Frame Gallery

Color Challenged? - Not Me!

I'm interrupting my all Halloween...all the time...for a special post.

Donna over at 

is celebrating 3,000 followers with several events, one of which is the Color Challenge.

This challenge spurred me on to finish my gallery wall of frames. I've been collecting frames for a long 

time with the intent of adding them to this wall for ages and because of Donna...I decided now was the 

time to finish it up. I had put it off because I still needed two more frames. I'd just buy them as I'd 

find them. I had two frames that were sliver which I wanted to keep silver for another use...but I didn't 

really have a use...but I do love silver. But last week because Donna said "show me your color". I 

thought...what the heck...I'll paint them and add them to the wall. 

I can always find more silver frames later.

This wall is in my den/study/office/studio. The official name for this room historically is "Swing Room". 

That is what they were called back in the 1930's when my home was built. It was a room that could be 

used as a bedroom or a library or den. This room used to have a closet on this wall. Someone before me 

took it out and closed the doorway. That closet became part of my hall bath which I showed a couple of 

weeks ago.

This wall began with an inspiration board I made several years ago. I intended on putting all sorts of 

things on this board but I printed out photos that I liked on the internet to fill it temporarily and I liked it 

so much that I haven't changed it much.

But the wall always seemed like it needed something...so I started collecting baroque frames in bright 

colors. But of course they had to be inexpensive, 

so this has taken a couple of years to amass the number I needed.

The large purple one is one that used to be silver and I spray painted last week.

Really love that pink one. 

The light blue one was silver also. I really still needed two more ornate frames but thought...this could go 

on for months...so I painted two small frames I had around the house white...just so I could get this done. 

I might switch them out later if I find two more frames suitable.

The middle frame was bright pink originally. 

But I had too many pink frames, so I painted this one purple too.

I love how this mirror looks with all the art tucked around it.

And finally...I thought I'd show the light fixture in this room that I added color to.

This is the only original light in the house. It was originally in the dining room. All others had 

disappeared over the years. Originally it only had the top round of prisms and the clear bead chain. 

I bought the turquoise beaded chain off Ebay several years ago not really knowing what I'd do with it. 

Then one day it occurred to me to add it to this light.

I love color but often admire homes that are monochromatic. 

I don't think I could limit my palette that much though. I love color too much. 

I really like my wall of frames. Its next to my desk and computer so I see it all the time. 

I'm so glad I finally finished it up. Thanks to Donna...I can cross one project off my list. 

Also sharing at 

because the original board was inspired by these bulletin boards at Ballard Designs.

Update on Oct 8, 2010:

I was picked in the Top 10 at

and showing at

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Lewis Barrett Lehrman

Painter of Dark

These paintings were done by 

Lewis Barrett Lehrman 

"The Painter of Dark" of Haunted Studio

These are a few of my favorites of his but he has many others. 

You can buy these prints from him in several sizes and also note cards.

The first time I saw his website a few years ago...

I thought...oh this feels exactly like how I remember Halloween feeling when I was a kid. 

He also takes commissions and will do a personalized spooky painting of your home 

complete with Halloween decor and spooks. 

You can request however many spooks you'd like to appear or be hidden within your painting.

He also does a monthly newsletter full of all kinds of Halloween goodness.

Please take a look at his site -

Haunted Studio.

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Halloween Fireplace Mantel

It's Madness!!!

I'm a fiend for Halloween, so for the month of October, 

Mod Vintage Life has been transformed into

Mad Vintage Life. 

I'll be focusing on all things spooky in October.

Tonight I started with my indoor Halloween decor. 

I got as far as the fireplace before I pooped out. I'll do more tomorrow to show.

I didn't buy anything new this year....this is all stuff I've collected over the years.

Last year I was happy to discover battery operated candles that slip into my gothic candelabra. 

I found these in the Christmas stuff at Big Lots. They have an LED flicker flame. 

They're the perfect solution for this candle holder. 

These photos are kind of burry because I shot them at night under low light but 

I'll show clearer photos soon in brighter light so that you can see the detail on all my Halloween stuff.

Oh...I lied that little silver trophy is new. Remember? I showed it last week. 

I decided I needed a few silver accents on the mantel and so it ended up here.

I normally don't like warm colors that much. 

But in October, I adore them. 

My living room is very light and colorful normally, 

but its surprising how haunted I can make it look.

More wickedness this way comes.....

sharing at

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