I needed some artwork to go on the TV wall in the bedroom, so naturally, I made my own. I kept it super simple, and this is something almost anyone can do.
This is the wall that needed the artwork…
I didn’t want to take a lot of time or spend a lot of money on this, so I pretty much used what I had on hand, with the exception of one sample size of yellow paint. I already had four of my favorite white frames from Target on hand (you can find those frames here), so I decided to do four pieces of artwork so that I could hang two on each side of the TV.
I didn’t even bother to do this artwork on separate sheets of art paper. The backs of the frames are very thick and smooth cardboard, so I just painted right on them! š I started by brushing on a couple of coats of water-based primer…
And then I brushed on two coats of my background color. I used the same paint that I used as the background on the feature wall. I brushed each coat in opposite directions, letting the first dry completely before adding the second coat, so that it would create this crosshatch pattern with the brush strokes.
When the second coat was completely dry, I used 220-grit sandpaper to sand until I got this linen texture look on the background.
And then I used Fineline Applicator bottles to apply designs in contrasting colors. These bottles come in two sizes, and you can find them here and here. I used the 18-gauge bottles for this project. I bought a sample size of yellow Behr paint similar to my drapery fabric color, and then used white (Behr Polar Bear), and gold acrylic craft paint, letting each color dry completely before moving on to the next color.
I did four random designs, and here’s how they turned out…
They were fun, easy, and fast to make (if you don’t count the waiting time for paint to dry).
I still need to finish the TV frame, and then I’ll get these hung. Hopefully that will be enough for this wall.
I’m actually considering painting the TV frame in the golden yellow color instead of white. What do you think? Will it add a much needed punch of contrast color to that wall? Or would that be too much?
I also have a mirror project I’ll be working on this weekend, thanks to the suggestions of many of you. I had contemplated purchasing this mirror from Overstock, but I just couldn’t make myself click that Submit Order button. I mean, it’s a nice mirror, but $250 for a mirror (including shipping) just seemed like a lot when I have so many other projects I want to save money for.
So I ended up having a mirror cut to my specifications at a local glass and mirror company, and I’ll made my own frame for it. I had it cut to 60″ x 32″, and it’s a 1/4-inch mirror. It ended up costing $110, and I think the frame will cost next to nothing because I’m pretty sure I have everything on hand already — plywood for the backing, 1″ x 2″ lumber for the frame (which I’ll cut down much thinner on my table saw), and then either gold spray paint or gold leaf. I have all of those things leftover from previous projects, so I saved about $140.
It’s looking like I probably won’t meet my goal of having the room done by the end of this weekend, but at least I’m making progress! The finish line is definitely in sight.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I hope you’ll join me on my DIY and decorating journey! If you want to follow my projects and progress, you can subscribe below and have each new post delivered to your email inbox. That way you’ll never miss a thing!
51 Comments
Bobbie
October 9, 2020 at 11:03 amNo, don’t paint tv frame. The nice clean white will look good with framed art.
Any other needed pops of color can be in accessories.
Diane
October 9, 2020 at 11:16 amDitto!
LOVE the artwork! And the tip of painting on the backing is genius!! You are a creative genius, Kristi!
Jan Cordia
October 12, 2020 at 10:08 amI vote white tv frame.
LOVE ur art.
Tracy
October 9, 2020 at 11:13 amNo yellow frame
Nick
October 9, 2020 at 2:56 pmIt’s all looking great! Maybe don’t paint the whole frame yellow, just have a little bit of accent yellow on it with the rest of the frame white.
Marianne in Mo.
October 9, 2020 at 3:18 pmI agree with Nick, just maybe a band of yellow, a “hint” to tie it in. Solid yellow will be too much, especially when you are watching TV!
BobsGal
October 9, 2020 at 4:10 pmTotally agree with Marianne….. the yellow will definitely be hard on the eyes while watching TV….
Karen
October 9, 2020 at 4:58 pmIām with the others: Donāt Paint the TV frame. With the four adorable pictures your created soul hold off painting the TV frame. I mean after all wall hanging are up, like pictures and mirror ( which you said youāve something working in your thoUghts for the mirror), you could always add a THIN line of yellow. Like others said, a totally yellow frame will definitely affect tv-watching.
MBK
October 9, 2020 at 3:05 pmNo yellow frame but gold maybe?
Melanie
October 9, 2020 at 11:14 amLove the artwork. Agree, leave TV frame white.. but… really need to see when frames are up
Maureen S. Donahue
October 9, 2020 at 3:01 pmI love yellow, but you would probably find it distracting when watching tv.
Deb
October 9, 2020 at 11:19 amLove this diy art! I also think you should leave the tv frame white.
Andy
October 9, 2020 at 11:21 amYes yes yes.!!!
Paint it a cheerful yellow.
Too much dreary navy blue.
Ginger it up with jaunty bit of colour.
The floor is a vision of loveliness, your abilities are magnificent, but, oh that blue……
elle
October 9, 2020 at 11:22 amI think a yellow/gold frame on the TV would be distracting when watching TV. I would leave it white or paint it a dark color, perhaps blue to match the accent wall or black.
Debbie
October 9, 2020 at 11:32 amI agree!
Fiona Y.
October 9, 2020 at 3:16 pmI would leave the TV frame white so it’s not distracting.
Carol Harris
October 10, 2020 at 11:21 amI actually think the white is distractingāto me it emphasizes the (IMO) unattractive TV. I would paint it black, or at least the dark blue color. Love your artwork and the whole room and how awesome you are!
Rebecca Neustel
October 13, 2020 at 2:50 pmI also vote for a black frame. You donāt really have any other black, do you?
Rebecca Neustel
October 13, 2020 at 2:53 pmSorry, when I really think about it, the tv itself is black, so keep it white.
Krikit
October 9, 2020 at 11:49 amLove easy-peasy DIY artwork.šš»
And nix on the yellow TV frame, imo.š
Darlene Faye Ray
October 9, 2020 at 2:58 pmThe room is beautiful and I love your art work. I like the white frame on the TV, but I don’t think I would paint it.
Eva B. Liland
October 9, 2020 at 11:23 amLeave it white.
El
October 9, 2020 at 11:24 amI agree with others – no yellow TV frame, but maybe for the mirror? It could be a fun accent.
HeatherB
October 11, 2020 at 8:46 amThat’s what I was thinking…
Luisa
October 9, 2020 at 11:31 amIf after you have the artwork up you still feel youād like a little something more….
I wonder if dry brushing some gold on the edges would do the trick?
Em D
October 9, 2020 at 11:32 amClever idea for the artwork, Kristi! I love how it will pick up all the other colors, but have their own interest as well. Great job!
Lulu
October 9, 2020 at 11:35 amPaint TV frame to match dresser. You are so talented! Love your new artwork!
CathyR
October 9, 2020 at 11:36 amPut art work up first, which by the way is totally FABULOUS!
Then snap a pic and do your computer magic and color the frame in yellow. See what you think then. I canāt decide…I kinda like the yellow frame idea but not sure
Betsy
October 9, 2020 at 11:40 amPerhaps a yellow runner for the dresser instead of a yellow tv frame?
Jackie
October 9, 2020 at 12:05 pmYour artwork is wonderful and looks amazing.
You have such a great ideas!!
I think the frame around the TV will look modern and clean in the new white frame. I wouldnāt paint it yellow.
Also, you might find the yellow distracting while watching TV.
Joan
October 9, 2020 at 12:09 pmNo on gold frame…….would be too much.
DWF
October 9, 2020 at 12:14 pmThanks for always sharing your creative ideas for artwork. Some of your projects are way out of my league (resin, hundreds of spoons, etc.), but this one is so simple and beautiful.
Tara C
October 9, 2020 at 12:17 pmYou are so creative and so very talented! I would never have dreamed of making my own artwork.
Bonnie
October 9, 2020 at 12:19 pmI don’t like the white frame and don’t think that yellow is the answer. How about black? We have a Samsung Frame tv and chose the black frame and it looks nice. Our frame is narrower than yours, however. Love your guest room!
Jannelle
October 9, 2020 at 12:42 pmYou did some picture frames previously that had gold leaf but just on the corners, not the entire frame. Maybe something similar (gold or yellow or navy) on the TV frame? But I agree with others, seeing it in context with the other frames would help. LOVE your vision!!
Sara Parriott
October 9, 2020 at 1:02 pmIf it were me, I’d keep it the same for trim (I draft and it matches how you’ve finished a lot of other features in the house). It’s paint, you can do the first coat in the yellow and see. If it doesn’t sing you finish up in white. If you are looking for a pop and want more yellow can you paint the lamps like you did the dishes?
My overthinking side thinks frames are formal, so a neutral color on the frame with a fun mat. Since there’s a TV in this frame you can’t have a mat, but a little detail line in yellow or gold might be enough.
On Amazon, you can set the tv screensaver slideshow to an album you have in your photos account. You (or even Matt…) can create an album of art that works in the room that is the screen saver on the TV. My retro gaming side would also note there’s some great yellow accents in pixel art from classic games…
Donna Kimbell
October 9, 2020 at 1:04 pmI love your artwork…so clever! And I also like your solution for the mirror, much as I suggested (smiling) including the gold leaf.
Chelle Ellis
October 9, 2020 at 1:24 pmLove the artwork! Gorgeous work! š
Carol Jean Polson
October 9, 2020 at 2:03 pmNo to the yellow frame. It will be vtoo matchy matchy.
Karen H
October 9, 2020 at 3:09 pmI LOVE your artwork, Kristy! They look great! I simply can’t wait to see this room all finished! You just keep blowing me away with your talent and creativeness! And good for you for making your own mirror! I would never have expected you to do anything else! š
If it were me, I would not paint the TV frame yellow. I think the pops of yellow you will have in other areas will be sufficient. But that is just me! And I know how you love your color! Whatever you do, I know it will all look amazing when you are finished!
Nell
October 9, 2020 at 3:11 pmNo to yellow tv frame
Elaine Ness
October 9, 2020 at 3:20 pmNix to a yellow TV frame.
Marianne in Mo.
October 9, 2020 at 3:25 pmLove how you did your art work. I knew you would come up with a great idea. I bet the hardest one was the squiggly lines!
Linda
October 9, 2020 at 5:13 pmI’m also in the “no to yellow frame” column. I’m just afraid that when you hang the artwork, it’d be way too much yellow there. Love how it’s coming together.
Gina
October 9, 2020 at 6:34 pmHow about a yellow band like what you did on the quilt?
Joanne B.
October 10, 2020 at 6:52 pmI saw stick with the shite tv frame. It ties in with the white Target frames your fabulous artwork is in. Your eye needs a place to land and rest a second before taking in the next great touch. You just have such a great eye! I zoomed in on every piece in the artwork grouping and was so pleasantly surprised to see the addition the groups of 3 dots! So fun! Loved the crosshatch linen look background as well! You are SOOOO talented and so thoughtful and generous to share yourself with us. You are such an inspiration!
Jana
October 12, 2020 at 1:14 pmFantastic artwork, Kristi! I really love it. I wish you would sell sets like that.
Can you share where you got the chest/dresser?
Jana
October 12, 2020 at 1:30 pmAh, never mind on the chest info. I see your source in another post.
Danielle
October 12, 2020 at 1:42 pmThis artwork is a great idea! Iām going to use it as inspiration for our bedroom and living room.
Claire
October 13, 2020 at 8:53 pmyes to gold tv frame!! it will look gorgeous!
i LOVE gold accents and gold & blue are ah-mazing together.
Whatever you decide i know it will look incredible.
KathyL
October 15, 2020 at 11:30 amThe TV, no to yellow, but I think it might look good the same color as your chest of drawers, with gold flaking ‘smattered’ on it???