Southern State of Mind Blog by Heather

{James Dean Style Soiree} How A $200 Car Inspired $6 Artwork

in Lifestyle on

Can you believe the second annual Summer Style Soiree is coming to a close? I have really enjoyed flexing the creative muscle to create projects inspired from our style icons this year.  I think we are going out with a bang with the coolest cat of them all – James Dean!

Last week my mom sent a picture of my Dad and Uncle in my Grandpa’s 1935 Ford… and immediately my James Dean inspiration struck!

              


This car has a very special background. Back when my grandparents dated in the 1940’s, it was in a 1935 Ford. So when my Grandfather found a similar one in 1962, he bought it for $200. (Can you even imagine buying a car for $200?) He worked on restoring it over the years but never got it running. I guess those five kids mouths to feed were more important?!?! 🙂

When Grandpa passed away, my Uncle took over the job and has been enjoying the process ever since. Sadly Grandpa will never see his car restored but I know he is smiling every time that engine rumbles. I absolutely love that my Uncle has it running and looking so great! 

Back in 2011, when Mr. Big Stuff was only 8 weeks old and I was on maternity leave, we made the trek to Florida to visit my grandmother. This visit meant so much! Of course, we had to take some shots of him sitting on the Ford! 

(Mr. Big Stuff 2011)

You see, his middle name is after Grandpa and it was really special to introduce him to a piece of his heritage. I have always just LOVED these pictures capturing this special time. This shot is hands down one of my all time favorites!

If you’ve been around long enough, you know Mr. Big Stuff is into cars. Like, REALLY into cars. He can spot a Ford Mustang from a mile away, freaks out when a car truck carrier goes by, and absolutely loves race cars and Hot Rods. I blame it partly on being a boy, but mostly I think it’s in his genes. 
Since the legend of James Dean goes hand in hand with vintage cars, I was inspired to use this picture in Mr. Big Stuff’s room for my project. 
But not just any size would do, it needed to be large-and-in-charge! 

A quick stop to Staples for the infamous engineer print and we were in business! And this is definitely large-and-in-charge coming in at 3 feet by 4 feet. 

I was going to mount it to a foam board but just decided to use command strips to hang this directly onto the wall. 
So for around $6, we have some very, very large art.

Oh, and very, very cool. 
I think James Dean would approve.
And Grandpa. 🙂
Be sure to check out what the hostesses created:
 Now it’s your turn! 
What has James Dean inspired YOU to create in your home?

Related posts:

{Summer Style Soiree} Princess Diana {Ralph Lauren Style Soiree} An American Icon’s Double RL Ranch {Lilly Pulitzer Style Soiree} Make Every Hour a Happy Hour! {Kate Spade Style Soiree} How to Make Knock-Off Kate Spade Shoes

Comments

  3. Livingandlovinghome says

    So very cool! I love the large print. I know it is precious to you. I love old cars and your baby sitting on the hood is just perfect, I have a picture of me when I was 18 months sitting on the hood of a 1946 Pontiac, I just might do the same thing. Thank you for the inspiration and for sharing, I think James Dean would be proud.

    Reply

  4. Karen Knowles says

    This is absolutely the coolest thing. I am sure Grandpa would be proud. What a great idea, Heather…..especially because Lil P loves cars!!!!

    Reply

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