Decorating with Vintage Religious Art

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I’m pretty picky about what I hang on my walls.  I’m not a “fill in the blank spots with something that matches” kinda gal.

To be considered for my wall space, a piece of art has to be either part of a collection I have (like these monthly botanical prints), photos of my family, or something that just speaks to me–which I realize is a much more subjective qualifier, so I’ll try and explain more.

I want to see things hanging around my home that tell a story. Things that remind me of a place I visited, or an event in my life.  I want to see things that make me stop, read, and learn (like my 1904 map), or things that I think are just flat out cool.

I love old, amateur art in particular because it makes me wonder about who the artist was.  They weren’t famous enough to merit any mention in my college art history class, but they were someone who cared enough about the subject matter to take the time to put it on canvas.

My favorite genre of old amateur art to collect by far is religious-themed art. I recently found an amazing piece at a flea market and it inspired me to give you a little tour of the rest of my budding collection.

 

 

I saw this framed print of The Lord’s Prayer sitting on the ground at one of my regular flea markets.  I paid $20 for what I think is an absolutely, incredible piece. The frame alone is worth twice that cost!

Yes, the image is just printed on a piece of cardboard, and yes, there are a few rips in it, but still . . . Look at those colors!

 

 

And the detailed pictures that are drawn all around the outer rim of the print are fantastic.  Seriously, they do not make things like this anymore. I know I could sell this in my shop in a heartbeat, but I can’t pass this one along–it’s staying with me.

Now let me show you the very first piece of old religious art I bought:

 

 

This was an antique mall purchase.  Again, those fantastic vintage colors are all there.  And even though there are some nicks and dents, I loved the original black frame.

So I was thrilled a few months later to find another vintage Lord’s Supper print, also in a black frame, at a flea market.

 

 

This pair hangs in my kitchen, which may be kinda weird, but also kinda fits?? I mean, where else but a kitchen would you hang Last Supper photos?

And you can bet that if I find more black-framed Last Supper prints, there will be more hanging in my kitchen.

In my bedroom I have framed my grandfather’s baptism certificate.

 

 

This one is a true treasure.  I found it in a box of old photo albums after my grandparents passed away.

I also have a little collection growing in my downstairs half-bath.  You may also think that’s a strange place to hang vintage religious art, but I figure I will give my guests something interesting to look at while they’re in there.

 

 

 

This one is also printed on cardboard and pretty shabby in spots, but look at the detail of the building’s ceiling!

 

 

The moral of this story is . . . Hang on your walls things that you love.  For goodness’ sake, please don’t run off to a generic home-decor store and buy whatever random art seems to fit your color scheme.  Ask yourself what kinds of things inspire you, then go out and find beautiful things for your walls that make you smile.

If you would like to start a collection of your own vintage art, there are tons of pieces for sale on Etsy and Ebay. Or maybe make sure you scan the ground at your next flea market–that seems to be where the real steals are 🙂

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Also, it’s time to announce the winner of the $140 Fusion Mineral Paint Prize Package, Monica B.! Be on the lookout for an email from me Monica to discuss the details of your prize. Thank you to all who entered!!

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