'T use inkjet prints. Ink will melt from water and glue).

#3 White, wood glue diluted with water.

#4 Foam roller in size you find suitable for size of photo - in this case, the bigger is better ;)

#5 Much time and will.


#1 THE CANVAS
It should be in size of your photo. The biggest I've made was 70 x 100 cm (around 2.3 x 3.3 ft).

#2 THE PHOTO/PICTURE
You shouldn't feel limited with your printer size. It is not true that every possibility stops on A4 sized paper. 
You need a good software which allows you to clip parts of your image or to print them one by one. So, Photoshop or one of it freeware copies will do.Only thing you must remember is to print out some overlappings on every part of image. This overlaps will be cut on the end, but you need space for finding the best and the least visible place to merge pieces together.

#3 THE GLUE
I love wood glue! It is cheap and very usable. First you must dilute it with water. I can't tell you the best ratio. This glue is pretty dense, and you must dilute it enough to be able spread it over the canvas easily.

#4 FOAM ROLLER
If you have a foam roller long enough to cover the whole width of yout photo, it'll be the best.

#5 THE TIME
Prepare your self, this job will ruin your nerves!

Here is the process:
Spread the glue over the canvas, but don't cover area bigger than the size of your photo/piece of photo because it will dry quickly.
Slightly wet yout first photo part.
Position it on canvas. Press the first edge with roller and continue rolling inch by inch to the other edge. It looks like you're setting the wallpapers. Use the same roller already sodden with glue and water. It has to be watered enough not to stick to your photo.
Be careful! Wet paper will strech easily, so don't push and press too much. If you push it too hard it won't only stretch, but also slide away from its place. Roll until all bumps are gone. If there are some left, don't panic. In drying process they will level themslves leaving just some small scarves...so, nothing serious ;)

When you're done, carefully position your next photo part on glued canvas surface and repeat the whole process trying not to move photo parts ruining joint edge.

When it is all over, let it dry for a few hours and put one coat of varnish just to seal it completely.

So, here it is. First one isn't joined well, but who cares..this one is on top and slightly out of sight ;)







Have a nice rest of the week,
<Marta>

Saturday 9 November 2013

DIY: KITCHEN BLACKBOARD - MIX YOUR OWN CHALKPAINT

There are many tutorials on how to make chalk paint. Many recipes and many outcomes. Some of them are good for furniture painting, and some are better on wall.

My idea was to make a big blackboard in kitchen where we can write shopping lists or weekly menu. 



After testing some recipes decision was made. Simpler is always better!

Things you will need:
1.   Non-sanded tile grout
2.   Latex paint (any color) - latex paint is a must for wall painting
3.   Mixing cup or bucket (bucket is better, even for a small amount of color)
4.   Wooden paint stirrer or mixer drill attachment (in my case - just mixer...you know, this one you use in kitchen :D)
5.   Sponge roller and paintbrush
6.   Masking tape


1# - MIX
Mix the latex paint and non-sanded grout in prepared bucket. 
The ratio is: 1 part grout to 8 parts paint. 
Amounts are dependable on painting area. For a cup of paint you need only 2 Tsp of grout.
When you start with this job you'll soon be realising that mixing of it isn't the easiest job. So - use mixer and be sure to get an even and homogenous paste. You don't want visible granules or grout bumps on your wall.

2#- CLEAN
Like always, painting surface must be clean from dust, oily marks and preferably even. Dusty and oily wall will cause peeling of your paint. 
Oily marks will need some sanding, and dust will come off with wet cloth (don't overdo with water, you don't want to wait too long for it to dry)

3# - MASK
Use masking tape to mark the painting area. Apply your chalkboard paint using a paintbrush and/or sponge roller. If your paint is too dry, feel free to dilute it with small amount of water. Don't pour too much water at once!
Like every chalkboard paint, one coat isn't going to be enough. First coat should be painted in one direction (horizontally), and after drying, second coat in other direction (vertically).

4# - DRY
Allow the paint to dry. It will look dry after only hour, but you should allow it to dry for a 2 or 3 days before using it.

5# - CONDITION
After a few days it should be ready for use, but, as we condition our cast-iron cooking utensils, we must condition our chalkpaint also! Rub chalk along the entire surface and then wipe it off with a barely-damp cloth.

6# - USE
And, finally, the last step....go on! Use your board!




Have a nice weekend,
<Marta>

Sunday 3 November 2013

INTERIOR TO LOOK AT

To make  ​​a small step away from the previous apartment selection (really small) I chose this apartment offered on  www.alexanderwhite.se.



Would'nt you like to live in such a wonderful building built in 1929? In my town buildings so old do not look like this ...

Apartment as a whole, seems a bit confusing. Modern innovations and processing of materials, combined with its complete opposite best presented in the form of a dinning table.

All in all, very interesting, but go, and judge by yourself!

<Have a good day,Marta>






 


This apartment is not very big, only 49,5 m² (about 530 sqft). It has a great open space living area connected with kitchen. White walls with some color accents, plenty of dark shades, bioethanol fireplace set high on the wall like a picture. Everything is quite interesting, isn't it?




Kitchen is ultra modern, with clean lines, glossy black unit doors and granite countertop. In complete opposition with table made ​​of old wood and chairs taken at flea market!





Bedroom is very neutral, decorated in soft earth tones. Bathroom is dark, modern, and big enough to place washing machine and dryer behind curtain.