DIY – “Handwritten” Art Frame

These days, there’s an app for everything, right? Correct.

In my quest to find unique (yet budget friendly) wall art for the kids’ rooms, I thought of creating word art with lyrics or sayings that I often use with the boys. The only problem is that all my years of using a computer has resulted in me having terrible handwriting. So I found an app for that!

Step 1:

I downloaded “Fontise” – an app that allows you to create a whole font keyboard in your own handwriting. Once you create the font, you can then use it across different platforms such as Word, Excel, Pages, etc.

Step 2:

Then comes the fun part – open a blank document and write something in your own digital handwriting!

Full disclosure – I am terrible at remembering song lyrics and I can’t carry a tune if my life depended on it… So I usually just take words that I say often (such as “I love you”) and make a song out of it. (Luckily, my goal is to make some personalized art, not win America’s Got Talent…).

Step 3:

Print your creation.

There are several ways to go about this – you can print on regular paper at home and use a store bought wall frame or you can have it made into a poster. I suggest spending some time seeing what’s available from the major print suppliers in your area (VistaPrint, Staples, Walmart, etc.).

I printed mine on Foam Board. I wanted something that wouldn’t bend or fold and that had a matte finish.

Step 4:

Frame it and display it!

The foam board is thick enough to hang on its own but I didn’t like the exposed edges, so I decided to frame it. I found this value pack from Michael’s that fits perfectly without the glass (which I didn’t want anyway).

And there you have it – a one of kind meaningful piece for Luca’s room.

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Friday Home Finds – H&M Home

Many people think of H&M as an affordable and trendy clothing store but their Home section is actually the first tab that I scroll to during my online shopping trips.

Paolo will tell you that I have an unhealthy obsession with throw pillows; I disagree with the “unhealthy” part but I am definitely obsessed with pillows. I think most living spaces need the texture and warmth that a pillow adds and switching out your throw pillows every once in a while is an easy way to spruce up a room without having to do any major overhauls. H&M Home is my go to for basic filler pillows. Meaning? I go there for the solid color pillows (linens in warmer months, velvet pillows in the cooler ones) that are relatively inexpensive (i.e.: $7 to $20 per cover) and then I throw in more detailed pillows into the mix to bring a space together. Below are just two of my latest finds but I’ve been buying pillow covers from H&M for years (many of which are no longer available) and they all still look great.

In addition to the pillows, H&M Home has come a long way over the last couple of years to add more unique and everyday items – all of which are at affordable prices.

1. Hanger Rack in Metal and Wood – The wooden balls on this hanger are pretty substantial in size, the black metal portion is sturdy and, at $12.99, this a great and unique piece. I bought two of these, one for each of the boys, and will be using them as hooks for their towels in the bathroom.

2. Poster – H&M Home has several different prints that could be used alone as a poster or within a frame. The paper quality is thick and, this particular design, is beautiful in person – it almost looks as though it was hand drawn in pencil.

3. Printed Cushion Cover – This pillow cover will go great in Theo’s room and may even end up in our playroom (once we actually finish it). At $6.99, I won’t have to worry if the kids get it dirty.

4. Striped Cushion Cover – I’ve been eyeing pillow covers with a similar design and texture as this one and they are all retailing for upwards of $80. This one is a thick weave fabric and you could never tell by looking at it that it only cost $25!

Pro Tip – If you enjoy scrolling through different home decor pieces, consider creating an H&M account on their App. They often send out member perks – such as regular 10% discounts and even 25% off on your birthday – plus they have a rewards system where you can earn points with every purchase. I like to save decor items in “my favourites” folder and then revisit them when I get a particularly generous discount code.

Please note that Casa Cres is not affiliated with this store; in most cases, the shops featured in my Friday Home Finds are not even aware of their feature prior to posting. The above are purchases I have personally made for my home.