You know when you do something in your home, and after it sits there for like, five years you get tired of it? No? Unless you cover your sofas from the fifties with plastic and use them forever (See: Everybody Loves Raymond) you probably like to keep things fresh after a while. Rearranging furniture, changing out the pillows… switching out the stuff on your walls.
This gallery was up for about three years and we were ready to remix a bit. We love our offspring, but I’m terrible about switching out their photos. I suffer from a serious bout of photo replacement guilt. As I pulled them from their frames and put them away, Malone’s eyes (Have you seen this child’s eyes?!) seared into my soul, asking me not to throw him away. It’s that guilt every mom suffers from. The one where I’m not sure if I have a digital file of said photo so I hold onto it even though I have five copies somewhere else.
I just know the kids are going to grow up one day and say “Hey Mom. Do you have that photo of me circa November 7, 2008?” And then I won’t be able to find it (especially if it’s Malone. He didn’t exist yet) and they won’t feel loved because I’m an incapable mother. There’s also that whole I-must-humiliate-them-when-they’re-older rule. So torn between guilt and revenge for all the sleepless nights they gave me as babies, and that time one ate his poop, I store them. I’ll be the sketcho empty nester who has full fledged convos with her photos plastered to the walls a-la home made wall paper because I measure my success as a mother based on how many photos I can keep up with and I’m legit like that. Stay tuned for the blog post.
But serious digression, I said all that to say that we decided to mix things up a bit.
We spiffed up a few of the frames, and we built this little piece for the TV. (how-to on its way) It was time for a change. We love the way it opened things up a bit.
And brought some fun personality to the space.
These are all some of the pieces from the super talented artists featured in our Handmade Home book series. See what I did there? Only because I want you guys to know about it…
It’s a serious insta-collection for your walls… that looks like you’ve been curating for years.
There are so many possibilities with these books, and we love all the fun looks and different combos that can be created with them. Our art series books were (officially) released this week – and Handmade Walls will be released this December (the 18th – earlier releases for pre-orders).
But if you’ve been looking for some curated art for your walls this is a whole fun book of them – each piece averages about 37.5 cents, to be precise. It’s a collection, at a steal. They’re all interchangeable, colorful and inspiringly beautiful.
Something else we wanted to let you guys know about: We will be having a local book signing at one of our very favorite places to shop for one of a kind treasures here in Montgomery. So if you happen to be in the area, or anywhere near they’re having a super fun open house, and we will be there meeting and greeting with the wonderful people there… when we’re not on a treasure hunt ourselves.
Oh, and signing books. The idea of signing books makes me really nervous. What if I mess up? Smear the ink? Spell someone’s name wrong? The pressure.
Just kidding. Not really. We’d love to meet you if you’re anywhere near!
Thanks so much lovely friends, and we hope to see you there! Have an inspired day!
Alexis says
Fantastic! I wish I lived closer or I would so be there. I am in love with your books.
Jenna says
I am in love with this new look! I have always suffered from photo remorse as well. Hilarious!
Megan says
I love your books! I can’t even pick a favorite of the three–they are all great! I received mine Monday.
Love the new gallery wall. 🙂
Jill says
Love the new look. Love the books!
I picked up my copies the other day at the local B&N. I love them. If I send them will you sign them, because that only seems fair for us out of towners? (;
My problem is I can’t bring myself to use any of the prints, I’m loving them too much as coffe table books. I may have to pick up another set for framing!
Beth G. says
Yes, the books are gorgeous! I’m also having trouble with the idea of tearing pages out of any book, much less a really special one! I was raised to respect books! Congratulations on such an awesome project. See you at the signing!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thanks so much, Beth. And trust me… I am the SAME way! ;} But they’re so much fun for the walls!
Tennille Mykula says
Ok, so I just want on amazon to get the link for these books so I can paste them to my digital Christmas list. I told my hubby like forever ago that I wanted them but without a link he’ll be all “what book did you want again”? So when I pulled up Art for the Traditional Home I was shocked to see that there’s already the option to buy your book “used” How can your book be “used” already when it just came out this week? And are some of the pages going to be missing? Anyway, I just thought it was funny. Can’t wait to get my hands on the whole series.
Tennille Mykula says
Also, do you happen to know if there are any Canadian retailers carrying your books? I would hate to have to pay $30 to get them over the border.
Kay says
Please let me know when you have posted the how-to for your TV stand! I may want to do the exact same thing. 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Absolutely, Kay! It’s coming up soon! ;} (We’re kinda inundated with overdue tutorials right now! But that’s a good problem, right? HA!} We love ours + can’t wait to share.
Deena says
Where did you get the turqoise box at the bottom of the tv cabinet? LOVE IT!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Deena! It’s a lucky duck flea market find, and apparently it came from an old fabric factory. One of those jump-on-it-now kinda moments. ;} sorry that’s probably not much help!