The Makings of a Colorful Gallery Wall: One Room Challenge Week 5

As part of my hallway makeover for the One Room Challenge, I have been working on a few DIY projects for a colorful gallery wall. With off-white walls in the hallway I knew I could add pops of color with a variety of frames and artwork. My plan from week 1 of the challenge included shades of blue, plus pops of lime green and hot pink. My gallery wall in the hallway will include blue pictures frames, a bright pink vintage mirror, some watercolor word art, plus a print of a hand-painted bouquet.

I wanted to include some floral artwork to add some variety, so I worked with the talented Anne Hockenberry from Birds and Berry Studio on Etsy.  She created a beautiful painting of pink peonies that fits perfectly within my gallery wall. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram.

 Supplies needed for these projects:

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience.

Navy Blue Chalk Paint Picture Frames

For the most part I wanted to use frames that I already had, but use paint to unify them and add some color. I had a stack of picture frames that I’ve accumulated over the last 10 years, but I also found two vintage oval frames to throw in the mix.
First I sanded the frames lightly to scuff up the surface. Then I spray painted them using white primer and let it dry. Using a paint bush I did two coats of Rust-oleum Chalked deep navy, with a light sanding in between coats.
Once that was dry, I again sanded to lightly distress the paint and reveal a bit of the white paint beneath. Then I used a dark antiquing wax which deepened the color to a dark blue. I applied the wax with a paint brush and rubbed it off right away with a cloth.

Light Blue Fabric Picture Frame Mats

I wanted a very pale blue for the pictures frame mats. So I bought some white cotton canvas and dyed it a light blue using Dylon China Blue. To wrap the mats in the fabric, I first used spray adhesive on the front of the mats and laid it on the fabric, making sure the fabric was smooth. Then I cut an X in the center, wrapped the fabric around tightly, and hot glued the fabric to the back.

Spray Painted Antique Mirror

I found an ornate antique mirror that I bought for $20. I was very excited to take the back off, hoping to find a packet of money or something. There was no money, but I did find this really old portrait behind the mirror! I lightly sanded the mirror, sprayed it with white primer, then sprayed it a bright pink.

Watercolor Words on Fabric

I made some word art for the two oval frames using some of the leftover white cotton canvas and watercolor fabric paints. You can read the full tutorial for how to make these yourself, and I also have a few of these available for sale in my Etsy shop.

 Birds and Berry Studio

And last but not least, the peonies printable from Birds and Berry Studio on Etsy. Anne created this one for me as a custom request, but it is also available in her shop. It fits in my whole color scheme perfectly with the pinks, blues and greens.
Anne makes some amazing hand painted cards and art prints. You can use your own color printer, but I printed mine at a photo center on glossy paper, and for less than $2 I have a high quality 8 x 10 print.

To-do

In the mean time I’ve also been doing a little bit of trim painting. I still need to finish off one more coat on the trim and doors, then hang the gallery wall. Check back next week for the final reveal! Also check out some of the other guest participants in the One Room Challenge.

*Update: Click here to see the final hallway reveal with pictures of the completed gallery wall!*

25 thoughts on “The Makings of a Colorful Gallery Wall: One Room Challenge Week 5”

  1. I love your idea! I have been thinking about doing a gallery wall, you gave me some ideas. Thanks

    Reply

  4. I love the gallery wall, it is going to fantastic!!!! The blue color you chose for your frames is spot on in the design world right now, you have an excellent eye!!!

    Reply

  8. The print from Birds and Berry Studio is so pretty! I’m also very interested to learn how you made the word art!

    Reply
  15. Pingback: Watercolor Word Art on Fabric: Plus a Free Printable! - The Weathered Fox
  16. Pingback: 6 Ideas for Brightening a Large Space with Gallery Walls | Birds and Berry Studio
  17. Pingback: How to Make Watercolor Tropical Art on Fabric - P.S. I Love You Crafts

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: