nwmdesign's Profile

What a lovely idea to give your friend anything dog related (sculpture, print, figurine, etc.) as a housewarming present. As I have done animal rescue for over thirty years, fostered many dogs (and a few cats, although I am allergic) I have collected dog related art for years, photos of dogs I've fostered and those that became family members. I now live in a small apartment with a small dog and rotate mt dog art from time to time and from room to room. My lastest venture (a "themed" room which I shutter having never wanted a themed room) is my bathroom. It started with a lithograph (I helped the artist to print back in the late 70's) of a red fire hydrant which hangs over the toliet, on top of the toliet is a bronze of an English Pointer and I have a small shelf with various dogs displayed. Some are vintage toys, figurines (goofy looking ones), a couple from the 30's & 40's and from different countries. Although I do not normally care for themed rooms, I always smile when I go in that room.

I disagree withTommy, Jr. I have bought only original art pieces, some directly from the artist, others from a gallery. I have pieces which I purchased for under $100.00 which have appreciated greatly in the past 20 years or so. Art is very personal and subjective, but you can't go wrong with buying what you love...whether it appreciates or not.

When I lived in a small space (with little money) I hung two baskets above the toliet (from TJMaxx $7.00 each) mounting the bottom of the basket to the wall, making them into storage shelves. I store toliet paper in one, towels rolled up in the other. I also found a pair of Ibex horns (anything natural would work) and mounted them on round mirrors to hang above the vantities (I have also made other type mirrors using things found in nature). I hung a $4.00 shelf I found at Ocen State Job Lots (look at TJ's, Target, Ikea, Wal-Mart, etc). and put a pillar candle (always inexpensive at above). For color, paint, paint, paint, always a cheap way to go. Another thing I've done is used sheets or fabric remnants, soak them in liquid starch and apply to wall (Will not hurt the wall and comes off easily.) One fun thing to do (especially in a kids' bath or for a single person) is to paint with chalkboard paint, place a glass container with chalk in the bethroom to encourage graffitti!! Let your friend have fun. If you would like to see photos of some of these ideas, just email me at nannemess@yahoo.com and I will send them to you. Have fun!!!