Halloween is tomorrow, folks! This past weekend I got a bit crafty and decided to create a DIY painted pumpkin. Then I started thinking about the colors I was interested in featuring, and it occurred to me that the peach tone of butternut squash would make the perfect canvas for my ’80s-style landscape design. Plus, I’ve had pumpkins in the house for the last month, and a butternut squash would be a refreshing centerpiece for November! Read on for all of the retro DIY fun…
’80s DIY: A Paper Strip Art Project
Hi Everyone! I’ve been excited to share this ’80s-style paper strip DIY project with you for awhile now…but first I had to finish it! Like many worthwhile projects, this one had many phases, and the best developments occurred when I hit some major roadblocks. But I’m finally done with the wall art, and now that the kinks are ironed out, I have a pretty easy set of steps for you to follow if you want to try creating one of your own. Read on for the details. If you’re a talker, the text will provide a detailed explanation. If you’re more of a visual learner, the pictures should be a big help…
’80s DIY: A Floral Tower
If you’ve been reading Mirror80 this month, you know it’s been my dream to construct a sculptural floral arrangement in a ceramic round planter. Today we debut the DIY results, and we couldn’t be more excited! This project has an undeniably ’80s look. What keeps it from looking outdated? You have to commit 100% to clearly taking it over the top. Bright colors and lots of height help to achieve this goal, as you’ll see below…
Spring DIY Inspiration
You may remember that a few weeks ago I was planning an ’80s DIY project involving a ceramic round planter. In fact, I hadn’t yet located one of these beauties and was hoping to find something like the Vintage Black Haeger Pottery Planter above! This week I found the planter of my dreams in a shade of blue-gray at a local thrift store. A styrofoam circle and some faux flowers should complete the look, and I’ve brainstormed a few possibilities below…
New Retro DIY: A Very ’80s Easter Basket
Hi Everyone! As with many holidays, the decor of the Easter season can easily take on an ’80s look. Baskets covered with hues like teal and hot pink? Come on! A trip to Target is all that’s needed to create this ’80s-style Easter basket for the New Retro enthusiast in your life…
Neon Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas
This weekend I began wrapping my Christmas presents! Last year I used paper in muted colors, ribbon in rich hues, and bits of jewelry as decorative accents. This year I decided to go all out with a full-on color explosion. And it’s funny how just a few bright touches do the trick. Since we’re in the middle of a neon revival and neon was a true ’80s trend, why not make it a fluorescent holiday? Read on for more details…
An ’80s-Style Ripped Paper DIY Project
Looking for an easy ’80s DIY project? Try a little art piece that can be completed in 30 minutes with the help of ripped paper and glue. This weekend I found myself in need of a modern minimalist piece to anchor a living room display of framed art. Desiring a picture that channeled ’80s modern design (think “office building chic”), I decided to begin a 3-color DIY project based on a large piece I’d briefly spotted in the 1991 film Regarding Henry starring Harrison Ford. Could my last-minute endeavor be more random? Read on for the details…
Friday Video Pick–DIY Makeover Edition: “Brand New Girl” by Julie Brown
Mirror80 wraps up DIY week with a makeover-themed music video from the movie Earth Girls Are Easy starring Geena Davis and Julie Brown. Stylistically, the film channels that magical blend of Mid-Century style and ’80s Modern flair. In the video for “Brand New Girl,” characters dance around a beauty shop that combines elements of 1950s decor and 1980s motifs a la Memphis-Milano design. Let the film’s sets inspire you and the makeover mood empower you to embrace DIY magic in the realms of interior design and fashion.
’80s DIY: Let’s Get Spherical!
Today’s DIY project adds greenery to ’80s ceramics for a sleek, modern look. Air plants transport this arrangement into the present, as do glass and mirrored accents. Whether you focus on one shiny piece or assemble a grouping, we think this project will provide you with a decorative conversation starter. It’s all about the sphere–enjoy!
’80s DIY: Paper Landscapes
Today’s DIY project celebrates the kitschy yet modern glory of ’80s landscape art. In fact 1980s Southwestern art has experienced a recent comeback, with savvy collectors combining formerly-dated pieces with newer art selections for an updated look. Our art project shows you how to get the landscape look using art paper, glue and a little imagination.
