What has 8 arms and 3 frames? An Octopus Triptych. um, and what exactly is an Octopus Triptych you ask?
Take a look at this arm eye candy…
Pictured here in Giuliana DePandi and Bill Rancic’s home
This Octopus print actually has a long history- the original is a copperplate engraving by Lord Bodner and was published in 1826 in London as part of a series studying creatures of the deep.
While I admit that a large Octopus print may not suit everyone’s style, I was completely smitten when I saw it. I needed to get my tentacles on this art! However, the smitten-ness wore off pretty quick when I priced these from $1000 up to $4090.00.
Yes I said fourthousanddollars…
But I really needed this eight-armed goodness in my house!
So off I went on the quest for a way to do it myself.
Do you think Lord Bodner would mind?
After some hunting, found this Octopus graphic from Graphics Fairy:
Click here to link to this site. This is a great site with over 3500 printable vintage images.
I warn you now that it will suck you in!
I warn you now that it will suck you in!
Octopus Image – Check.
Now I needed to figure out how NOT to spend EIGHT ARMS AND A LEG to get this Octopus print printed and framed. So after a little slicing and dicing in a Word document, I got this image onto six separate 11×17 sheets of paper. I was also able to make the image navy (at the time I thought I wanted a navy version)
This is how it looked as six separate images.
Octopus Image Printed- Check.
Then I went to Michael’s and got three 11″ x 36″ inch ready-to-hang white frames. These are just standard off-the-shelf frames you can find at a local craft store or on Amazon*. (*affiliate link)
In each frame, I stacked two images into one frame. When they are stacked, the print outs are a bit smaller at 11″ x 34″, but with the white background, you are not able to tell.Octopus Print Image Framed- Check.
Octopus Triptych
Here you can see it on the mantel.
I love the way the three small frames make such a big statement.
I love this large inexpensive DIY art.
It started above the fireplace in the dining room and now it is in the den layered on the big window frame.
Want one of your own?
I have now listed it in my Etsy shop- click here to purchase!
Thanks for stopping by.
Awesome idea! It looks really great!
Have a great week!
LOVE this!! I'm a sucker for ancient sea life! I painted an ancient mermaid (from Graphics Fairy as well)onto a vintage window, and it melts my heart everytime I look at it! So I MUST have your free printable….Please?! info@avablakecreations.com
Thank you,
Jenny
Ava Blake Creations
I would love to have a copy of this – it's amazing!! I am a new follower too!
Peggy @ The Painted Pear peartreejewels@gmail.com Thank you!
Love this! I'm obsessed with octopi right now. I have a custom made octopus necklace and an octopus storage box. Just love it! I have the perfect place for this project-right when you walk in my front door. How's that for a greeting? Please send me the PDF. Lupaulfric@comcast.net. Thank you SO much!
Love this! I am busy making items that are sea related. Think this could clinch it!I would dearly love to have a pdf copy of this. MaryKahle1968@yahoo.com
OOOOOhhhhh, yummy. I just love this. Would love to have a copy. I just joined your subscriber list. I am the new follower with the email address beginning with lawson. Thank you.
M. C.
I would love this for my summer mantle. Perfect. He is beautiful. Thank you so much! ladygreene@att.net
OK! Just sent everyone that has requested so far. Let me know if you didn't get it. Thanks for stopping in!
I love this! I need copies. Thanks so much. brajj2@yahoo.com
Just sent it your way. Enjoy!
Would love a pdf copy of this! Ashleyseitz55@aol.com
Thank you!!
me too please karlexandra@gmail.com
My husband actually catches these in the sea near Sicily.. this would be a great present for him. Please send me the PDF…I just love it! spiderpizzo56@hotmail.com
Thank you!!!
I think your prints look wonderful, I would really like to have one like it in my home.
thanks for the inspiration… if you can e-mail me the Pdf my e-mail is rao561@yahoo.com
thanks again
Very creative and it looks great in you den. 🙂
Thanks so much! It has lived several places but I think it found its home in the den.
Wow, that's so cool! I've seen them around too but wouldn't think to attempt to make one! I love the Graphics Fairy. I'm your newest follower 😉
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com
Thanks so much!
Wow! That is so amazing! I love it! Thanks for sharing at Pinworthy Projects.
Oh my goodness! I just want to give you a hug! I saw a very similar three frame print at a store a month or so back and wanted it SO badly, but did not want to pay the price! Thanks to you, I can make my own! I pinned it and can't wait to get it up! Thanks for sharing! And thank you SO much for linking up to Give Me the Goods Monday! Can't wait to see what you link up next week!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof
Thanks for hosting! And pinning!
See you next week!
That looks so great! I've been eyeing that octopus picture and wanting to do something with it for awhile now. fabulous job!
Thanks! Would love to see your finished product if you use it! Thanks!
You did a fantastic job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -Brenda-
P.S: Re stacking two images in one frame …. I am wondering if you could have used a 'Banner format' in creating and printing off the image? (Realize the original would still have to be spliced and edited for the three sections prior to doing so.) Just a thought! ☺
Great idea, hadn't thought of that! Thanks!
Beautiful and such a great idea! I love all things nautical. I'd love for you to share this at my link party if you get a chance: http://www.findingsilverpennies.com/2013/03/silver-pennies-sundays-link-party_24.html
Just linked up. Thanks for the invite!
I love it!!! You're so smart to save $4000!!! lol
Thank you for sharing this at Silver Pennies Sundays! x
This looks awesome! great job!
Morgaine from Madcap Frenzy
http://www.madcapfrenzy.blogspot.com/2013/03/totally-tuesday-link-party-2.html
Thanks! I will link up to your party tomorrow! Thanks for following- be sure to enter the giveaway to thank all of my new followers http://thesouthernstateofmind.blogspot.com/2013/03/giveaway-go-jump-in-lake-sign-24-value.html
You were featured at Give Me The Goods Monday! Go check it out and grab a button: http://www.rainonatinroof.com/2013/03/give-me-goods-monday-features-1.html
Can't wait to see what you link up this week! I LOVED this octopus print! It is on my to-do list!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof
This made my week! Thanks again!
Thanks for linking to Take-A-Look Tuesday over at Sugar Bee Crafts – you were featured yesterday!
–Mandy, http://www.SugarBeeCrafts.com
So Awesome! I love the impact it makes on your room.
I'd love if you shared these at my Show & Tell party this week. http://www.gingerlymade.com/2013/04/show-tell-20.html
Thank you for linking up to Gingerly Made's Show & Tell. You've been featured! http://www.gingerlymade.com/2013/04/show-tell-features_9.html
This looks amazing! What a great DIY project.
AMAZEBALLS. Have just discovered you and immediately hit follow button after spotting this. And that costs about $3,960 less than buying the originals. Hurrah! x
Where do I get the info for the free printable? Would lovveee to have this!! Somebody email me pleaaseee!! lillyeverhart@gmail.com
Just emailed it to you. Please let me know if you didn't get it! Would love to see your finished product! Thanks.
Can someone email it to me? Kjentk@gmail.com
Great job! It doesn't show that you stacked two pages in one frame. How were you able to cover that up so neatly!
Love everything about this! Thanks for the useful links. I've got a bare wall over my living room couch that might be getting some much needed artwork.
Oh my goodness! I have been on the hunt for a discounted way to get this image and you did it! Impressed and very excited! Thank you for sharing your process and for saving a boatload of cash. 🙂
Dawn
Can you send me the PDF as well? Collinsfamilyil@gmail.com
Thank you!
Just sent it your way! Enjoy!
This is SERIOUSLY awesome!!!
Thanks Megan!
If it's not too late, can you send me the PDF? Melanie.l.ellison@gmail.com
Just sent it over! Enjoy!
Love the idea and would like to try it! Can you please send me the pdf…unable to open the link.
ckt9513@aol.com
Just sent it to you. Thanks!
This is great, id love a copy, lheight@optonline.net. When you say you stack 2 prints, how do you not see the edges in the final & how do you keep the images from shifting? Could you please let me know when you email? Thank you
I have the same question. How do you stack the prints so they look seamless?
In order to stack them, I taped the backs to the white paper that was included in the frames when I bought them. IF you look REALLY close, you can tell there is a little seam, but it is not that noticeable.
Just sent you the image!
Hi, I just found your post through a post on Graphics Fairy. I love your framed octopus image it would look great along with steampunk but when I've tried to download your free Octopus Triptych PDF either the link does not seem to be working or I'm doing something wrong (quite probably 🙂 ) how to I get it to download please.
Hi Jane! Sorry about that! Let me know your email address and I will forward it to you. Mine is stateofmindinteriors @ gmail. com
Yowsers I love it!
I must go to the link you offered and find something awesome to print.
DG will be the place to get the frames. If not Wallysworld.
So cool. Thank you!
Hi I love love it.
Quick question I see the downloadable is in blue do you have the pdf in black and white as I can not figure out how to change the color like you did.
Maxine, thanks for your note. Are you printing it at home? I don't have the black version… I just printed the color version in black and white mode on the printer. I used it in navy first then changed my mind and printed it in black and white, but never saved it that way. Sorry I can't help but if you are taking it somewhere to be printed, they should be able to print it in black and white for you!
Did you trim the edges to have the print line up?
Hi! I've been looking for this print for ages!!! YOu are such a Godsend! Can you also send the pdf to me? marieannevelasco@yahoo.com
gotcha!
Getting ready to make the octopus triptych!!! I cannot get the pdf to burn to a disk. Plan on taking it to a print shop! Can you please email me the pdf? It would be much appreciated! katiekamm77@yahoo.com
gotcha!
Hi Heather. This is a great DIY. You said that you manipulated your found .jpg and now you have a .pdf that you're making available. I'm looking to use another image from that site. I was wondering how you were able to scale up the original .jpg since it isn't a large file and isn't a vector graphic. I might be able to do it in Photoshop, but wanted to ask if you have an easy way first.
Thanks in advance,
Carl
Carl… not really… I just played around in power point and laid it out until I got the proportions right. I wish I had a tip to share!
This is amazing! Can I have the .pdf emailed too? Marissawedding@Hotmail
gotcha
I have never been so excited to find an project before! I have been searching for an awesome Octopus art piece for my living room. None of them even come close to falling within my budget. I love the fact that I can do this myself and customize it to fit my needs. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!
Love this! So excited to try for our guest room. Do you know how I can make it black instead of blue?
Thanks! Heather
Hi,
this looks amazing….well done! do you have a copy of this in black print?
if so can you please email me at acbayuk@gmail.com
cheers
just emailed you the blue file… I don't have it saved in black but I just had it printed in black and white (not color). Thanks
This is a must do! I want to take this to the printers, would you please kindly foward me the PDF file?
@ ahernandez_28@live.com
THANK YOU!!!
You're awesome!! I love this so much! I'm having such a hard time getting this cropped right! I would be greatly to also get a copy? audrey.watson32@gmail.com
gotcha
Fantastic! Weekend project here we come 🙂
**greatly appreciative
YES! And THIS will be the final touch to my new Amsterdam apartment! Send me a copy? diederickbulstra@gmail.com
THANK YOU!!!!!
Love it, looks so great!
gotcha! just sent
I have seen this print and had to have it….but the $ was a little discouraging. I am so going to do this!! Could you send me the PDF version please? Thanks. jstyle0502@yahoo.com
Just sent, thanks.
Gorgeous! Well done.
Very cool, here from Emily's blog!
Amazing! I've always loved these and yours looks every bit as good as the expensive ones!
Would you please send to me at msteeger@edgewood.edu
Do you see the lines/separate pages stacked on top of each other?
Oh my! I must have this! Awesome job! Could you please send the file to me? Visiting from Emily's blog.
Texasboymom@gmail.com
just sent. thanks!
Great idea….I love the big bold look of this! I have seen the expensive version at Market….so kudos to you for bringing it to life!
My girlfriend shared your blog with me. I have admired this print for a couple years but could never spend $4000 on it. Would you please send me the PDF? jadeandkim@cox.net Thanks so much. Super excited!!
gotcha
Where/how did you print it?
I printed on 11 x 17 paper on a standard printer. You could easily take this to a Staples or Office Depot to have them print. I also printed in black and white mode once I realized I didn't want it in navy blue anymore.
I love what you have done with this print. I have gone so far as to purchase the frames and I am wondering if you can send me the PDF so I can print it? (maureen.kenny99@gmail.com). Thanks very much. Love your blog!
I recently needed to stage my home for sale and was inspired to recreate Bill & Giulana's octopus art. Ikea frames + Staples Engineering print=$70! See my end result here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMKPFi_FTRc
I recently needed to stage my home for sale and was inspired to recreate Bill & Giulana's octopus art. Ikea frames + Staples Engineering print=$70! See my end result here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMKPFi_FTRc
What size frame did you purchase from Ikea? Your home photos were stunning!
Hi Heather! I can't wait to get these up on the wall! Would you please send me the high res PDF? (stefanietaft@yahoo.com) thanks!
just sent it!
I would love the pdf for this! I just saw it on "Giuliana and Bill" the other day. My email is lauren.glusak@yahoo.com
just sent it!
I just discovered your blog and I'm really enjoying it! This is amazing! Would you mind sending it to me as well? Danionstew@gmail.com
just sent. enjoy!
FABULOUS! I would LOVE this PDF. Please send to coleyj73@hotmail.com
Thank you!
just sent! hope you enjoy!
I just did this, and it turned out fantastic – thanks! Instead of printing the image on paper, I had the triptych image printed on a 54" x 36" piece of linen cotton canvas on Spoonflower and then wrapped the canvas over 3 wood stretcher bars instead of framing.
um- WOW!!!!!!!!! That sounds absolutely AMAZING! What an awesome way to bring this fun art to life! Thanks for sharing!
I absolutely love this! Can you please send a copy of the PDF to mjonesy4@gmail.com?
Thanks!
just sent!
Hi! Could I please get a copy as well stella.kinnunen@gmail.com
Thanks a million!
gotcha
Hi Heather, this is absolutely gorgeous!!! can you please send me the PDF to mellodeenp@yahoo.com?
I was also wondering how you changed the color of the octopus? Thanks a bunch:)
I just emailed it. I made the graphic in navy, but when I went to print it, I just used black and white mode instead of color. I LOVE all things navy but it didn't end up working out in my color scheme. Enjoy!
I cant seem to open the PDF can you please send it to karlexandra@gmail.com
ive been wanting one of these for a long time but couldnt afford it.
just emailed it to you
Hi Heather, love this idea. First, how did you change the color to navy & second, I was thinking that maybe I would just take it over to staple & have them print it out in three large prints. Any ideas of how I could do that? I am so not tech savvy.
Erin
erinandvictor@yahoo.com
Hi Heather!
I absolutely am in love. Can you please email me a copy? Jdd4920@hotmail.com.
Thank you.
Jen
just sent
Thanks so very much for this Octapuss DIY idea and PDF . I made it today and it turned our fabulously !
Love this! I'm thinking this will be my next weekend project. Could you please send me the pdf? My email is kiva.ferreira@hotmail.com.
Also, did you use printer paper or photo paper for your images?
Please send PDF to Kjentk@gmail.com Thanks!!
Would you mind emailing me the PDF to print? Thanks! Glad I found your site
courtneyanne916@gmail.com
Jeez… I can't believe so many ladies are asking for emails. Maybe this why bloggers rarely give in-depth details. All surely will come back and show their octopus they printed & framed, (not use the pdf shortcut for other things)! I truly thank you for all the instructions you shared- such a rarity & very kind of you. This article took work & the opening sentence was great! lol Love the art.
I know this comment comes a little late, but I just found your fantastic print by googling "Octopus print DIY". I have always loved these prints ever since I saw them on Guilliana & Bill! I would absolutely LOVE this print for our dining room! Could you please email it to be in the navy blue print? My email is kristysykes0624@hotmail.com. Thank you SO much for posting this!
I would LOVE the pdf file to if that's ok?? liz.reese@me.com
can you please email the .pdf file? I would love to try this project: lynnekopp@yahoo.com
This is a great idea! Can I please have a copy…thanks in advance. Aussielena@hotmail.com
Hi, are you still sending printable PDF copies? If so, can you please send it to me at cmiller1030@yahoo.com. Thanks!
Could you send me these 6 pics please? Sweethearts_83@hotmail.com
Thank you 🙂
I would love a copy if you are still sharing. Bbhylton@gmail.com. Thank you!
Hi. Love the site. Could you send me the pdf of the octopus arms?
Thanks
Hi. Love the site. Could you send me the pdf of the octopus arms?
Thanks
mcwhorter_m@yahoo.com
I love this! Can you please email me the print? nicole.m.ochs@gmail.com
Are you still sending these? If so, I'd love a copy! jessielambertwrites@gmail.com
This is Amazing ! Can I get this emailed to me ? Please and Thank you . mellopez5@yahoo.com
I'd love a copy of the PDF file! Is it still navy in the file? shawna.espich@gmail.com
I'm interested in how you were able to fit it into the 6 word document files. That's amazing!
If anyone has the file and can share it, I would be FOREVER grateful! jv40646@yahoo.com
I would love this my kiddos bathroom..it is vintage nautical…can you send it to me please! you are just fab!
MY EMAIL IS AMY.BROWN@CHEROKEE.COOP
Would love to have the navy file, ashleyharper55@yahoo.com
Thank you!
Love. Love. Love. And I'd love to have a copy of the pdf if you are still sending. Emmons.family314@gmail.com . I can't wait to show you what I have in store for it!
Thank you!
T
Love. Love. Love. And I'd love to have a copy of the pdf if you are still sending. Emmons.family314@gmail.com . I can't wait to show you what I have in store for it!
Thank you!
T
Heather I love this so much!! I would love a copy of the pdf if you are still sharing!
Thank you SO much!!!! shane.nicole@gmail.com
Love this! Would love a copy of the nave and the other pdf, ssumerford@gmail.com
I love this so much. I would love a copy of the PDF, as well. mistywhite400@yahoo.com
I have been looking for something like this forever, I love it! I would love a copy of the PDF as well. slmoles@ncsu.edu Thank you!
Could you email me the PDFs? Love to do this! Allisone.cox@gmail.com
Just saw this post on Graphic Fairy and just love it. Was searching all over for an octopus stencil, but your project blew me away. Are you still sharing the PDF? If so, can you send to me at terririjos1@yahoo.com? Thanks so much.
Hi Heather, I love this DIY project and I know my son would LOVE this as a special surprise for his new bedroom. If you are still sharing the PDF, I would be grateful for it. my email is smsinger@pacbell.net. Thanks, Stephanie
I am trying so hard to print this image on 6 sheets of 11×17 paper. I have tried Rasterbaster.com, MS Paint and MS Word. No can do. Can you either explain how you printed it or send the .pdf? Thanks!
Hi there, I would also love a copy of this if you are still sending it out (considering it's been a couple years since the post!). natked@hotmail.com. Thanks!
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Hi! Stumbled across your blog and it is absolutely fantastic! If you are still sharing, I would love to have the black/white file! My email is amberlsherrill@gmail.com. Thanks so much!
I came across your link today on pinterest if you still have the file I would love to get it. My email is cbarrett22@comcast.net
AMAZING!!!! Not just the octopus but how you figured out how to do this. Thank u so much for this. PRETTY PLEASE SEND ONE MY WAY!!!
Lindamm0307@aol.com
I just recently saw a similar print in a cottage shop, but couldn’t bring myself to spend the money. I have to admit, I am little confused about how to stack the images in the frames. Don’t you see the lines between the top and bottom. I know I am missing something but can’t figure out what it is.
Thanks,
DW
This amazing. I love nautical decor. Could I please have the PDF? Rojasm.alexis@icloud.com
this is so cool! would love the PDF or file if you still have it! I just moved so this will be nice for our living room. kmcclure1231@outlook.com . Thank you so much!
Did you print this at a printing shop?