By Cassie Bustamante
Have you ever walked into an art show, and loved what you saw but knew that in your home, you wouldn’t feel that the piece of art you covet would be safe? As a mother of two, nothing in our home can be sacred without fear of destruction. But does that mean I have to live in a home that is aesthetically displeasing to the eye, just because my kids do not appreciate the artistry or beauty of an item? Absolutely not. “Art” does not always have to be hung high on a wall, out of reach of peanut butter covered chubby fingers. Beauty can be displayed in our every day useful items.
In my own field as a craftswoman, I paint furniture. I find vintage pieces, and give them a little life, beauty, color, so that they can be enjoyed in the home, but also serve an every day purpose. Today I would like to share with you a little corner of my home (which is now going to be my blogging corner) as an example of what I mean. I recently purchased a vintage desk to use here, and painted it a bright coral. I also had a broken mirror and frame. I removed the glass, created a chalkboard, and also painted the frame in gold for a little elegance. The chair was a free find at a yard sale that I also repainted.
I wanted to share this little scene because it is an example of what elicits happiness from something as simple as color. Painting a piece of furniture can brighten a room and set the atmosphere much like a statement piece of art. I also am able to use the chalkboard to write down sayings and quotes that inspire me.
The best part of this inspiring corner is that it is accessible (meaning the cost of all of it was less than $150 including my supplies), and it is utilitarian as well as pleasing to my eye. I now have a pretty place to sit and blog.
If diy-ing it is not your thing, you can still enjoy beauty and function in your home by purchasing refurbished pieces from local craftspeople. This weekend, for example, the Smithsonian is hosting its annual juried Craft Show at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. Over 141 Craft artists work will be on view and for sale. I strongly urge you to check out this show or other shows in your area to find ways to enjoy the craft arts for not only its beauty but function in your home.
Cassie Bustamante is a stay at home mom and furniture refurbisher whose work can be seen at www.primitiveandproper.com, and who also writes a creative blog called Primitive and Proper. She graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in English and Communication and firmly believes she is finally putting her degree to use in writing her blog. She is inspired by nature and her family, and believes in finding beauty in the every day as well as creative beauty out of the every day.