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:
- 400 grit sandpaper
- White spray primer
- Rust-oluem chalked (I used Deep Navy)
- Dark wax
- Paint brush
- Fabric dye (I used Dylon China blue)
- White cotton canvas
- Spray adhesive
- Hot glue gun
- Spray paint (I used berry pink)
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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.
jenniferm99 says
May 4, 2017 at 1:50 pmI love your idea! I have been thinking about doing a gallery wall, you gave me some ideas. Thanks
jessvanderveen@gmail.com says
May 4, 2017 at 2:12 pmGreat!
Stephanie Abbott says
May 4, 2017 at 2:40 pmLooking good, Jessica! Can’t wait to see the reveal!
jessvanderveen@gmail.com says
May 4, 2017 at 3:03 pmThank you!
Veronica@inveronicascorner says
May 4, 2017 at 3:37 pmSo cute! Love the design. 🙂
jessvanderveen@gmail.com says
May 4, 2017 at 3:47 pmThanks veronica!
Jen Gainer says
May 4, 2017 at 4:14 pmI 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!!!
Lindsay says
May 4, 2017 at 4:29 pmLovw the mix and the colors – can’t wait to see this one all together!
jessvanderveen@gmail.com says
May 5, 2017 at 8:28 amThanks Lindsay!
Jessica Devlin says
May 4, 2017 at 7:57 pmLove this! Great work
enannylink1 says
May 4, 2017 at 8:56 pmThis is very beautiful!!!
Jenn says
May 4, 2017 at 10:19 pmThe print from Birds and Berry Studio is so pretty! I’m also very interested to learn how you made the word art!
jessvanderveen@gmail.com says
May 5, 2017 at 8:29 amThanks Jenn! As soon as I can get my act together I’ll post a tutorial, it’s very easy and there’s so many possibilities!
Flippin Fanchers says
May 5, 2017 at 10:58 amI love gallery walls and your photos are gorgeous!!!
Bonbon says
May 6, 2017 at 10:06 pmYour gallery wall is going to be gorgeous. I love the pink on the antique frame that looks so pretty. Can’t wait to see the reveal.
jessvanderveen@gmail.com says
May 6, 2017 at 10:50 pmThanks so much! I hope it turns out as well as it looks in my head
Emy says
May 8, 2017 at 8:13 amLove the colors you chose for the frames!
katyashadeofteal says
May 8, 2017 at 11:07 pmI love the peonies printable. It’s beautiful!
jessvanderveen@gmail.com says
May 9, 2017 at 6:46 amYes Anne does some beautiful work!
jadoreledecor says
May 10, 2017 at 8:04 amGreat find on the portrait behind the mirror! I wonder who it is? This gallery wall is going to turn out great. I can’t wait to see the reveal.
Creatively Homespun says
May 10, 2017 at 11:08 pmThat floral is breathtaking!!! I love it!
jessvanderveen@gmail.com says
May 11, 2017 at 2:45 pmAnne Hockenberry is so talented!