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Artistic Endeavors: The Art of Arrangement


Story by hownowdesign Published on January 21, 2009 in Spotlight	Photo by hownowdesign

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?!

[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.

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.

[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.]

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.)

[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!

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

Tags	Abbey Hendrickson, Aesthetic Outburst, Art, art arrangement, Artistic Endeavors, decorating, home decor, hownowdesign, shopping

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72 comments Login to add your own!

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:17 a.m.

EcoKate

Beautiful arrangement ideas!

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:18 a.m.

sweetshorn

Great article - I obsess over this!

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:21 a.m.

LaveMeSoapCo

gorgeous! this is one area i suck at

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:23 a.m.

leahgiberson

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.
;-)

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:24 a.m.

lynncyrart

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.. :)

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:24 a.m.

sagittariusgallery

Wonderful arrangements here and as always beautiful picks :)

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:24 a.m.

AnthologiE

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)"?

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:26 a.m.

sagittariusgallery

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 :)

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:28 a.m.

jibbyandjuna

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:31 a.m.

supersobo

beautiful pieces! beautiful arrangement!!

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:31 a.m.

sagittariusgallery

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:34 a.m.

slidesideways

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.

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:35 a.m.

ModernMetalJewelry

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:42 a.m.

circlesareforever

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:42 a.m.

glamasaurus

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:50 a.m.

CoventryRoad

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:50 a.m.

AREjewellery

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!

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:55 a.m.

unconventionalida

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at noon

laralewis

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 12:02 p.m.

alwaysadorable

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 12:17 p.m.

tuttistudio

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 12:30 p.m.

redyellowandblueink

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 12:33 p.m.

threepeats

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 12:34 p.m.

chrisenc

super ideas...thanks!

Jan. 21, 2009 at 12:34 p.m.

MisfitsNoMorebyMD

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!

Jan. 21, 2009 at 12:35 p.m.

CositasSeriasVintage

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 1:01 p.m.

stillpoorart

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 1:05 p.m.

thelittlebrownwren

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 1:09 p.m.

emmadime

wonderful wonderful features!

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 1:28 p.m.

desertnana

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.

GumballGrenade

This makes displaying art far less intimidating.

Jan. 21, 2009 at 1:43 p.m.

BluCille

Wow, some neat stuff!

Jan. 21, 2009 at 1:50 p.m.

pattihaskins

cool stuff,
here's how I display my growing mostly Mexican folk art collection:
http://flickr.com/photos/pattipics/40...

Jan. 21, 2009 at 2 p.m.

beyeler

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 2:07 p.m.

irisschwarz

So inspiring - thank you!

Jan. 21, 2009 at 2:11 p.m.

blnoopesup

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 2:19 p.m.

AutumnLeavesJewelry

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 2:34 p.m.

isewcute

I'm inspired! Here's a peek at my 'candy cupboard' http://flickr.com/photos/isewcute/321...

I also need to organize my craft room...it's a disaster!
http://isewcute.blogspot.com/2009/01/...
The large heap of fabric is embarassing!

Jan. 21, 2009 at 3:11 p.m.

Sinta

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 3:24 p.m.

CrowBiz

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!

Jan. 21, 2009 at 3:50 p.m.

littlelambie

I love the clipboard arrangement! Beautiful selections.

Jan. 21, 2009 at 4:57 p.m.

dragonhouseofyuen

great article thanks - love the clip board idea too

Jan. 21, 2009 at 4:59 p.m.

lauraprentice

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!

Jan. 21, 2009 at 5:43 p.m.

lilworkerb

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 6:24 p.m.

LushPunk

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.

Jan. 21, 2009 at 6:50 p.m.

GollyBard

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 7:26 p.m.

odiliafu

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 7:36 p.m.

ASecondChance

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

Jan. 21, 2009 at 7:36 p.m.

threedogparty

very inspiring!

Jan. 21, 2009 at 7:42 p.m.

IcingOnTheCupcake

I love the custom silhouette pendants!

Jan. 21, 2009 at 8:12 p.m.

paperprayers

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...

Jan. 21, 2009 at 8:28 p.m.

pistachiopress

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.

Jan. 21, 2009 at 9:55 p.m.

pogoshop

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.

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:24 p.m.

budpnq

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.

Jan. 22, 2009 at 1:18 a.m.

PeppermintDaydreams

wowee zowee! so much great art!

Jan. 22, 2009 at 2:05 a.m.

jitaplana

this is great. !

Jan. 22, 2009 at 2:38 a.m.

felicitycrew

a great inspiration!

Jan. 22, 2009 at 2:44 a.m.

birribe

Very inspiring to read!

Jan. 22, 2009 at 6:22 a.m.

pixiepotions

The eyelet lace cards are gorgeous!

Jan. 22, 2009 at 6:35 a.m.

f2images

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!!!

Jan. 22, 2009 at 10:08 a.m.

shopgoodgrace

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

Jan. 22, 2009 at 10:39 a.m.

KreatedbyKelly

Lovely choices!!!

Jan. 22, 2009 at 11:45 a.m.

nfall2rt

great ideas, thanks for sharing!

Jan. 22, 2009 at 1:50 p.m.

RetroLane

beautiful picks!

Jan. 22, 2009 at 3:09 p.m.

PrivateEyes

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

Jan. 23, 2009 at 4:55 p.m.

livefunky

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!

Jan. 25, 2009 at 10:46 a.m.