Turning Cheapo $1 Frames Into Chunky Vintage Looking Keepers!

3 Materials

3 Days

Easy

Before we start, take a look at the first photo of this post and see if you can spot the two cheapo frames. What's that?...you totally can..in the first second..dang it!

I was inspired to make these after seeing a post from Val Frania. The post is:

http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/diy-chunky-photo-frame-use-those-old-dusty-frames-12950455

Val Frania also has a lovely blog that you can check out at: lovemydiyhome.com

turning cheapo 1 frames into chunky vintage keepers

I went to the dollar store over here in Japan and bought some frames and some super glue. I picked the frames that easily stacked with zero gaps.

I removed the glass holders on the two back frames, glued the frames together and then let dry over night.

This is only two frames glued together.

The two frames before.

For this frame

-Prime

-2-3 coats black acrylic for base coat

-2-3 coats gold acrylic

When its all dry, dab some black on the gold and rub it off with a rag.

I went bananas on the textures with this and added picture frame brackets to the top frame

For this frame

-Prime

-2-3 coats acrylic black for base coat

-Mix wood glue and gray paint for a lumpy texture-let dry

-Sponge paint with different metallics

*I added just enough paint to turn the wood glue gray. I mixed the wood glue and gray paint in a small paper cup using a bamboo skewer from the kitchen. The mix will be thick and take about 24 hours to dry.

I'm really happy with the end result.

Thanks again Val Frania for sharing how to do this.

If you're interested in crafting, building, antiques and themed parties stop by Bryan's Workshop Facebook and Instagram page!

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2 questions

Sarge on Aug 28, 2017

I like the 3D look of the frames! On another note...where did you get the mini Grandfather clock?

5
Debra on Oct 16, 2017

"mix wood glue with gray..." gray what? gray acylic paint? The end finish looks like aged leather which I think is beautiful-but not sure of your process? Great post-something I will definitely try myself! Thanks for sharing.

1

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Roxene B on Aug 29, 2017

Brilliant! I love the 3D look. I have over 20 frames of various sizes/styles/ textures in a box and wondered what to do with them. Thank You!!!

1 Reply
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- Bryan's Workshop on Aug 30, 2017
  Thank you Roxene! Wow, you have a big collection! Check out Val Frania here on Hometalk. I got this idea from her and her frames look way better than mine. :)
  
  1
- Roxene B on Aug 30, 2017
  Well, I think what you did was beautiful. I tried to click on Val, but it took back to yours, so I'll follow your ideas. With everybody using IPhones to take pictures, and getting bored with my display, making the frames 3D would be an eye catcher. Thanks.
  
  1
- Bryan's Workshop on Sep 01, 2017
  Thank you! That sounds like an awesome idea!!
  
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Cathy on Sep 18, 2017

Ooh, these could also be made into shadowboxes, which are SOO expensive! Cool idea!

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