Bring the Outdoors In: How To Create Fern Art
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While tackling my foyer revamp, I gave a lot of thought as to what type of artwork / wall decor to put above the new gold dresser gorgeousness, as I like to call “her”. The focal wall that got “dressed up” with new wide horizontal stripes is only about 5′ wide, but whatever was chosen to display needed to make an impact. I didn’t want it to be personal pictures since we have so many around our house already, but I wanted it to be meaningful and reflect us. I even reached out to you, my followers, on Facebook asking for suggestions on your favorite Etsy shops. Even though I didn’t go that route, I now have a few go-to places for the future.
In the end, after much thought, my artwork was right under my nose in my backyard – literally. After cutting a few wild flowers and ferns for a bouquet I was putting together for our outdoor dining table a few weeks ago, I thought using the ferns as art would be the perfect solution.
Our backyard is filled with ferns and wild flowers, so I cut + collected a few different kinds choosing those that appeared to have all their leaves in tact. No matter if you live in a house, like me, or in an apartment, bringing the outdoors in allows your home to feel more organic and to be ONE WITH NATURE. A little corny sounding, but true.
No wild flowers in your back yard? Check out the wooded / more dense areas of a nearby park. With Fall in full peak, it’s a great time of year for a walk or hike.
Once I had the ferns collected – about 10 good ones – I individually laid each out on a white piece of paper (wax paper is an alternative option).
Once all were laid out, I took the stack of ferns + paper and pressed them between 3-4 hardcover, heavy books. Be sure the entire fern is covered on the paper and be sure that it all gets pressed between the book. If it doesn’t, the part of the fern / flower sticking out will wilt.
About 3 days later, I took the dried out ferns and started creating the “art”. I snagged these simple picture frames from AC Moore for about $2 and thought the minimal frame was perfect to let the ferns “speak”.
At first, I simply used the white paper to mount the ferns, but after a few days, the paper started to wilt because the ferns were still exuding moisture. I decided to use a heavier paper and cut out pieces of poster board that fit to size. This did the trick!
And then they were ready to hang…
Along with the ferns, I also pressed a few wild flowers. I love the yellow coloring. They add a bit of color to the art collection.
And this is the overall new Foyer space…
It’s so wonderful how the outdoors can be brought in, to enjoy throughout the entire year. The simplicity and ease of using ferns as art is a pretty + no-cost way to create a beautiful focal point.
As an Apartments.com Brand Influencer, I strive to share ideas + do it yourself projects not only for those who live in homes, but also easy & affordable ideas + creations for apartment dwellers. Next time you’re looking for something unique + meaningful + free for your walls, turn to the outdoors.
For more great ideas on creating a meaningful home, especially for those who rent, turn to the Renter Resources section on Apartments.com. It is filled with interesting + useful information to make your dwelling reflect you.
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