Turning Cheapo $1 Frames Into Chunky Vintage Looking Keepers!
3 Materials
$2
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
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!
Comments
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5 of 65 comments
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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!!!
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Thank you! That sounds like an awesome idea!!
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Ooh, these could also be made into shadowboxes, which are SOO expensive! Cool idea!
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I like the 3D look of the frames! On another note...where did you get the mini Grandfather clock?
"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.