Artistic Endeavors: The Art of Arrangement

hownowdesign

Story by hownowdesign

Published on Jan 21, 2009 in Shop

Photo by hownowdesign

Abbey_etsy.jpg

As part of our Artistic Endeavors series, collector and display aficionado Abbey Hendrickson of design blog Aesthetic Outburst (aka hownowdesign on Etsy) shares her curation skills and many innovative methods for displaying your art collection.

Over the last few years, my husband and I moved a lot and have adopted a sort of transitory, flexible system of arranging artwork and objects around our house. We’re constantly arranging and re-arranging! One of my favorite ways of displaying all of my guilty Etsy purchases is on vintage clipboards.  

Seen here (and displayed on clipboards above) are Paper Airplanes Print by Betsy Walton and Spring Heralds – Print by Catherine Campbell of My Folk Lover. 

[Backyard by carvingmyinitials; Linger - Print by yellena]

I’d love to add these prints from carvingmyinitials and yellena to our collection. Wouldn’t they look great?!

living_3.jpg

[Sneak Peek of Abbey Nova's home on design*sponge]

A lot of us are renters, right?  Why not lean framed pieces against the wall or on the floor?  

A framed print like “Let’s Grow Old Together” by groundwork would be perfect leaning on a shelf next to JenniferDavis‘s “Mississippi” painting and this little vintage dog from sweetrice.

wallarranged.jpg
My husband and I are both artists and we have a lot of friends who are as well. Rather than selecting only one or two pieces to hang, we stole an idea from artist Barry McGee and hung a bunch of prints and drawings by different artists as one large group. We’ve also thrown in ticket stubs and important ephemera from our lives together. Proximity and thrift store frames tie everything together.  

testing.jpg

[Left to right, from top: Water Lillies Collaboration Lettepress by yuizdan168, Tel Aviv Original by stephanielevy, Everything is Going to Be Ok by pleasebestill, Dear Deer Print by MATTY8080, It's No Big Deal by Juliapott, and this beautiful enamel sign from sillyhearted.]

aaronrosehouse.jpg

You don’t have to keep it all 2-dimensional…take a look at this awesome wall from Aaron Rose’s house that was featured on The Selby.  Love it! (For more Aaron Rose, check out the Get the Look: Home Decor here.)

2410886437_555cbd6478_o.jpg

[Sneak Peek of Emma Cassi's home on design*sponge]

I do have to admit though, that I sometimes I wish I were better at narrowing the color palette in our house. I love this photo of Emma Cassi’s home…All of that white with the silhouette and those red letters! Oh my!

compilation.jpg

For this look, try framing a card from the Eyelet Lace Letterpress Card Set by pistachiopress and putting it on a shelf with this By a Thread print by wrenandchickadee, a silhouette from Luckymebeads, a faux bois log by somethingshidinghere, a vintage glove mold from bluebellbazaar and a button bouquet by buttonbowerbird.

Just like these photos, your home should reflect who you are and what you’re interested in. No matter how you decide to hang or lean or clip artwork up in your home, be patient and let things evolve over time.  And most importantly…have fun!
For more of Abbey’s wit and wisdom (and exquisite taste!) visit her blog, Aesthetic Outburst.

Looking for more artwork? Stay tuned for the rest of the Artistic Endeavors series.

Art Category | More Art Related Posts | Home Decor Posts 

Home Interiors and Design Gift Guide | Art for Every Room Showcase

Discuss: 72 comments

Related Items

72 comments

Sign in to add your own
  • EcoKate

    EcoKate says:

    Beautiful arrangement ideas!

    3 years ago

  • sweetshorn

    sweetshorn says:

    Great article - I obsess over this!

    3 years ago

  • LaveMeSoapCo

    LaveMeSoapCo says:

    gorgeous! this is one area i suck at

    3 years ago

  • leahgiberson

    leahgiberson says:

    Incredible! I LOVE the way you put these beautiful pieces together. I have stacks and stacks of other people's work waiting to be framed and hung - this is such an inspiration to get my act together. Will be coming back over and over again to study your groupings. Plus (as you probably know), I'm a huge fan of your art work as well. ;-)

    3 years ago

  • lynncyrart

    lynncyrart says:

    Wonderful ideas!!! I'm so conservative when it comes to hanging my own, and others' artwork... but the way you've displayed these is a work of art in itself!! I'm truly inspired now.. :)

    3 years ago

  • sagittariusgallery

    sagittariusgallery says:

    Wonderful arrangements here and as always beautiful picks :)

    3 years ago

  • AnthologiE

    AnthologiE says:

    These truly are some unique ways of displaying works of art and vintage items. It makes me giggle to imagine Abbey and her husband constantly running in circles around the house because each one just felt like rearranging some items. Or, maybe the question at hand is always something like "now WHERE did I put that (insert name of artwork) by (insert artist)"?

    3 years ago

  • sagittariusgallery

    sagittariusgallery says:

    I gotta say I am loving the clipboard idea. Also, I bought a bunch of Stepanka's pieces and grouped them all together on a big wall in my bathroom. It looks so cool. I'm a big fan of grouping artwork together and making a larger work of art :)

    3 years ago

  • jibbyandjuna

    jibbyandjuna says:

    Great article! Our children draw EVERY day - the clipboard idea will be perfect to display their work and change it out frequently. Thanks!

    3 years ago

  • supersobo

    supersobo says:

    beautiful pieces! beautiful arrangement!!

    3 years ago

  • sagittariusgallery

    sagittariusgallery says:

    I'll also say I know it's a little cliche but I use every inch of my fridge as an art gallery ;)

    3 years ago

  • slidesideways

    slidesideways says:

    Great article, we couldn't agree with you more when you say that your home is a reflection of yourself and what you're interested in. And the way you display art, is a major part of that.

    3 years ago

  • ModernMetalJewelry

    ModernMetalJewelry says:

    I love the variety of ways to display art. Great suggestions!

    3 years ago

  • circlesareforever

    circlesareforever says:

    I used to love clutter... now I am a simple wall kinda gal.

    3 years ago

  • glamasaurus

    glamasaurus says:

    Awesome displays. I wish I could make my house look like that.

    3 years ago

  • CoventryRoad

    CoventryRoad says:

    Oh wow. Lovely display ideas. I would have never thought of the clip board idea!

    3 years ago

  • AREjewellery

    AREjewellery says:

    once i get my own place i am def going to start collecting some of the fab artwork on etsy - some great ideas here on how to display them. love it!

    3 years ago

  • unconventionalida

    unconventionalida says:

    This is a great series! I love the arrangement ideas.

    3 years ago

  • laralewis

    laralewis says:

    great article...i adore the custom silhouette pendants!

    3 years ago

  • alwaysadorable

    alwaysadorable says:

    The clip board idea is fabulous! I think I will be using that in my home and photo setups!

    3 years ago

  • tuttistudio

    tuttistudio says:

    Wow! I just loved the clipboard idea. That's quite a collection in it self!

    3 years ago

  • redyellowandblueink

    redyellowandblueink says:

    Great article, and what an inspiring way to live with all your special art pieces always around you.

    3 years ago

  • threepeats

    threepeats says:

    Hanging and displaying it is as important making and/or buying it!

    3 years ago

  • chrisenc

    chrisenc says:

    super ideas...thanks!

    3 years ago

  • MisfitsNoMorebyMD

    MisfitsNoMorebyMD says:

    Abbey, I love your arrangement skills. We have packed our house with things that my husband and I love. The kids call us packrats.Ha. Never thought of the clipboard thing. That is an ingenius idea. Every wall, nook, and cranny is filled around here. When I get tired of one collection I just put it away for awhile and can get it out again later or get rid of it altogether. Good Job and best wishes!

    3 years ago

  • CositasSeriasVintage

    CositasSeriasVintage says:

    those artists are simply amazing, the clipboard idea is great! wonderful article!

    3 years ago

  • stillpoorart

    stillpoorart says:

    OK YOU SEE THESE ARTISTIC ENDEAVORS ARTICLES ARE PERFECT!!!!!

    3 years ago

  • thelittlebrownwren

    thelittlebrownwren says:

    FABULOUS!! As an illustrator, this is by far my favorite article ever!! Thanks for sharing. =)

    3 years ago

  • emmadime

    emmadime says:

    wonderful wonderful features! I adore Emma Cassey's home and all the white, so fresh.

    3 years ago

  • desertnana

    desertnana says:

    it is wonderful to see the eclectic mix of such a variety of art all together on one wall-now if i could just get brave and do it! ~Hugs, MB

    3 years ago

  • GumballGrenade

    GumballGrenade says:

    This makes displaying art far less intimidating.

    3 years ago

  • BluCille

    BluCille says:

    Wow, some neat stuff!

    3 years ago

  • pattihaskins

    pattihaskins says:

    cool stuff, here's how I display my growing mostly Mexican folk art collection: http://flickr.com/photos/pattipics/405322909/in/set-72157594561176732/

    3 years ago

  • beyeler

    beyeler says:

    I love your work and your blog, thanks for the great arrangement ideas!

    3 years ago

  • irisschwarz

    irisschwarz says:

    So inspiring - thank you!

    3 years ago

  • blnoopesup

    blnoopesup says:

    This makes me wish I had one wall that is not maximized book storage and more places to hang pieces!

    3 years ago

  • AutumnLeavesJewelry

    AutumnLeavesJewelry says:

    This is inspiring! I'm going to print each series and hang near my computer in my studio! :)

    3 years ago

  • isewcute

    isewcute says:

    I'm inspired! Here's a peek at my 'candy cupboard' http://flickr.com/photos/isewcute/3215933032/ I also need to organize my craft room...it's a disaster! http://isewcute.blogspot.com/2009/01/i-need-to-clean-my-room.html The large heap of fabric is embarassing!

    3 years ago

  • Sinta

    Sinta says:

    I love collections ^_^ That's what I do with all my etsy bought art. Lovely little groupings.

    3 years ago

  • CrowBiz

    CrowBiz says:

    Great examples - sometimes we need a little shake-out from our old arrangements. I've been going vertical up my staircase as high as I can manage to reach!

    3 years ago

  • littlelambie

    littlelambie says:

    I love the clipboard arrangement! Beautiful selections.

    3 years ago

  • dragonhouseofyuen

    dragonhouseofyuen says:

    great article thanks - love the clip board idea too

    3 years ago

  • lauraprentice

    lauraprentice says:

    i totally stole that idea from barry mcgee too!!! i am a renter and i put the holes in my wall anyway.... shhh great collection!

    3 years ago

  • lilworkerb

    lilworkerb says:

    Super cool displays, I especially love the one with all the picture frames in the corners.

    3 years ago

  • LushPunk

    LushPunk says:

    omg great article! I love love LOVE the art and photography on Etsy - but I'm a renter as well and I havent' been able to figure out a good way to get around that! Leaning frames against shelves is a fantastic idea! Now I need some shelves.

    3 years ago

  • GollyBard

    GollyBard says:

    I love all of these fabulous groupings and unique ways of displaying art!

    3 years ago

  • odiliafu

    odiliafu says:

    Beautiful artwork!! Great arrangement ideas!! I like the clipboards display and Betsy Walton artwork. Thanks for sharing such lovely works!!

    3 years ago

  • ASecondChance

    ASecondChance says:

    wow, what a great article. It really is an art to arrange all of that! Very inspiring.

    3 years ago

  • threedogparty

    threedogparty says:

    very inspiring!

    3 years ago

  • IcingOnTheCupcake

    IcingOnTheCupcake says:

    I love the custom silhouette pendants!

    3 years ago

  • paperprayers

    paperprayers says:

    love the clipboard idea - I wish I had the talent (and the money) to change out my walls more often. Gives me some ideas to ponder...

    3 years ago

  • pistachiopress

    pistachiopress says:

    Great article Abbey! I always keep in mind your decorating sensibilities when trying to display work in my house. I so admire your ability to have lots of stuff and not have a home that is the least bit overwhelming.

    3 years ago

  • pogoshop

    pogoshop says:

    Fantastic choices, Abbey! You know, we're so lucky to have all these great artists to choose from here at Etsy. It's the perfect place to shop for art, even if we only windowshop and turn our curations into treasuries.

    3 years ago

  • budpnq

    budpnq says:

    I really enjoyed this article. Curation is an art form in and of itself. Thanks for all the great ideas--especially for renters. I don't rent anymore, but we now have plaster walls with picture moulding and it can get tricky (and expensive!) when I have lots to display so I have to get creative sometimes. I use clipboards to display prints as well. I like to leave them in the cello sleeves and clip the sleeve so as not to inflict damage to the print if there isn't a border.

    3 years ago

  • PeppermintDaydreams

    PeppermintDaydreams says:

    wowee zowee! so much great art!

    3 years ago

  • jitaplana

    jitaplana says:

    this is great. !

    3 years ago

  • felicitycrew

    felicitycrew says:

    a great inspiration!

    3 years ago

  • birribe

    birribe says:

    Very inspiring to read!

    3 years ago

  • pixiepotions

    pixiepotions says:

    The eyelet lace cards are gorgeous!

    3 years ago

  • f2images

    f2images says:

    That is just too clever. I so love how each little art piece is special on it's own, but then you combine them into a new art conglomeration. Brilliant really. I may have to steal that idea for my home!! Also, love the clipboard display!!!

    3 years ago

  • shopgoodgrace

    shopgoodgrace says:

    oh ... I love this Storque article. Love all the picks!! (note to self: put Abbey Hendrickson's blog on my google/reader!!)

    3 years ago

  • KreatedbyKelly

    KreatedbyKelly says:

    Lovely choices!!!

    3 years ago

  • nfall2rt

    nfall2rt says:

    great ideas, thanks for sharing!

    3 years ago

  • RetroLane

    RetroLane says:

    beautiful picks!

    3 years ago

  • PrivateEyes

    PrivateEyes says:

    Yoink! Thanks for the awesome decor ideas. Good inspiration and lots of fun :-)

    3 years ago

  • livefunky

    livefunky says:

    I love the look of all of the artwork hanging together in a large group. I have a big wall that would work perfectly on. Thanks for the suggestion and beautiful selections of art on Etsy!

    3 years ago

  • gogoabigail

    gogoabigail says:

    love this!!!

    3 years ago

  • carvingmyinitials

    carvingmyinitials says:

    Your wall arrangement is great. love the clipboard idea and all of the art. I can see this happening in our house, Jen loves it!

    3 years ago

  • carataylor

    carataylor says:

    Abbey Hendrickson! You are so awesome! As always, nice job.

    3 years ago

  • AvalonBlue

    AvalonBlue says:

    Congrats on the article, Abbey!

    3 years ago

  • Lundberg

    Lundberg says:

    I really do like the clip board idea.. just linked to this from my own blog!

    3 years ago

  • maymay55

    maymay55 says:

    oh wow!!!!!!!!!

    3 years ago