One of my goals for Machelle Kolbo Design Studio is to love and encourage people. Whether you read the blog, follow on Instagram, or stumble upon my Etsy shop, I want you in some small way to be encouraged. Many of the products I added this year were created with intentionality and have special meaning, or a fun story attached. So, today I will share with you the story behind our "Welcome Home My Love" Print.

First, a little back story about me and my husband. When we were dating Alex, and I would frequently leave post - it notes hidden for each other with a funny message or encouragement. Leaving notes for each other was always something we did, and on occasion we still do.

About a year into our marriage, I left on a trip or was gone for a couple days (I can't remember exactly what it was). When I returned home I found a note (pictured below) taped to the door lovingly drawn and lettered by my sweet husband.

Since then, the note has been hanging in our kitchen where we both can see it. It is usually one of the first things I see when I walk in the door ( after greeting our golden retriever - of course). What I love about this note is how it welcomes and loves me. I'm always reminded of the love that lives in our home.

So, when I was dreaming up a new line of prints for my Etsy shop I knew I wanted to bring Alex's handiwork to everyone. My vision is that this print can hang in your entry way, mudroom, or somewhere that will welcome your guests and family as soon as they step in the door. That way - even if you welcoming them home is less than awesome (let's be real it happens sometimes) this print can convey how you truly feel.

My hope is that this print can love and encourage you, and whoever sees it when they enter your home. It is a small way to set the tone for how people are received, and welcomed.

Interested in the "Welcome Home My Love" Print? Great! Click the button below.

Take me to the Print

Stay tuned for more stories of the inspiration behind our prints + products.

You bought an adorable art print off of Etsy, from your favorite local maker, or the boutique down the street. Popping that art print in a frame is the easiest and most obvious choice. If you don't already have a frame, or even if you do, here are some easy, traditional and unique ideas of how to use and style art prints in your home.

1. Use a Wooden Hanger

Photo courtesy of @fernandthefawn // Weavings from fernandthefawn.etsy.com

Prints do not always have to go in frames! I love a good frame, but sometimes you just want something different. My friend Sharon recently purchased this darling print featuring the lettering "Dawn of Redeeming Grace". She hung the print from a wooden hanger and added it to a nursery gallery wall. Not only does this look cute, but it makes hanging the print simple.

The gorgeous weaving on her gallery wall is from her Etsy shop! Check it out: HERE. The art print is from my etsy shop. Check it out right HERE.

2. Style with Other Decorations

Photo courtesy of @omgwalls // Print from mkolbodesignstudio.esty.com

Sometimes we get a print, find the perfect frame, but are still uncertain where to actually put it! Take a step back and look around your home. Are there areas already decorated with a similar style where you could easily put the print? My friend Olivia, grouped her print (above) with a decorative window and vases. Not only does this grouping look great, but she didn't even have to worry about hanging it up! There are lots of areas already decorated in your home where a framed print would fit perfectly!

Love the print pictured? Find it HERE!

3. Use Washi Tape

Washi tape for a temporary display // geometric animals from mkolbodesignstudio.etsy.com

Want to create a temporary gallery wall, or nervous about putting holes in the wall?! Use washi tape (colorful Japanese masking tape made from rice paper // find the gold pictured HERE) to hang art prints for a fun display. This makes it easy to move, switch out art prints, and can be done very quickly!

Find the geometric animals HERE // Encourage print can be found HERE

These are three easy tips to help you decorate and style art prints more confidently! Enjoy!