Any ideas for these picture frames, they're 23 x 27 inches.
by
Joanne
+90
Hi, would like to find acrylic paintings for album covers, but couldn't find any. Really don't want to do old photo's from that era, even if i have, want something bright for the walls.
They are nicer than the picture, all wood.
thank you
They are nicer than the picture, all wood.
thank you
80 answers
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I would paint them white, reshabby them, and put a mirrors in!
Cathy Kurpil
on Aug 17, 2013
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with the shape and detail of the frames they would look great with Butterfly prints in
Bubbles Of Inspiration
on Aug 18, 2013
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my thoughts were as exactly like. Cathy K. & paint them white w/mirrors. You believe what a fresh take it would give them and make them shabby chic.
Anna Ibarra
on Aug 18, 2013
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thank you, the shabby white wouldn't match my decor, but maybe taking off some of the gold might freshen them up. Butterflies could be interesting. thanks
Joanne
on Aug 18, 2013
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we're are the frames going in what room together or separate need a location and what is you decor (color)
Mary Harcus
on Aug 18, 2013
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You could do a pastel wash over the ornate scrolls in a color that would match or accent your color scheme. As for what to put in them, it depends on the room, your decor, & color scheme. If you want color maybe large flowers like Poppies, or Sunflowers, depending on your colors. I love them just as they are. They's look wonderful with large messages (black on beige) like "Hope" & "Love" but that wouldn't give you color. They'd look wonderful painted black also. You could also use fabric instead of prints. The sky is the limit :)
Bobby Barbara Smith
on Aug 18, 2013
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i'm presently stripping a dining room table top, going to chalk paint the base with the color arles, and the top will be stained expresso, I have a built in china cabinet painted cream (10 years ago painted it), it has leaded glass in the doors, which i love, but the back has cheap squares of mirror. I don't have the energy to strip the paint on it, especially since it would have to be done in the house, so maybe will chalk paint that. Need to either buy new chairs, or learn how to reupholseter, I've read you can chalk paint fabric too. I started all this by wanting to buy and paint a sideboard. The frames were for above it, but they may be too large. A little job turning monumental. Thank you all for suggestions. scratch the stripping-going to have to paint tabletop, it's veneer that the paint is not coming off too easily.
Joanne
on Aug 18, 2013
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Use faux patina, to simulate an aged copper finish, then use with a mirror.
Terri Lindsey
on Aug 18, 2013
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Cut a wooden bowl in half and glue at the lower circle of the frame then paint a desire color, black would match my house, but I'm thinking bathroom. After painting feel with soap wash cloths, or jewelry.
Gayla
on Aug 18, 2013
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You could make a chalk bord for kitchen ,mirror for hall ,I like black too or family pictures lots of ideas but love black
Mary Harcus
on Aug 18, 2013
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My daughter suggested painting them a bright vibrant color and adding mirrors. White would not do the pattern on them any justice. Maybe trim out the decorative molding in white. Or sell them top me, lol.
Vickie Rabold
on Aug 18, 2013
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I think silhouettes would look fabulous just the way they are!
Angela Weaver
on Aug 19, 2013
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Check your thrift stores and see what you can find. Pastel paintings would be nice or a watercolor. Also some of the old sofa paintings that were purchased in the 50's could be cut to fit and would be close to the era. If you know an artist they could do silhouettes for you or if you are crafty you could do them yourself. BTW you can use different colored paper for them so it would tie into you decor. I would do nothing to the frames.
Leona G
on Aug 19, 2013
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If you have any very old family pictures, those would be perfect after whitewashing them.
Trisha Redd
on Aug 19, 2013
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Leave the patina and mount on the wall as a frame for beautiful plates...maybe even an heirloom plate from grandma.
Paula Wyrick
on Aug 19, 2013
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To find album artwork, go to etsy.com or ebay and put in: album art in acrylic, in the search.
Kathryn Kelly
on Aug 19, 2013
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Frame two pieces of upholstery fabric that are the same print, but opposite colors (e.g., black on white and white on black), after painting the frames the background color of the print (e.g., black and white). Place the fabric with the dark (e.g., black) background in the light (e.g., white) frame, and the light background (e.g., white) in the black frame. I like this idea so much, I'm going to do it! Thanks for the inspiration.
KathrynElizabeth Etier
on Aug 19, 2013
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Maybe you could paint the frames with some chalk paint, and cover some cardboard and batting with a bright fabric to fit the back and show through the oval picture hole..(for lack of better terminology!) Then fasten wooden letters to the fabric, painted to coordinate your with fabric. You could mount over a double bed with yours and your partners initial.
Carolyn
on Aug 19, 2013
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They have so much ornate decor on them but, don't like the old worn wood on them. . . I think painting them black (yep, I'm a loving black paint girl myself) and/or white depending on your decor and placing mirrors in them for a double vanity bath. . . Another idea would be to somehow use as ceiling mount ornade around a large light fixture, after painting white. . .
Marilyn Mack
on Aug 19, 2013
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I love the mirror idea! Paint in what ever your favorite accent color is, and put mirrors behind them.
Cindy
on Aug 19, 2013
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Yes! Sell them to me :-)
Marty
on Aug 19, 2013
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If you a mirror in the background and then the half circle bowl on the bottom, you can add silk flowers. Hang in a hallway to enlarge or on a wall inside your front entrance. Reflections can make an area look larger and also attract light.
SicilianMa
on Aug 19, 2013
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Check with your local theater for posters of upcoming movies. They usually have old ones.
Phil Miller
on Aug 19, 2013
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paint on first gold or silver,then paint on a creamy white,sandpaper lightly to remove some of the white here and there. fill with mirrors instead of pictured and hang in dinning room
Jennifer
on Aug 19, 2013
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I think they'd be beautiful as mirrors over a vanity sink. Or maybe over a double vanity sink. I'd definitely paint them.
Joanna Carrisal
on Aug 19, 2013
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Joanne, They are so beautiful & unique where did you ever find them? I would go with the mirrors & a dark mahogany stain.
Norma Jean Savitsky
on Aug 19, 2013
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profile pics and silver paint, or mirrors and a silver paint... unless u have blk accents then I would go blk
Stacey
on Aug 19, 2013
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or sell to me and I could do it for my home!!!
Stacey
on Aug 19, 2013
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The frames are gorgeous. Do you do artwork or have a friend or family member who does original artwork? Even something simple would be lovely.
Colleen Greene
on Aug 19, 2013
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Time intensive, but I wouldn't paint the flat parts because the wood grain showing through is unique! I'd stain that or maybe do a color *wash*, letting the grain show through. Paint the trim & distress it LIGHTLY (remember that picture frames don't get much use as far as hands going on them.)
Txvoodoo
on Aug 19, 2013
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I would paint them bright funky colors and put chalkboard contact paper or chalk paint for the middle. I would use one for the kitchen/dining room for grocery list or menu and the other for my office. You could also put one in the entryway and write season sayings on it. They are fabulous! Please share what you end up doing with them.
AcadianCutie
on Aug 19, 2013
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I would make a Christmas tree out of old vintage jewelry and frame one it these frames!
KathyPinkstaff
on Aug 19, 2013
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Those frames are so ornate and beautiful, I would paint them an accent color (to the room you would hang them in) and just hang them up frames only....
Suzanne
on Aug 19, 2013
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These are gorgeous! I think I would use one of the new metallic paints in a silver or pewter for the flat part or your color of choice with a dry brush technique. Then gold or silver leaf the intricate decorative areas with a little antiquing to mellow it out. Also, Rub n Buff would work really well and has several colors of gold, silver, etc. It is great for intricate areas like this. Since so much of the beauty and charm of the frames is in the intricate areas it seems a shame to cover it with a solid paint and lose all that. I like the idea of mirrors and would love to have them over the vanity in a bathroom but, if you want to keep the feel of the era of the frames then the right botanical prints would be beautiful. Also the use of pressed flowers, such as between glass would be beautiful. Also, two silhouette portraits, one for each frame, and would fit the era. Also, copies of portraits of that time frame would lovely as well and you could pick your ancestors! Please let us know what you decide to do and post photos of the results. I'd love to find a pair like this!
Connie K
on Aug 19, 2013
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You know like everyone else I want them!!! Here's my 5 cents worth of idea....This is going to sound crazy at first but if you can visualize this you'll love it.... find some paper looks like old wall paper at cheapie store...then you put it on some cardboard big enough for and fitted for the frame. Before you add the project to the frame. You add dried flowers, paper flowers, dried leaves, even silk ones if they look real. it adds the 3D element...of course before you add any dried flowers spray them so they won't fall apart on you. or just put in frame and add your flowers and ribbons . It looks like a flower arrangement at the bottom of the wall paper. You have so many options...it's just so open in 3D.... that's floral but there is country western, animals, boys toys, even dolls even if you really want to go out on a limb for a real wow factor stain glass in the ovals....
Beth Velosa
on Aug 19, 2013
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I don't know as I would do anything to those frames, they are gorgeous just as they are. Have you checked on lithographs? There are so many available on a variety of subjects and are fairly inexpensive in cost. I'm sure you could find something that fits your decor, but those frames would really make them pop!
Catherine Smith
on Aug 19, 2013
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omg- i have a lady in walking distance who does stained glass. That could be amazing, then there is the next question, what to do with the glass. old apothecary, dressmaker... I am so glad i asked this question here. I'm new, and everyone has been so helpful. ty
Joanne
on Aug 19, 2013
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Ink Drawing of Profile Silhouettes, 2 children (or husband & wife), facing each other then paint frames black too. Would be perfect for a black & white decor.
Sherrie B
on Aug 19, 2013
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I would love to have them to put my parents or grandparents baby portraits in them or even my children or grandchildren's portraits in them. Something simple but something that you treasure due to the elegance of the frames.
Pamela Ellis Hall
on Aug 19, 2013
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Some bright colour paper - such as art paper or wallpaper and paint the frames to pickup the colours in the paper. Chevrons, or a funky pattern. Are you looking for 'art' or for decoration - there is a difference. If you simply want something decorative to lift a plain wall - I would go the colour paper option - cheap and cheerful and you can change the look along with your décor. The frames painted a nice colour with nothing in them are decorative on their own depending what paint or paper you have on your walls.
Carole
on Aug 19, 2013
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I would suggest paint them black with gold leaf trim. Place a bright color of what ever in the center to give the pop of color for your wall.
Colleen
on Aug 19, 2013
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Paint them in a color you like. Hang them on the wall and then on the wall inside the frame hang a favorite framed picture. This will be a frame around your already framed favorite picture!
Mikell Paulson
on Aug 19, 2013
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You might keep it open another day or so since you are getting some really good ideas and some very creative ideas. I enjoyed all the variety in the comments. Who knows, maybe the best comment is still to come. Oh, and I hope you try out all your finishes on scrap elements before you start on the real things.
Connie K
on Aug 19, 2013
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I have seen these frames as shadow boxes with objects that are special to the person. I would not paint these at all put utilize the colors that are in them.
Leona G
on Aug 20, 2013
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make chalk boards
Lori
on Aug 20, 2013
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I would make a headboard out of them. Paint them any color you desire, make a stuffed fabric pillow for the openings, and hang!
Val Frasher
on Aug 22, 2013
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Those two frames look like they should have silhouette portraits in them. Maybe refinish them in gold and have a couple portraits done. Or do them yourself. Seat the subject in front of a light and trace the shadow on paper pinned up behind them. Then fill in with black ink. I see now, Sherrie B had the same idea.
Countrique
on Aug 22, 2013
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Please provide some pictures of these when you've decide what you want to do with them. Really struck a chord with me for some reason, they are just so lovely.
Catherine Smith
on Aug 22, 2013
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Well this would depend on if you need it but I'd add some cheapo wood behind it and paint it with chalkboard paint. Then you'd have some wonderful chalkboards with GREAT FRAMES to hang in the kitchen, entryway - wherever really! OR a collage of family pics in a mixture of b&w and motivational/family quotes.
Homeowner Realtor DIYer
on Aug 22, 2013
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Find some elegant painting of vases with flowers or well-known Elizabethan paintings like "Pinky" and "Blue Boy" Call around to frame shops and ask if they have books of prints you can look at and order from
Sheila samples
on Aug 22, 2013
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still say chalk board with a beautiful saying in them or the menu of the special dinner you are having or announcing the special day on the boards. Hope you find a use they are very different This way you can change it all the time not just same old same old
Mary Harcus
on Aug 23, 2013
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hang them on the wall just like this!
Scottie Vosburgh
on Aug 23, 2013
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Paint them antique gold or silver, lightly brush a thinned stain over metallic paint, then wipe off excess, allowing stain to remain in cracks and crevaces... then put mirror in them. They'd look fabulous mounted together over a couch, or separately. :)
Lucinda Ellis
on Aug 24, 2013
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Joanne, No I'm not a designer. If you use these in the dining room, you could fill with potpourri.I'm sure you would be able to find something that would relate the dining room. Good luck.
Gayla
on Aug 26, 2013
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Joanna what did you deside to do with the frames just curious ,
Mary Harcus
on Aug 28, 2013
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I would hang them outside. Put dangling mirrors (old cd's something misshaped & sparkling) alternating with small terra cotta pots and copper bells or something.. like a combination planter and rain chain... put on a huge tree or wood fence....had a touch to the outdoors
Lora Collins
on Aug 28, 2013
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You know, if you did hang them on the wall just as is... you could also put on the wall with caulking and some paint - monograms or use the monograms over beds for twin beds... just use the caulk on the wall and paint over it using an accent color for the center color...could even "distress" the raised letters with paint.
Lora Collins
on Aug 28, 2013
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I would not paint or anything because these just great as they are with out that stuff, If I had them I would put my Mom and Dad wedding pictures in them, they are both oval with the first color from 1947.
Charlotte Belange
on Aug 29, 2013
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use as the center of a headboard or place a mirror on the back and use in the powder room
Teresa Hendren
on Sep 08, 2013
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mirrors!
Karen A
on Sep 08, 2013
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I agree with Karen. The first thing I thought of was mirrors.
Shutterbug
on Sep 08, 2013
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Maybe paint to wood looking part of the frame a subtle color, clean up the ornate part, then hang without a picture. Let the frame be the points interest.
Terry J
on Sep 08, 2013
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I would not paint they are beautiful as is. You could stapple some pretty lace for center and hang on the wall. They look antique and with the lace it would make it look so old world!
Carol G
on Sep 08, 2013
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Where to begin... these are fabulous. Also depends on your style of decor, but painting them a sold color would bring them up to date, could be a great way to find some nice paintings, or use it as chalk boards, mirrors over a double vanities, that would look great. In a bedroom for your jewelry w/ a backing of many many different materials to fabric covered wood, or foam core or metal etc. Or simply are just to nice to hide and I would like attention in a foyer, or LR where you can even put a lighting above them with a great photo in them like a black and white. OH, I now that you read everyones suggestions, deciding to what to do will be the hardest. They are so nice, even keeping them as is with as mirrors are nice way to display them. But I just love mirrors and have many. Good luck!
Anna Ibarra
on Sep 08, 2013
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Sounds like you don't like vintage so you wouldn't like this anyway. But Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is what I would do. She has a part in her book where she adds gold leafing to the intricate parts, like on your corners, wherever there is texture. Myself, I would do Old White and let the dark wax sink into the detailed parts. If you have darker walls, just having them hanging, being a cream color would look nice. Or do a color if your walls are white or neutral. Wish I had those!!
Patti Biggar
on Mar 20, 2014
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I would put mirrors in them and hang them in the bathroom. Those are beautiful.
Connie G
on Mar 21, 2014
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These are beautiful frames. So many ideas. I would paint them a light color (mine would robin's egg) and age the corners with a darker wax or glaze. Mirrors are the obvious solution, but they would make nice frames for a pretty wreath. Another idea is to place a beautiful shabby chic fabric in the circle and hang something decorative in the center. Such as a candle sconce, smaller mirrors, or framed photos. They would also look nice with a painted family tree in the center. One for each side of the family.
Frankieh
on Mar 22, 2014
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im thinking something shabby chic..... blue or green under white, lightly sanded, mounted to a cut cork board. use for old pins and brooches, old postcards....great for any room, just hang on wall
Cynthia Vega
on May 18, 2014
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One I would just put in a mirror-very classy, and leave as is. The other I would paint and do a rub out on the detailed areas to let the previous color/finish show through, and the inside a chalk board paint. Two completely different looks
Linda Sutter
on May 18, 2014
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Frame your light fixture on the ceiling.
Donna Smith
on Sep 03, 2014
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I've seen fabric and patterned scrapbooking paper framed in this site, a few times. If you get fabric or paper that coordinates with the room ( bedspread, upholstery, etc, it can look really nice.
Polly Zieper
on Sep 03, 2014
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I would hang them with a smaller picture frame in side, and let the big frame, frame the smaller picture frame!
Mikell Paulson
on Sep 04, 2014
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I would paint these with a thin grey glaze to show off the silver, and let the wood grain show through. They would be great for silver weddin anniversary pictures.
Lana Baker
on Sep 04, 2014
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Fabric is the best bet.....can change with a yard of new fabric if get tired of one scheme.
Linda Huffman
on Sep 04, 2014
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I can see them as portholes and try seascapes in them. (I think the color blue in your bench goes well with them) I would not paint them they are to beautiful,.or you could try silhouettes of your kids, you and spouse ,pets etc...The silhouettes could be done in any color, not just black.
Phyllis Starr
on Sep 06, 2014
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Paint and use as bathroom vanity mirrors :)
Marlene
on Sep 06, 2014
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I would not paint them, I think they are stunning as it. Maybe use them as mirrors, chalk board, or frame of some sort and paint the space behind them a nice bright color.
Opal
on Sep 07, 2014
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Put wire behind them to hang earrings on. You also could find a smaller frame to put inside the bigger frame I've seen that before to.
Kathy valentine
on Nov 07, 2014
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I am totally in awe over these, I would have resized black and white pictures of my grandson for them.
Raven-Antonia
on Jan 02, 2015
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These are gorgeous! I didn't have such beautiful frames put the ideas would be the same. I took one frame and made a shadow box and displayed one of my daughter's wedding shoes and in the other frame I added a wedding picture.
Debby
on Jan 04, 2015
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