Hello, friends! Welcome to another edition of My Five Favorites! This monthly feature is a collaboration with my wonderful friends Jennifer from Dimples & Tangles, Kris from Driven by Decor, and Pam from Simple Details. On the first Tuesday of each month, we share our absolute favorite things on a specific topic, and this time, we’re diving into art projects and pieces. For this special occasion, we’re thrilled to welcome Jennifer from The Chronicles of Home as our guest host!
Jennifer is a talented builder and decorator whose style is both inspiring and approachable. One of her standout projects is a stunning table she recently unveiled on her porch—truly a must-see. She also has an eye for unique art, like the captivating water photograph she turned into a framed masterpiece for her family room. It’s not only beautiful but also available for free download and printing. Talk about a generous and creative spirit!
Now, let’s jump into some of my favorite DIY art projects. These pieces are close to my heart and have transformed my home into a more personal and meaningful space. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just dipping your toes into the art world, I hope these ideas spark some inspiration for your walls.
1. Oversized Block Art
Big impact, low cost—that’s the magic of oversized block art. During last fall’s One Room Challenge, I gave my teenage son’s room a much-needed makeover. The space called for a bold statement piece, but I wanted something budget-friendly. Enter grid-style block art.
This project involved enlarging a high-resolution photo, which I then uploaded and printed at a local Staples. (You can use your home printer, but copy center printers offer richer saturation and higher quality.) The result? A striking, frameless display that became the focal point of the room.
I’m already planning another oversized piece for a blank wall in my basement, and I can’t wait to bring this idea to life again! If you’d like to create your own, check out my detailed tutorial here.
2. Wood-Mounted Photo Art
If you’re looking to add variety to your wall decor, consider this: decoupaging a photo onto wood or MDF. It’s a simple way to elevate your space and add texture to your gallery of framed art. One of my favorite examples is a photo from a family trip to Hawaii that I mounted on wood. Seeing this memory every day brings me so much joy, and the wood backing adds an interesting, dimensional touch.
A little tip: Over the years, I’ve perfected my technique and discovered that Alene’s Collage Pauge works far better than Mod Podge for this type of project. It adheres better, reduces bubbles, and leaves a smooth, matte finish. If you’ve ever wrestled with decoupage mishaps, you know how game-changing this can be!
For step-by-step instructions, you can find my full tutorial here.
3. Letter Collages with Leo Reynolds
Letter posters are timeless and versatile. I’ve lost count of how many I’ve made for friends and family—easily 30 or 40 since I first shared this tutorial on my blog! These collages use free images from the talented photographer Leo Reynolds, whose work is generously available for non-commercial use.
What I love most about these pieces is their customizability. You can tailor the colors to match your home’s palette—black and white, vintage hues, or vibrant pops of color. In our house, one of these posters graced the kitchen gallery wall for years before I moved it to our basement stairwell. Even after six years, it still feels fresh and special.
My kids have their own personalized versions featuring their names or initials, which make for meaningful decor in their rooms. Whether you frame it or display it on a picture ledge, this project always feels personal and unique.
Find the full tutorial for creating your own letter collages here.
4. Artistic iPhone App Creations
Who doesn’t love the idea of turning everyday photos into painterly works of art? Thanks to apps like Brushstroke and Waterlogue, you can transform your snapshots into digital masterpieces. These apps are perfect for creating art that’s both personal and special.
One of my favorite projects involved using the Brushstroke app to give a family photo a painted effect. (Read more about making art with this app here.)
I also experimented with the Waterlogue app, which turns images into watercolor-style pieces. These digital creations became the basis for a wood-mounted triptych in our powder room—a small touch that made a big difference in the space’s vibe.
These apps are easy to use and incredibly fun to play around with. If you’re interested in trying this technique, I’ve shared a tutorial here.
5. DIY Wood Signs
Wood signs are a charming way to add character to your home, and they’re surprisingly simple to make. I don’t own a vinyl cutting machine like a Cricut, so I rely on an old-school method: printing text to the desired size, coloring the back of the paper with chalk, and tracing over the words to transfer the outline onto wood. From there, it’s just a matter of filling in the letters with paint or a Sharpie.
One of my favorite signs is a vintage-inspired piece that adds warmth to our kitchen. Another is a “destinations” sign featuring meaningful places from our family’s travels. These projects are affordable, customizable, and make wonderful gifts as well.
For detailed instructions, check out my tutorials for creating wood signs here and here.
More Wall Art Ideas
If you’re hungry for more inspiration, be sure to browse my gallery of wall art projects. Each piece tells a story and adds a personal touch to our home. I’m currently working on a large-scale art project that I can’t wait to share soon—it’s shaping up to be one of my most exciting creations yet.
Join the Conversation
Before you go, make sure to visit my talented friends and see their favorite art projects:
- Jennifer from Dimples & Tangles
- Kris from Driven by Decor
- Pam from Simple Details
- And, of course, our fabulous guest host, Jennifer from The Chronicles of Home!
Art has the power to transform spaces, evoke emotions, and make your house feel like a home. Whether you’re crafting oversized block art, experimenting with iPhone apps, or creating wood signs, the possibilities are endless. I hope these ideas inspire you to roll up your sleeves and bring your own artistic vision to life!
