These months I think are hard on everyone. The economy is in a spiral downward and fuel and grocery prices just keep going up. As a one income family with 6 at the dinner table every night, we are most definitely feeling the crunch. I'm making a fool hardy attempt to be more efficient, clip coupons, use generic brands, but we are also trying to make the switch to be more 'green'. Not so easy when organic products are twice that of generic and you can't find anything made in the USA anymore. Soon the local farm stands will be opening up and I can't wait! 
As some of you have seen, I have been working on my kitchen for quite awhile. Desperately seeking out vintage and antique cherries, apples, chickens and roosters in bold red and white. I love the antique botanical prints but the 'real deal' isn't exactly in my budget. OK, even knock-offs from Home Goods aren't in my budget! 
So, I went a huntin' and found some digital antique scans on the net that were just large enough for me to use. I printed them out on photo paper with my ink jet and placed them in some old frames I had in the basement. Voila! More art, and I didn't have to leave the comfort of my home, use gas or my debit card! The above images are free for you to take and use anyway you like.. just click them to enlarge and save 'em!
I also found some the most gorgeous scans made by Dawn at The Feathered Nest. I printed them out, again on photo paper at the best setting and framed them up in some frames I already had. Here are the cardinal and robins in my bathroom.
Oh, but that just wasn't good enough, I couldn't see them all the time! So I moved them to the mantel in the kitchen and now they rest there for the time being. Thank you so much Dawn!! The prints are lovely and I just wouldn't have been able to afford them else wise. 
So, if you have a printer and love to decorate but just don't have the money to shop everyday for the latest and greatest, improvise! Old frames can be picked up at your local junk shop for pennies, paint them up and love them! Reuse, recycle! 
22 comments:
Abbie you are so clever. I admire people who can be creative within their budgets. Bravo for you!
- Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife
Excellent! I love what you have done. That;s using your noggin' :-)
Groceries are awful.....and there are only two of us!! A growing family's grocery bills must be horrendous!
Hurry Spring and Summer produce!!!
((hugs)) Rosie
Abbie
Great idea! And you know what? If you tire of it, you don't feel badly finding a new print and changing it--no waste of money!
:0)
Tara
Your prints look beautiful! I love the round frames.
What a great idea!!!!!
Another great job, Abbie!
Jeannie
Clever gal! And if you can, I can!!
Thanks so much...off to snag some more of Dawn's offerings.
Hi Abbie,
I think we have the same taste in prints! They are lovely, and you've framed them beautifully. What a great bargain. :)
xoxo,
Mary
beautiful job!
blessings,
kari & kijsa
Oh what a great idea framing it in antique frames, yes impromising is a big help sometimes.
We are dealing too with the price raising and energy prices are hardly affordable anymore.....wonder where all that is going to end.....
Have a great rest week, smiles, Anke ;)
I totally agree about the price of organic vs. regular and how we are supposed to do this on our incomes with prices constantly going up baffles me!!
I love your innovative creative process Abbie!! It's always a treat and a treasure to come and visit you. Things are looking wonderful at chez Abbie!!
Groceries!I noticed that pasta in the bulk bins soared from $.65/lb to $1.08/lb in the span of one week. Ouch...ouch...ouch. How the various reporting agencies can claim that inflation is under 5% is beyond me! smoke and mirrors. Sorry...rant over.
I have never considered printing images off the 'net for framing in my home. hmmmm...[gears begin turning]
Thanks for sharing your innovative ideas.
It all looks beautiful and so tastefully done. I use the same digital tricks, too. It has saved me inordinate amounts of money but gives me such joy.
Hey Abbie
I linked my post to yours today...Tara
:0)
Hi Abby~
You are doing a great job..i love the cherries picture..times are hard so hang in there...you seem to be doing the best you can right now!xxxooo Ruth
Abbie,
Your prints turned out wonderful! The oval frames make them look vintage! Don't you just love Dawn? She is so sweet and generous!
I love love love what you've done! And those prints are amazing!
xo
Melissa
They look beautiful Abbie !
Although i`ve used other photos for my own artwork , i wouldn`t have thought to find one to use in my own home !
Great idea !
You've inspired me. Lawman (hubby) and I are painting our bedroom this weekend and we'll need some new art work eventually; I hope to add new bedding as well. Think I'll be lookin' on the net. Thanks for sharing.
One other question...where'd you find your rooster lamp? I'd love to have that in my kitchen.
Fab idea! I love what you've done with the prints. I'm always searching for inexpensive decorative art for my walls.
Thanks for the inspiration - your kitchen looks lovely so far!
Tiffany
Wow, Abbie!!! These look wonderful!! That's exactly what I wanted you to do with them, and yours look beautiful framed. I've been doing things like this my entire married life. It's not only frugal but SMART!
I will tell you one thing I learned about owning a little store...you are tied to it. It's like having a very expensive newborn, you can't leave it with just anyone, you usually don't have very much creative time because of taking care of all of the necessary paperwork and daily operation...a space somewhere where you sell your wares that is well maintained by someone is always fun when the babies are tiny!! Just my 2 cents. Just think, you could sell these gorgeous framed prints for 14.00 and 18.00!! Thank you Abbie for your sweet words, have a great weekend ~
xxoo, Dawn
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