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!

 

Repurposed Frames

   This is another project that I have been doing for years. It's so easy and will really save you a TON of money. All you need are old frames, or frames purchased from the thrift store, and some paint. I love to group a bunch of pictures together, but that can get pretty expensive. This idea,  takes so little time and money and  will give you a beautiful arrangement of pictures you can be proud of!







Materials:

• Spray paint (or any kind of permanent paint.)
• Assortment of thrift store frames
• Drop cloth
• Painters tape  

   To start this project, make a run to your local Goodwill or any other local thrift store.  Go straight to the frame section, and trust me, there will be a HUGE frame section. It always amazes me what some people will throw away.  Luckily, for me, they decided to recycle it instead :)  Choose an assortment of frames with different textures and border widths. Don't worry about what they look like now..try to look past any ugly floral patterns or paint chipped frames, they will be beautiful when you are done with them! The one thing I do suggest is only choosing frames that still have the glass intact-you need frames with 'good bones.'   First, take the frames apart leaving the glass separate so it doesn't get painted.  Now grab a drop cloth so you can prepare for painting.  I try to keep the pieces together so I know which frame went with which parts.  You can even go as far as labeling them with a pencil before you take them apart.  You want to have just the actual border part of the frame, but if the back stays attached you can just take out the glass and cover any area you don't want painted with painter's tape.

  Bring your frame pieces to your drop cloth and cover with one coat of paint. Use even strokes so you avoid any drops of paint falling and glooping on the frame. I usually use spray paint because it is so much quicker but you can always use paint and a brush, too. Allow your frames to dry for at least an hour before applying another coat of paint. I recommend at least two coats so your frames are not splotchy.
  Let all your frames dry overnight then re-assemble to see the magic you have made! Now all these matching frames are ready to be hung in your home! Don't you feel so proud of yourself?! Go enjoy and repeat :) These frames would look great over your DIY headboard!
 

This is the paint I used for this project (I used whtite):