Photography in Frames

As a teacher, I am lucky enough to get the same days off as the students. With that said, having 10 days off during the holidays kept me wondering how I got through the chaos of it all while working. I’m guessing a nightly cocktail was involved.

This year I decided to try and steal a little time for myself over winter break to work on a few neglected projects. The result: my desk is nearly finished (currently pricing power tools!!), wardrobe has been downsized by two garbage bags & donated, crafting corner has been organized, and one of my heinous white apartment walls have been filled with one of my favorite projects thus far!

close up

Initially, I had different intentions for the frames but as I was strolling through Urban Outfitters one day a burst of inspiration took over. As I began the project, I intended to mirror the store version as best I could.  But as I started gathering supplies and photographs, I was continually reminded of the dark room from my high school photography class; processing our photos and hanging them to drip dry with clothes pins. I would often stare into the sea of photographs with admiration for my classmates work, other times with disgust for the lack of dedication shown, but most often with intrigue. Hanging would be a variety of photos with great quality and creativity, to others who over/underexposed photos, or left them out of focus/cut off, but overall each was hung with a sense of pride. I have always loved that room; it was beautifully chaotic, delivering inspiration and creativity out from every nook and cranny.

Paying homage to the class that influenced so much of my life is the project below: a combination of vintage frames, hipster store inspiration, and an undying love for the art of a student learning to process their own photos at every level.

Beginner's dark room: varying from uh-oh to amazing :)

kitchen upgrade

Confession: my apartment has not had an ounce of decorating attention since school started (or much cleaning attention, for that matter either). Admitting fault is step one, right?!

As I was preparing for my first craft show (details to come), I ran to Target to pick up a few last minute items. Which, if you know me you already know that this quick trip for necessary items lead to a buggy full of random ‘must-haves.’ After condensing and forcing myself to spend only the $10.00 I walked in with, I proudly left with the following: all necessary items, 2 picture frames, and wall décor for the guest bathroom. Love Target.

One of the color pallets I have been obsessing over on my Pinterest page is finally starting to come together. Maybe it's the fall colors popping up everywhere that inspired me, or possibly my boyfriend's wardrobe which seems to be limited to orange, brown, & white during football season. Either way I'll admit this is not the most obvious pallet for me and to further my honesty, it is sort of a plan B until I can achieve my vintage-style dream kitchen.

But for now I’m thinking…

Thinking stark white with navy and orange accents

Winter is approaching, and frankly, it is not a season that suits me well! So... why not bring a little happiness into the room I spend most of my time in during those bitter, cold months!

Advice welcomed!

apartment revival

A home should represent those who live there; give off a certain personality if you will. When I first walk into someone else’s home, I anticipate all of the intricate details (from the chosen color scheme, to that one-of-a-kind piece found on vacation, to the type of artwork displayed) in order to learn more about the person. Mulling this idea over, I have to admit my hypocrisy. As I looked around our apartment of roughly over a year, the only personality I can drum up is of a sporadic, noncommittal, bland decorator.

A home is a further extension of your personality; so what should it say?

-That you have no children? Crave adventure? Appreciate culture? Or have you allowed yourself to become the families' dumping grounds, accumulating all things “vintage” and “fixable.” This combination instantly reminds me of my impeccable taste in all things free during my college years. Sadly, I currently find myself stuck somewhere in the middle.

Sure there are a few highlights that we are very proud of but it is a far cry from complete. It is definitely not from lack of interest or even time that our place still looks so unfinished a year later; I've just never planned on staying in one place that long. Now I find myself like many other twenty-somethings out there, ready, but with a lack of funds. Quick research shows that helpful advice, tips, and DIY remedies for the snowy white walls, dated beige kitchen, and the awkward room layouts that we have found ourselves occupying can be remedied.

We did it. We started the never-ending project. It had to be done.

Monotony has been to known drive me crazy. So why would I want the apartment (that I’m inevitably stuck in due to Ohio winters) to feel so depressing? A new furniture piece will soon be finding its way into our home. So we decided (well I decided, and begged until he gave in) that this was the perfect opportunity to rearrange, even recreate our living space. Spring is symbolic for revival, so why not begin right at home?

I cannot begin to explain what a difference it is making already. To actually enjoy being in the apartment that I have felt imprisoned in all winter long. Try it. Love it. Repeat often.