Thrfit to FAB! Chevron Frames

   I was looking to fill some wall space in my son's room so I immediately took a trip to the thrift store (Goodwill in this case) to score a new treasure. I got soooo lucky this time. I found eight identical metal frames in awesome condition.  I knew I wanted to display photos of my little guy but I didn't want to use a typical large frame with multiple pictures inside a boring matte, I wanted it to look unique. I think I accomplished the look I was going for in the end...classic yet fun enough for a child's room.

Materials:

• Thrift store frames in good condition
• Spray paint (I used Krylon metal spray paint)
• Acrylic paint
• Thick Paper ( I used dry cleaner cardboard inserts)
• Photos
• Scotch Tape
• Painter's Tape

  Start by taking apart your frames. If you are using a grouping with several different size frames, make sure you keep the 'parts' of each frame together so it is easier to assemble them at the end.  Separate the actual frame from the backing and glass and clean it with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt.  Spray paint the frames any color. I suggest doing at least two coats, depending on what shade you are trying to paint them they may need additional coats for 100% coverage. Wait at least 15 minutes in between coats and apply a light dusting rather than a soaking. If you apply too much spray paint at once it will drip and not look very cute :)
  For the background of the frame, use painter's tape to create a striped pattern. I chose a chevron pattern so I taped my paper off in a diagonal direction, you could also do vertical or horizontal stripes just as easily.        Smooth the painter's tape so there are no leaks and paint over it using acrylic paint. I just used one thick coat of acrylic  for this step becuase I was looking for a 'worn out' look. If you want the stripes to be solid, paint two coats of acrylic and wait at least 30 minutes in between coats.
  Slowly peel the tape away from the paper once the paint has completely dried. If you try to rip the paint off too quickly you may pull chunks of paint off.
   Now choose the pictures you want to display and secure them to the center of your patterned paper using scotch tape. Re-assemble your frames and oogle at your accomplishments! 
   My grouping of eight (8.5"x11") custom frames only cost me about $8 :) How can you not be happy about that?!?!?!

 Don't want to take the extra step of creating your own background? Check out my Repurposed frames  post and discover how easy (and cheap!) it is to create a beautiful photo grouping!

 

Recycled Alligator

My son had so much fun making this little guy. He loves learning about any kind of animal and especially loves painting new things so this was right up his alley. I had all the 'recycled parts' laying around so I was excited when this project came to mind. It's also a great opportunity to teach your kids the importance of recycling. My little guy got a brand new toy from practically nothing and he really enjoys making his alligator CHOMP CHOMP CHOMP!

Materials:

• Half an Egg Carton
• One Toilet Paper Tube (or half a paper towel tube)
• Construction Paper  
• Craft Glue (or hot glue gun)
• Green Paint
• Googlie Eyes

  Start by cutting your egg carton in half long ways to create the alligator's body. Now cut the two egg holders off of the top of the strand and keep them to use for the Alligator's eyes later.  Allow your child to paint the egg carton pieces and the toilet paper tube together.  We took a break to allow the parts to dry and ate lunch. It's hard to assemble when it's wet so I reccommend letting them dry first. You could always let your child color the 'parts' with marker if you are in a time crunch or just don't have the patience to wait :)
   When all the parts are dry, attach the eyes (the two egg holders) to the Alligator body (egg carton) by applying craft glue to the base of the eyes. Hold it in place for about 20 seconds until the glue sets.  Then attach the toilet paper tube to the eyes the same way.  Put two dots of glue on the eye egg holder and apply the googlie eyes wherever you think looks best.
   I created the alligator's legs and teeth from construction paper. Simply cut rough leg shapes out and glue to the underside of the alligator.  Cut a zig zag pattern from white construction paper and glue them to either side of the toilet paper tube, creating the teeth on the snout of the alligator. 
  Check out the alligator canvas on Etsy I made after being inspired by this project! Happy crafting!
   What are you going to do with the other half of your egg carton??? Why, make an Egg Carton Caterpillar of course!