Ask any woman to tell you about herself and 99% will say WHO they are… wife, mother, friend. Ask any man to tell you about himself and 99% will inform you about WHAT they do… lawyer, teacher, engineer.
During decorating consultations with most married couples I have found that the men tend to be VERY concerned about where their awards and antlers will be hung. They care NOTHING about paint color or fabric. When I give a man a moment to tell me about their awards and then let the man know that their accomplishments are important to me the rest is very easy. It doesn’t matter if they are hung in a small room that no one will ever see, it is just that I take the time to make sure they are validated. In the end this is generally what the wife wants and both are satisfied creating a happy couple.
Knowing this, why did one small room in my home go undecorated for so long?
Since we’ve been married Mr. Décor has been asking to hang up all of his awards. I have resisted. For many reasons.
There are A LOT.
Most were earned while he was in the Air Force which is known for its precision and exactness.
EXCEPT when it comes to awards. For some reason they come in all shapes, sizes and colors from the paper to frame. Why?????? Whoever picks out the awards makes it almost impossible for any decorator to create a pleasing gallery wall.
I mean, I feel like I can create a pretty good gallery wall even when it’s a plethora of paintings.
After a year I finally hung up a few of his favorites. But can you can see what I mean? It’s like a bad version of Sesame Street’s “One of these things is not like the other”.
I knew how happy he would be, so that in turn made me happy. But truthfully it is Sweet Boy who spends most of his time in this room. So where was the boyish whimsy?
Then it came to me.
Paper airplanes.
A lot of them. 53 to be exact. It took me four hours to make them all, as each plane required 9 separate folds.
With each crease I said a prayer for my husband. With each fold I said a small blessing for my son.
The flight path of the airplanes created a messages of sorts on the wall. Can you see it?
In pouring out my love it has come back to me tenfold.
It is when we give of ourselves that we truly receive.
Laura
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” ~ 2 Corinthians 9:7
Absolutely beautiful, Laura- the process and the result. ♥
I love the collage, you did a fabulous job and the paper planes are the most fabulous touch. Hugs, marty
That looks beautiful Laura, the paper airplanes were a wonderful addition – great idea!
Beautiful, Laura. xo
What an AWESOME idea Laura!!!! I loveeeeeeeee the paper airplanes!!!!
OMG, I LOVE this on so many levels! Laura, you are so amazing. And you are right, the paper airplanes add such whimsy and that boyish charm. Love, LOVE!
Laura the wall looks amazing…you did a great job! Your husband of course is renowned for his accomplishments! Fun planes flying all about!
I love you!?
xoxo
Karena
Feature: Artist Anne Harwell
Wow. Just wow. And good for you, taking home the lessons you've learned while OUT. That's the hard part sometimes.
Thank you to Mr. Decor for his excellent service!
~april
Oh how you hug my heart! Bless you!
Honor to your fly guy and smiles when ever I think of sweet guy!
Tenfold and out!
w/L.
Laura,
I think it's important to consider the men in our lives when decorating and love that Mr Decor's awards are being displayed. Your added whimsical message ties his career achievements (his what) to his family (his why).
Your Friend,
Deborah
Inspiring, amazing, beautiful,so creative,pin worthy!!
Excellent design work my friend. XOXO Karen
Looks fantastic to me and I'm absolutely sure hubby will agree. You're amazing pretty lady. See ya Friday.
Love ya'
Meri
This is absolutely brilliant! It all comes together beautifully with lots of interest and dimension as well. Well done! pinning
Simply amazing! The paper airplanes add such a fantastic touch!
xoxo Jane
p.s. Thanks for visiting my sadly neglected blog 🙂 Hope to get back to it before long.
You brought a tear to my eye today with this sweet post. You will always be successful because you never lose sight of what is important. Happy Sunday!
The perfect touch of whimsy to bring those awards to life and show your love! I know how hard he worked to get those awards and I'm glad you displayed them and shared them with us. Ann
The perfect touch of whimsy to bring those awards to life and show your love! I know how hard he worked to get those awards and I'm glad you displayed them and shared them with us. Ann
You have got to be one of the kindest and heart-filled people I have ever known. How wonderful!
Jenny
Another GREAT IDEA!! I LOVE the paper airplanes!
This is so special and meaningful yet fun! I love it!
Such a wonderful post, Laura! What two blessed men you have to have a wife and mom like you, who takes their needs into account and prays for them as well. This post should be in a women's Bible–beautiful and inspiring!
Laura from Sunday View
Wonderful Laura!!! Love your wall arrangement and I love how you dissected men and women! Right on target Ma'm! 🙂
Oh how very clever! I love it and I bet your guys do to! Kit
How inspiring you are. For one, there is no way I can fold a paper airplane, the grands have given me up as a lost cause. But, I am getting the idea to just stick with some of my decorating problems that an idea will fly in.
Nonie
This is so sweet! I read your paper airplane tutorial earlier today but missed the original post about it.
Funny though, because my husband and I don't have ANY awards hanging up anywhere in our house. I'm not sure that we even have much of anything like that, but…. one small wall in our only hallway (it's a small, tiny house – really), is entirely devoted to my daughter Sarah's awards and accomplishments throughout her school years. It's Sarah's award wall, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Blessings always,
Linda