I warned you this post was coming.  I decided to hang my custom fabric art with twine and grommets just to be a little different.  Here’s how I added the grommets to my drop cloth.  I purchased this Bostitch grommet kit from Lowe’s for less than $7.

The hardware guy at Lowe’s told me it was meant to be used on tarps but since it was the only grommet kit they carried, I figured I could make it work.  I measured my drop cloth and calculated how many grommets I would need…I came up with 7.  The shiny gold metal wasn’t the look I was going for, so I spray painted the grommet fronts black.  {If you won’t be seeing the back of the grommets, there’s no need to paint the back.} I’ve got a stash of black and white spray paint in our basement just for projects like this.

Next I used the tool in the kit that looks like a cylinder to cut a hole in the fabric for the grommet placement.  One end of the cylinder has a sharp metal ring on it that cuts through the fabric when the opposite end is tapped with a hammer.

As shown above, you will need a hard solid surface under the fabric.  I just grabbed a wood scrap from the garage and pounded out a small hole.

I pushed the front of the grommet {the part I spray painted black} through the hole.  This shows what the grommet/fabric art looks like from the back…

I slipped a {gold} ring onto the back of the {black} grommet.  Remember, you won’t see the gold ring from the front.

I wasn’t able to take any photos of this final step, as both of my hands were preoccupied. Basically, I placed the tool from the Lowe’s kit that splays out the back of the grommet onto the back of my pushed-through grommet.  There’s also a circular ‘base’ to put underneath the front of the grommet to hold it in place while you splay the back.  Then I pounded, and I mean POUNDED, it with a hammer to flatten out the grommet and secure it.  This takes some muscle.  At first, I was just tapping and getting nowhere fast.  Then I got mad, took it out on the grommet and it worked.  I repeated all of this for 6 more grommets.

If you look closely, you’ll see a little gold peeking through the black spray paint where the grommet got scratched while I was hammering away.  I wasn’t planning on that happening but I ended up liking it.  It lends an older, worn look.

On a side note, I actually traced and painted the text onto the drop cloth while it was hanging.  I had a transparency made {at Staples} and projected it onto my hanging fabric.  I found it much easier to paint on a vertical surface as opposed to painting it on the floor.  I outlined each letter and filled them in with a 1″ foam brush.

I’m not exaggerating when I say it took me about 10 minutes to finish one letter.  {You do the math.}  But I wasn’t in a hurry, and I took frequent breaks.

I did have to be careful not to saturate the fabric with paint so that it didn’t soak through to the wall behind.  But all-in-all, I preferred standing up to hunching over.  We’re very much enjoying our new artwork.  Layne has just learned to read, so he likes to sound out all the words.  Then he always asks, “Why did you put that on the wall?”  Like I’m some crazy person.  Maybe I am.

I don’t buy magazines on a regular basis although I do receive monthly glossies from BHG and House Beautiful {they’re gift subscriptions}.  However, on a recent vacation I picked up the current issue of DIY Magazine for the drive.  And I was not disappointed.

The particular article that grabbed my attention was “Keeping It Real” about a family who completely renovated their ranch style home in California with green design in mind.

Maybe it’s because they have 2 boys and we have 2 boys.  Maybe it’s because they used a mostly neutral palette with pops of color.  But, honestly, I think it’s their style.  Lots of modern pieces and prints mixed with rustic woods and stone.  Whatever it is, I’m in awe.

Take this entry nook, for example.  The matte concrete bench and wall are a simple yet pleasing backdrop for the geometric print pillows and shiny green vase.  {Green and gray are my favorite colors, you know.}  The wood floors add some warmth and contrast.  The woven storage baskets beneath the bench are practical but also contribute their own rustic texture.  I’m telling you, I could sit on that bench all day…even if it is hard on the buns.  And then there’s the family room.  Oh my. The family room…

If you ask me, this is the perfect balance of old and new.  The see-through built-in fireplace is modern and sleek while the wood beam mantle is casual and worn.  The midcentury modern-ish chairs look vibrant upholstered in orange and topped with more geometric print pillows.  {I could write an entire post on geometric print pillows.}  Are you picking up on the details of the room to see why it works?  OLD + MODERN = INTERESTING.  I want to point out that sliding door, too. {Notice the green arrow.}  What a great idea for dividing up an open floor plan when desired! Again, I reiterate…OLD {salvaged wood} + MODERN {metal hardware} = INTERESTING {interior barn door}.  Are you catching on?

The open dining area boasts an industrial metal and wood table flanked by 2 weathered benches. The recessed wall {painted a contrasting color} makes the perfect spot for a buffet.

Someday my kids are sure to want a cool ‘boys only’ hangout.  I can only hope it will be as fun as this one.  Straight-lined furniture pairs well with graphic and colorful walls.  Those beams aren’t too shabby either.

The master bedroom seals the deal.  I’ve always wanted a focal wall behind our bed.  This grasscloth covered wall makes the room by adding texture, focus and an element of nature.  I’m on board with the organized closet and fabric ‘doors’, too.  Having everything readily available would be convenient, and if you keep it tidy, it’s pretty nice to look at.  Why not?  I’m stealing this idea.

So, that’s what I’ve been eyeing the last few weeks.  This home speaks volumes to me.  The style, the organization, the clean look, the open feel, the natural elements, the pops of green, the contrasting materials, the simplicity, the rustic touches…I could go on and on.  But I won’t.