After a few months on pause the Inspired By DIY series is back! Many thanks to our hosts Jess of Domicile 37 and Kathy from Up To Date Interiors for putting this together. Going forward we’re not just inspired by interior decorators, we’re working with the premise that creatives of all types inspire us. As such, it should come as no surprise to you that I was overjoyed with our first month’s inspiration: Wes Anderson. I wrote about how his works have influenced my colour palette and decor choices // here // but this my first Wes Anderson Pantheon inspired DIY for some reason. I had toyed with many different ideas for what to do here but decided that a Society of the Crossed Keys DIY would not only be fun and colourful, but it would look great in my entryway or dining room.
To view my Inspired by DIY posts: Marbleized Plates // Vice Jars // FauxMarble Book-ends // Gemstone Bauble Tray
This DIY was put together quickly and with little pain, so if you’re into all things The Grand Budapest Hotel, you should be doing this for yourself!
But first, a quick prelude on why I love Wes Anderson’s cannon of work. The Royal Tennenbaums was the first W.A. film I saw, and I totally didn’t get it. I just thought the trailer looked cool. Granted, I saw it when I was 14, so I may have been a bit young to understand everything. I understand something new in it each time I watch. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou holds a special place in my heart. I won’t go into all the reasons why, but it’s a film my husband and I watch about once a year. It was also one of the films my husband and I watched with our late friend when things were getting rocky for him. The Grand Budapest Hotel is my all time favourite for the art direction and grandiose sets. I would legit book a room in the Grand Budapest Hotel. The others are all fantastic in their own rights, but those three will always get rewatched in this household.
The following product links contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the brands that make PMQ for two possible. For my full policies click // here //
Materials
- Skeleton Key Set in Antique Bronze and Gold,
- Shadow Box
- Embroidery Floss
- Ribbon Scraps
- Scissors
- Scrapbook Paper
- Dual Temperature Glue Gun
Step 1: Make a tassel. Actually make as many as you plan on using in your shadow box. I made quite a few and varied their height, “fatness” and size. In some cases I made many small ones, or in others I just made a big one. It’s up to you!
You can view my tutorial on making tassels // here //
Step 2: Add a decorative ribbon element around the top of them. I used velvet ribbon scraps, but pretty braided or beaded ribbons would be just as beautiful. I added hot glue to one end, wrapped it around one, and then glued it down. Simple!
Step 3: Attach the tassels to the top of the keys. A simple knot or bow will do the trick. Trim any excess.
Step 4: Cover the back of your shadow box in scrapbook paper. I chose green and pink because they are classical Andersonian colours. That pink stripe is really hiding the seam in the two green pieces. But shhh! don’t tell anyone.
Step 5: Affix your keys in an artful manner on the backing. I went with these keys because they had an adhesive along the back of them, so I wouldn’t have to worry about the best epoxy for them since they do appear to be metal.
Step 6: Using your hot glue gun, glue the tassels in place. Gravity will do it’s part, so if you’ve placed any keys in diagonals or upside downs, glue will help hold them in place and allow you to fill all the space you want.
Step 7: Once everything is dry, load your backing into the box and secure.
Step 8: Hang and enjoy! I’ve styled mine in the dining room with a box of Mendl’s finest, some champagne, and all the pink you can handle! Also, Eau de Panache anyone?
Don’t forget to click over and see what my friends did too!
Domicile 37 | Up to Date Interiors | PMQ for Two | The Gathered Home | The Rath Project | 58 Water Street | Semi Gloss Design | Jest Cafe | The Home I Create
Cassie Bustamante says
these are so you- love the tassels!
Ariel says
aren’t they just the best?! Now I want to develop some sort of key shenanigans where I try and discreetly give people keys and tell them “the adventure begins!” before running away.
Emy says
I just watched the Grand Budapest the other night. I love the keys and tassels!
Ariel says
I seriously considered making a lobby boy fez too 😉
Brynne says
Cute cute CUTE!!! I love these, Ariel! The colors you picked are so perfect! And I would absolutely book a room in The Grand Budapest too!
Ariel says
Girl! We could be like the old dames that Gustave woos! Because you know that I too would rent a room, if only for mendls fresh delivery!
jessica says
this is seriously so much fun! I almost thought about doing keys, but I did not know where I would put them. LOve it!
Ariel says
shadow box yo! I love shadow boxes, they’re perfect for this sort of thing.
Mila says
You are So creative, my friend! Love those tassels
Ariel says
hank you lovely! That compliment goes right back at ya!
Kathy says
These are so bright and happy! I love that you used them as art.
Ariel says
Thanks 🙂 Bright and happy is what I’m aiming for!
Diane rath says
This has to be one of the happiest things I’ve seen in a while! And who doesn’t love a good tassel?
Ariel says
Right?! I’ve been secretly (/not so secretly) adding them to handles and knobs throughout the house.
Linda says
Oh these are just perfect! They make the perfect wall decor in the shadow box. your styling is super cute too! now i need a reason to buy some champagne 🙂
Ariel says
Thanks friend! I love styling a good vignette, especially for a stand-alone post like this!