Getting my decorating fix!

I've been seriously deprived of decorating and designing spaces lately, so I had to find an outlet!  I snatched up some photo frame ledge shelving at Ikea and created this little changeable display on the wall above my desk.  I like the versatility of it, I can swap items out with as my moods and inspirations change, ha!  Not to mention, the fresh crisp white walls keep it looking light and airy...

I've had these beautiful prints since my first apartment.  I can't remember whether I bought them at Marshalls or TJMaxx, but I remember I had been ogling them over the course of months, before finally finding them on clearance and sealing the deal.  

Surprisingly, they both had Certificate of Authenticity stickers on the back from LIFE Picture Collection Archive in New York City.

This print is called Chrysanthemums by Walter Crane (dated 1889) and reads: "Where still in triumph, stiff with gold, the right Chrysanthemums unfold."

This print is titled "Lilies of the Valley" by artist Walter Crane (dated 1889) and reads: "The little Lilies of the Vale, White ladies delicate & pale"

Update: I did a quick search on Walter Crane and found out from this post that he was an artist and illustrator from England who lived from 1845-1915.  He is acclaimed for many children's books, illustrations, paintings, and more.   In the article linked above, the curator of the book display describes Crane and his philosophy about the influence of good art and design on learning:

"...Walter Crane (1845-1915) was the most prolific and influential children’s book creator of his generation. His pioneering designs for nursery books helped to popularise the idea of visual literacy. Crane radically improved the standard of ‘toy books’ – cheap, mass-market colour picture books, featuring alphabets, nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and modern stories. He also created a novel series of musical rhymes and fables for babies, as well as a set of experimental books that show how reading, writing and arithmetic can be learned through imaginative play.

Crane believed that good art and design could stimulate interest in books and help children to learn to read from a very early age. He recognised that every feature of the book – including covers, end papers, titles, illustration, type, and page layout – can be used to encourage children’s enjoyment of reading."

(read more here)

I agree with Crane's philosophy and I like how he approached his passion.  If it's even possible, I just fell more in love with these prints I bought all those years ago!  Especially now that I know more about the interesting man behind them.  Of course, there was never a doubt about their beauty and I've always loved their cute rhymes and delicate details!

I love them almost as much as these vintage ceramic salt and pepper shakers that I found a while back on eBay...  I'm totally in love!

Here is some more framed craft paper...

..and beloved matryoshkas too, of course!  

Check out the clamp lamp that I bought at Home Depot, it was around $5.99 and I couldn't be happier.  I love the look, and the price is right... 

I had originally bought the larger clamp light as well, but it had a large dent in it, so back it went.  I'm happy with this little guy for now, but I want to go back and get the bigger one again, it's less than $10!  Ya might wanna look into it if you haven't already...

If you're a long time reader (hi mom!) you may remember this Peacock art from my first apartment or my second apartment. I found him years ago at a Church yard sale and put him in a copper frame found at Goodwill with pre-cut black matting that I had from the craft store.  I still love it like the first day...

I found those antique brass eye liner vessel/applicators in the shape of peacocks on eBay as well.  Basically the heads screw off to reveal a small applicator tip and well for kohl.  You may have seen them before in this post. 

Anyway, I framed some handmade craft paper (found in a pack at TJMaxx) in one of those small inexpensive IKEA frames, and then added the Matryoshka gals and other goodies for a fun vignette...

We should all remember to dream big! :)

By the way, this card comes from a pack I found in the Michaels dollar section!  Whee...

And now, let's turn for a look out the window...  Stunning view!  This plant is called Clerodendrum quadriloculare a.k.a. Starburst Bush or Shooting Star, and it is growing everywhere around Miami.  The blooms are spectacular, I really enjoy them from the bedroom window, as you can see...

You can find more useful information about Clerodendrum quadriloculare a.k.a. Starburst Bush or Shooting Star on Dave's Garden here.

(All images in this post are property of Inspire Bohemia, please do not use them without written permission - InspireBohemia(at)gmail(dot)com - thank you!)