Oh deer.

After getting a sweet email from a readers asking if Sally and I had any suggestions for fabulous, affordable wall art/decor I realized that it had been a while since we had posted on the topic… Full disclosure, most all the art we find (and buy) is the result of being introduced to an artist, piece, or Etsy shop by way of another blog/blogger or stumbling upon them via Pinterest.  Some people just have a knack for finding hidden art gems in the depths of the internets… Three cheers for those people, we heart you!

But we do have some philosophies when it comes to wall art: 1) don’t buy a piece of you don’t absolutely love it (think Jen’s speach from The Breakup), 2) invest in good pieces now – sometimes art is expensive but if you love it now, chances are you will love it later and it will hang in your home for a while, 3) pay for custom framing – choosing to get things matted and in frames that compliment the piece is pricy but you will be very happy with the result in the long run, 4) don’t settle – places like Bed Bath & Beyond and Target might offer wall art quick fixes but are they really you?  Hunt around till you find the perfect options!  5) your art doesn’t have to make sense to everyone, it just has to make sense to you.

So – the above artist, Kari Herer is a photographer that was introduced to me by blogger friend Chelsea (a true fancy romantic at heart, Kari’s Etsy shop will always remind me of her).  She has several art + floral photography creations but my favorites are the ones with deer antlers.  Deer antlers are kind of a no-brainer when it comes to wall art.. They aren’t for everyone and they might not fit with all decor styles, but you have to admit that they are pretty timeless and offer a wilderness-cool aspect that is hard to beat (something no shark jaw or cow skull could do).  I love how Kari’s images are so vivid and clear that the almost look like they are three dimensional.  And if you’re worried that antlers are too masculine for you, the combination of them (in the real or drawn sense) paired with pretty and lush floral groupings takes care of that problem

(All images via Kari Herer Photography on Etsy)

P.S. for those of you looking for ways to help those affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy, please take a look at Crafting for a Cause… The site was created last Friday by Lindsay Simone as a way to raise money for the United Way of Western Connecticut, the official relief fund for the shooting. She has worked to connect with several Etsy sellers to contribute percentages of their revenues this week to the relief fund – an incredible group of talented and generous designers and crafters.