{ditto} DIY: Inspired Design For the Rest of Us

Welcome to the July {ditto} DIY challenge!

It’s another month for our Ditto DIY challenge and this one packs a punch of such versatility and ease. Each month, my sweet friends and I  are challenged to recreate a project or design element inspired by a haute couture design. The idea is to inspire everyone to incorporate fine design elements into your own home in a way that fits your own style. (For more details on what {ditto}DIY is all about, check out my intro post.)

Now, I admit, my project this month does not incorporate a fine design element, rather it cost a total of $2 and is perfect for the upcoming July 4th festivities.

This month’s theme is Framed Fabric, and this was our inspiration photograph:

July-ditto-diy

{A framed pair of Ikat fabric art. Image via Neiman Marcus.}

The {ditto} DIY Challenge:

Frame some Fabric! Any fabric, any way….then use it in a lovely display.

Using framed fabric is such an easy way to incorporate all styles of design. I have three gorgeous pieces of fabric, along with frames that I have painted all set to use, once I finish painting my great room. For large walls that stump the creative process, hanging large framed fabric pieces are ideal.

Focal Wall

I just love when people use this design element as a focal wall.

Isn’t this use of ikat fabric gorgeous? Stunning.

I love how this simple powder room takes on new life with this pairing. It was designed for the HGTV Dream Home by Linda Woodrum.

Decor Chick

You must check out my friend, the Decor Chick’s gallery wall. She was nervous to attack that project but it turned out so well. I love how she mixed her use of fabric with photos for a fun twist.

When I was hosting my (in)courage gathering, I was able to put a fun map theme together in minutes (yes, using a similar painted yard sale frame as below.)

Here is my Framed Fabric {ditto}DIY project:

Yes, it’s a little embarrassing after the gorgeous examples I just showed, but it’s SO DO-ABLE.

In fact, you can literally pull this together in FIVE MINUTES and for only $2. Not only that, but your children will jump right in with their own interpretation. I could have spruced this up and made it a bit more element by painting a red or blue boarder around the flag, but again, I did this in minutes.

Often we talk ourselves out of trying something new because we want it “just so.” We’re afraid of failing and wasting money. This gives you the opportunity to try something for less than your morning coffee.

I purchased a beat up wooden yard sale frame and snagged this flag from the Dollar Tree. (They have some great July 4th items right now.). I spray painted the frame with White Rustoleum spray paint. While that dried, I literally taped the flag to a piece of white card board because it was just a tad too small to fit this sized frame.

Again, just improvise. If you only have regular card board, spray paint it white or red for a festive pop of color.

Then I taped the cardboard to the frame. Yes, very haute couture design, I know. 😉

Honestly, it’s exactly what I needed to add some patriotic inspiration to our great room. I love decorating for the varying holidays, but I didn’t have anything for my mantel and since it’s only going to be up there for a few weeks, the tape will hold just fine.

I’m going to work on styling my mantel now with a few pops of red, white and blue. (The balloon holders are going.) I will be adding some flowers to my blue mason jars. Does anyone have white hydrangeas? Those would be perfect.

Again, this is such an easy project. Let the kids buy the flag and paint the frame and you will have a DIYer for life.

To check out past months’ Ditto DIY challenge, browse these projects.

{ditto} DIY: Inspired Design for the Rest of Us

Please pop around and check out the other hosting bloggers’ projects for more easy ideas.

Darlene @ Fieldstone Hill Design
Ruth @ Living Well Spending Less
Cindy @ Skip to My Lou
Jen @ Balancing Beauty & Bedlam
Edie @ Life in Grace
Rachel @ Surviving the Stores
Lauren @ I am THAT Lady
Kelly @ View Along The Way
Melissa @ The Inspired Room

And now comes the fun part!

Link up your own fabulous framed fabric projects and join the {ditto} DIY party! It wouldn’t be much of a party if you didn’t stick around, so be sure to check out as many projects as you can! Then be sure to visit Darlene’s site for a peek at next month’s challenge along with some expert design tips on incorporating framed fabric accents into your home.