For the first four years we lived in our house, we had a bookshelf in our living room. On top of the bookshelf were a couple picture frames and a lamp. I had my books arranged according to color, and the whole thing looked just perfect.
Then we had a baby. And that baby had books and lots of large toys – and no bookshelf. So we boxed up our books, moved the bookshelf into the nursery and began the nursery sprawl with a playhouse, then table and chairs, taking over that entire section of the living room.
After we took that little card table and chairs to my parents’ house at Christmas, it never made it back into the house. And I realized: I have a completely blank wall in my living room.
I wasn’t sure how I wanted to fill the space, but then I saw a Facebook post from Red Letter Words about their latest three-print set. It had one of my very favorite verses (Jeremiah 29:11) printed over three square tiles that came in black or chocolate – and I loved it!
Kind of long story a tiny bit shorter . . . Those prints are now on my living room wall, and I can’t stop looking at them! I debated between the brown and the black, and I’m happy to say that going with my husband’s preference – brown – was brilliant. They just look so great, with my dark brown leather couches and ottoman and tan walls. Love, love, love.
And we’ve just bought a white cube storage thing for my daughter’s room, so as soon as I can convince my husband to put it together, I’m getting my bookshelf back, too. Yes, it’s possible that I’ll once again have a grown-up living room.
If you haven’t heard of Red Letter Words, let me introduce you! Dee Kasberger, the artist and designer behind this lovely faith-inspired art, is one of my longest-running sponsors and (more importantly) is kind, generous and talented! She’s a wife and mom of four who began creating her modern wall art in 2004.
She says, “I was decorating my home and wanted wall art with an “erased chalkboard” look, but it was hard to find. I wanted something modern and casual but with a vintage touch and something that could complement my family photos and help to tell our story. So I decided to make my own art …”
“[I believe] in truth and beauty. To me, everything is made more beautiful when it’s comfortable. There’s nothing in my home that’s so precious it’s untouchable. Maybe you’re the same way.”
Dee launched Red Letter Words in 2008 as a line of modern wall art featuring a clean, bold, vintage-modern typeface on a distressed background. The designs incorporate either verses of Scripture or the names of beloved travel locales. Many pieces are reminiscent of the look of subway panels. She also offers custom designs based on your favorite scripture, poem, travel destination, or any other combination of words that speaks to your heart. Most recently, Dee created a line of wall art, picture frames and magnets for Demdaco, called Urban Soul, which is available at many retailers including DaySpring.
[Note: I got the quotes and bio directly from Dee’s website.]
You can see more of Dee’s creations and order your own awesome artwork at Red Letter Words’ website or Etsy shop. And you can learn more and get to know my talented friend on Twitter and Facebook.
Last, but far from least, you can order products from Dee’s Urban Soul line from DaySpring – and during the month of May, you can use the coupon code MAY20 for 20% off! Check out the chocolate wall art that features the fruits of the spirit, the charcoal 5×7 frame with the verse from Joshua about “as for me and my household…” or, my favorite, this great magnetic board with clips that features an “I can do everything through Him” theme!
Do you have any blank walls in your house? Have you ever created your own art because you had an idea and couldn’t find what you had in mind?
Love that set! My walls have “picture-frame-paneling” which means that you can’t have anything bigger than the “frame” and that I’m constantly worried that if I put something in one frame I need to put something in the others for balance. For someone who isn’t terribly confident about decorating anyway, the extra challenge is almost too much. I love the idea of having three pieces that make up one piece of art.
I feel your pain about weird walls. Our walls are made of some strange textured thing with lines. Mark calls it wallboard. Whatever it is, we have to be REAL sure about hanging anything because once a nail is put in the wall, the mark is IMPOSSIBLE to cover up!
One of my favorite verses! These are just beautiful, Mary.
Thank you!!
They look great, good call on the brown!
Thanks!
The words on the wall are beautiful and inspiring. I have a similar looking long black plaque with my favorite verse on it: This is the day the Lord has made; Rejoice and be glad in it.”
I’m excited for you to get your bookshelf back again. I really get a lot of enjoyment out of my three bookcases. Show us a picture when it’s up!
I need something with that verse on it around here. Yes, let’s rejoice!!
Your artwork of Jeremiah 29:11 was so sweet that I used your image and link in one of my blogs. I hope you don’t mind. http://www.idsbymaria.com/gods-plan-us/
Kindly, Maria
Thanks for letting me know, Maria! Great post!