String Art

 Prints and paintings are great, but sometimes you want to mix up your wall decor. What could be more sassy than some geometric DIY string art? 

Every aspect of this project was tedious and time-consuming. From drawing the template to pounding 200 nails, then applying the string, and finally carefully peeling off the paper template from under the finished piece. A full-on weekend project for sure, but well worth it. 

I chose dark brown, gold, grey, bright orange and dark rusty red embroidery floss. Any type of string or yarn would work, depending on the intricacy and boldness your design. Next time I'd like to try a rustic slice of tree stump rather than the pale plywood. 








While we're at it, check out my new thrifty finds:  
Left to Right: a cool volcanic textured pot, chevron planter, and circle-clad vase. Lots of brown-town, but I love it.

Cactus & Succulent Prints

I've been hard at work on some new prints for my Etsy shop! I know all my plant-lover friends will adore these.


There are several different designs available, so take your pick. I hope you love them as much as I do!

I Have a Brand New Studio!

One major big thing I've been looking forward to is the day when I can dedicate an entire room in our home to an art studio and personal space for myself. Currently, we live in a two bedroom apartment (the second bedroom serving solely as the guest room) and I've always assumed there was no room for a studio. Until now!!

Sure, it might get a teensy bit cramped for our guests, mostly Matt's parents and our good friend Joe, but it's a beautiful room with a huge window and I just couldn't let it go virtually unused any longer.

I raided my bedroom closet for the three white shelving units you see supporting the tabletop, as I wanted to complete this project on a strict budget. I paid about $30 for three pieces of MDF at Home Depot, and the white cubes you see on the right I got on Amazon.com also for $30.

I couldn't be happier with my new space. It's exactly what I wanted: lots of room to spread out while I'm working, and tons of space for storage and display.

An art studio wouldn't be complete without a bulletin board to post your ideas and inspirations. I found a ginormous one at the thrift store for $2, covered it in white cotton fabric and went to town.
Currently, I'm obsessed with the Southwest, deserts, warm rich colors and the like.

I've already gotten to work:

I finished this lion soft toy I started last year. He got a brand new fancy mane, a nose, and a sweet little crown.

Isn't he positively wonderful? Keep your eyes peeled at my Etsy shop for one or two coming up soon.

See you later, I'm off to my studio!

My Pictorial Year in Review

2011 has been a great year. The older I get, the happier and more content I feel. My husband Matt and I have a wonderful little life together with our two cats along with the rest of our people-family. I'm looking forward to continued happiness and prosperity in 2012!

Here are the highlights of the things I've done and seen in 2011 (in no particular order):

A Modern Day for Etsy!

I hope every one is excited about the upcoming holidays! I know we are; I've just finished my holiday cards (which I will post about later, since I haven't sent them yet) and had a nice leisurely day today to get even more stuff done.

Like these rockin' cards for sale on my Etsy shop!! Also for sale are several loveable soft rabbit toys like this one:

You know you want one! Everything is affordable, unique, and created by me. Go look already! Bobbie's Modern Day on Etsy.com (sorry, fellow succulent nerds, the plant is not for sale) and check back often, as I've always got something in the works.