Good morning everybody. I have news for you. I have done a project in black!! Yes I know, shocking isn’t it, I have let black enter my world of whites. And you know what, I love it!
I have followed the troops and made my own version of subway art/ bus art. I have loved seeing them all over blogland and meant to make one a long time ago. But it wasn’t until my rather recent trip to London that I came super-duper set on making my own version.
You see I was halfway on the lookout for some sort of vintage sign for my bedroom (still are for that matter) and hoped to find something fun and funky in London. Well I didn’t have any luck on the street markets we visited and I had given up hope to find something.
On the very last day when I had about an hour to lose before I had to go to the train station I wandered into a big department store and stumbled on a very hip and happening little boutique in there. They sold all kinds of new and vintage designer stuff and they had London Bus signs too. I was super happy and had my wallet in my hand in a flash when I realized they were asking several hundred pounds for one sign with only one destination on it.
Oops. Didn’t know how fast to put my money away again. And so I studied this real vintage bus signs some more. Gettng real up and personal on them. And then noticed that it was just a framed bit of paper!!!!
Right then the cute guy selling this stuff walked up to me, he must have seen my bewilderment, ‘but that is just a paper sheet in that frame!’ I stuttered. “yes, it is, and it is the real thing, you’ll find bus driver’s notes scribbled on the back” , “they are authenticated real vintage bus signs” the guy was beaming with pride.
“but that is just white print on black paper!” I truly couldn’t believe it. Until I came rolling out of that store again and almost walked straight under a real life London bus. And with being that close to it I could see that indeed those scrolls on the bus were paper (although now the lettering is neon yellow now).
Well I could feel a craft session coming on then, let me tell you!!
So I went for it and made myself my own London bus sign, albeit with a very sentimental text.
I choose our favorite holiday and getaway destinations we have visited together. This way it is a memory of some of our best vacations and most treasured times together.
I choose the Arial font in various variations (bold, narrow etc.) and mixed it all up (so Singapore, Seattle and Verona are now all on the same route 
). I printed it on A3 paper (which is about the same as US ledger/tabloid paper) and then glued two sheets together. The frame was an oldie I found in our basement.
I seriously doubted whether to show you this here. I mean in blogland this isn’t exactly the most original project. But a thought that 1) outside of blogland this still is considered original, 2) copying is the highest form of flattering, and 3) I started this blog to journal my creative adventures and to encourage myself to try new things and this project fits that bill.
It is really amazing how long it is taking me to finish my bedroom makeover. Hopefully my summer vacation will give me the time and energy to get on with it already.
I love how my bus sign turned out. And I love even more how it looks in this spot. It has added a perfect touch to our bedroom. The black seems to ‘ground’ everything and adds just enough seriousness and manliness to the room preventing it from becoming too girly.
If you don’t know what I mean hover your mouse over the next picture. You’ll see it change to how it was when I had my paper wreath hanging there. I love that paper wreath, but as it turned out, my bedroom wasn’t the best place for it.
If you are reading this in your reader you’ll have to come over to the blog to see this effect. I really think it is amazing how replacing one bit of wall art can change the whole feeling of a room.
So what’ye think. Love it? Agree on the grounding of my bedroom? Can you see it, or am I exaggerating?
Love to hear your opinions ladies.
PS there are just a few spots available for guest posting here during my summer break. Shoot me an email if you are interested but do it fast because I am allotting the places later today.
I like it. After all it has white in it right?! Also it is longer than the wreath and ties that wall and the large bedhead together very well. And lastly I'm jealous because I would like one too. Cherrie
I LOVE it !! And it is so cool that you made it !
a touch of black is always nice…it looks lovely against all of your neutrals and dreamy whites…
This IS original because you simply printed it. How easy and clever was this! I think it looks beautiful!
Off to facebook this!
Donna
The black kind of anchors the room.
Great project!
I love this, it really does change the look of your room a bit.
It is just perfect!
Smiles, alice
Ik vind het prachtig staan dat beetje zwart, ik heb zelf naast de lichte en witte kleuren ook zwart in huis, van een zwarte slaapkamerwand met witte tekst tot een zwarte kast en als ik je post zo lees zal dit nietalleen bij dit vleugje zwart blijven Marianne.
Fijne Pinksterdagen en een lieve groet, Mea
I love it! What a wonderful idea! I must admit, I'm not a massive fan of muted as it can look bland, but that picture just lifts the room and gives it a bit of personality. It's always lovely that it has the personal meaning. I think it's a great idea.
Love it! You are so ultra creative!
Brenda
Marianne it is beautiful and looks soperfect in your bedroom!!!
And so nice how you personalized it xo
I love your headboard too!
Lovely room …and Im like you…good things take time! It'll all come together
and it'll be just right!
Deborah xo
I agree. A punch of black grounds most rooms. I love all the white that's being used in decorating, but a bit of black seems to make it less floaty and fuzzy.
Great idea for a bus sign.
It looks great in your room. I like the added touch of black. And I love the fact that it's printed paper – never would have guessed.
Gorgeous as always!! Catching up with some blog reading and love this project!
You are right – it does 'ground' the room.
- Joy
I love it! I adore black though and have it in every room. You did such a wonderful job on this ~
Pat
Being totally computor illiterate, would love to know how you get white letters on black paper. I am sure its easy, right?
Portland, Oregon – woot woot! Ha ha.
I really love the pop of black in this room. And I am totally in love with your headboard.
Love this idea – I think I may have to borrow it from you – thanks for the inspiration.
superleuk !