In the pursuit of affordable art, sometimes you just have to look at objects with a new perspective. Above is a typical children’s labyrinth game. Hung on the wall, however, and it casts shadows and has depth and texture that turns it into an interesting piece of wall art. Game from Value Village, probably was about $3.99.

Continuing with the game theme for a moment, above is a hand-made antique game from Quebec. Basically one would lay it on the floor and roll marbles into the holes at the top, each hole representing a different point score. Leaned against a wall, and the game becomes a point of interest. I’ll admit, Commute Home on Queen St. West really inspired me on this one, but they tend to sell these sorts of finds for exorbitant prices. I got mine at the Christie Antique Show for about $75 (I am so NOT a good haggler) and it fits in perfectly next to our dark wood Commute Home dining table (unfortunately I couldn’t capture this piece in it’s natural location because there are factors in the area that I dislike yet are unavoidable, and until they are rectified, this is a no photo zone).

Remember when decorative plates on walls were all the rage? Well, we’re thinking they may just make a comeback. I am so serious. We have already acquired about 10 plates, mostly from Value Village, that are awaiting hanging devices. This super cute illustrated number is Arabia Finland and was a $10 score off ebay.

This absolutely gorgeous piece is actually a very clever cutting board made by Jens Quistgaard. The circles are for the juices to flow into while you are defrosting a fish, or I guess even when cutting a roast. Thankfully, it was also intended to hang on the wall since there seems to be a small hanging hole at the top. The beautiful teak wood glows and the circle designs make for a really intriguing wall hanging. This was a total ebay score for about $30.

You’ve seen these guys in a few posts already (Beth’s space, and in our review of Magisso). I’ve also seen them in House & Home Magazine, in an article about vignetting AND Upsidedive even had the boy one, which said “John” on the bottom and had a date and signature. Anyway, we too had picked these guys up ages ago at Value Village for probably no more than $5. They were an ugly bronze colour so we spray painted them white (not as easy at it may seem, especially on objects that have curves). Kind of cheap and creepy and good on a bookcase. Just remember, if you find something you like but there are elements that you don’t like, paint it!

Ok so this one may be affordable (was in the 1970s), but it may also not be affordable (2009 inflation?). Purchased by my mom in the 1970s on a trip to Africa, it definitely has that mid-century modern vibe. I included this piece because it’s a reminder of what you can find on your travels, objects that are handmade by local artisans that serve as a reminder of your journey.

Photos: Juli Daoust