Close ups of the gallery wall

When the new room was finished, I decided I wanted some of my favorite family pictures hung in it.  This one is from our big getaway to Siesta Key a couple of years ago.  I printed it at 8x10, but wanted it to be more prominent to show off the darling, but so fleeting, proof of sisterly love.

So, I framed it in an oval, vintage frame and attached that to the center of an ornate clock frame that I had. I'd taken out the clock and painted over the brass frame, then painted the oval frame to  match.

 

Recently, I read one of those posts that pop up here and there, you know, those lists of the Top Ten this or thats, often about decor or fashion?  This one was about decorating trends that make your home look dated.  And one of the things listed was having displays of family photos. Their point was that a bunch of pictures was grandmotherly.

Hmmm.

Well, as often as I get sucked into reading all of those lists, they aren't something I believe in our care much about.  They are slightly addictive to me, just like the TV show, Naked and Afraid. I'd NEVER be a survivalist, but I am glued to that series and can't turn away when the bugs start crawling on the starving people who can't build a fire.  I follow those lists just like I follow that show.  They are hardly ever ideas that I use, but I sure am hooked on reading them.

I do like it when I see a photo from my own home pop up in one of the lists, though!  (hopefully on a positive list)

Like here or here.

So, not caring if my gallery wall made my home look dated according to a very important top ten list on the internet, I went ahead with collaging and framing some of my loved ones.

This one is not flattering at all to a single member of the group, but I still think it is a great pic.  A photo doesn't have to be perfect.  This one is full of emotions and that beats perfect any day.

Ryan seems to think I have an over abundance of grand fairy shots.  He could be right.

Here is how they all look, puzzle pieced together on the wall. The glass block window is the backsplash behind my kitchen stove on the other side of the wall.  This used to be the cottage's exterior, and I liked that window, so we kept it with the remodel.  

The fabric is the silk from the circus apparatus that hangs from the ceiling, and we need a pulley, so it can be fitted into the corner without it swagging as it is now.

All of those photos might be a little busy with so much going on right now, the top of the buffet is full of Halloween decor.  Normally, it is more demur.  At Christmas, it will be fantastically, over the top, so for that, I'll probably take the family pictures down and replace them with a stained glass window or some mirrors.  

Until I get a pulley for the rope on the silks, this is how we hang them up after use.  Who needs a ladder when you have circus kids? I wonder if she can reach the ceiling fan blades to give them a dusting while she is up there too?

Comments

[Yvonne Welty]

Love the pictures. They look lovely not dated. I have lots of them up as well. It makes a house a home in my opinion. Thanks for sharing!

[Karla Nathan]

I agree, Yvonne, family photos are homey. I thought it was funny that article said that about them. Maybe the new thing to do is a digital collage?

[jeanie]

Looks great, Karla. Love the arrangement. And I don't give a hoot if someone who thinks they know better thinks my home is dated just because I am surrounded by photos of people I love and memories of experiences that grab my heart. I'll accept the "dated" verdict on my old counters or stove. But not on photos. Those are the treasures that make it home, not house beautiful.

[Tammy]

The women who think family pictures make a home look dated are (or will be) the kind of women who don't let their children help decorate the Christmas tree.

[Karla Nathan]

I agree, Tammy!