Repurposed Frames and DIY Vintage Rose Wall Art: A Budget Friendly Makeover
From Barn Sale Finds to Creative Inspiration
Every year, I eagerly await the local outdoor barn sale . It's a treasure trove for unique finds, and the open-air setting allows me safe social distancing. This year, the friendly ladies running the sale (who never disappoint in my 10 years shopping with them!) had a trio of charming frames for a steal at just $12.
Initially, I envisioned painting them white and hanging them near my cherished clock that plays "Ave Maria." But upon closer inspection, a spark of inspiration ignited. Why not ditch the paint and embrace their vintage character with some antique wax?
The Magic of Upcycling and Free Printables
The aged wax finish called for a touch of floral elegance. I ventured into the wonderful world of The Graphics Fairy, a goldmine for free vintage printables. Combining my online finds with some leftover scrapbooking paper from my stash, I created two delightful rose prints that perfectly complemented the vintage frames.
Upcycled Magic: Transforming Frames into Vintage Rose Wall Art
Materials:
- Thrifted Frames, mine are made of resin
- Waverly Antique Wax
- Sponge Brush
- Glue Stick
- Prints of your choice
- Scrapbook paper
- Scissors
Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own vintage rose wall art using thrifted frames:
1.Clean Up Your Canvas:
2. Embrace the Vintage with Antique Wax:
For a touch of aged charm, we'll be using antique wax. Apply a single, even coat using a sweeping motion all around the frame. Remember, consistency is key! The only time to break away from the sweeping motion is when encountering detailed areas like clusters of flowers. This will prevent any visible gaps in the wax finish. Once applied, let the wax dry completely.
3. Finding the Perfect Prints:
Now comes the fun part - selecting the perfect prints! Explore the wonderful world of The Graphics Fairy (link above) for a treasure trove of free vintage printables. I found some stunning rose prints that were a perfect fit for my project. However, a slight hiccup emerged when I printed the first one – it wasn't quite the right size for the frame.
4. Getting Creative with Scrapbook Paper:
Not wanting to give up, I decided to embrace my creative spirit and use some leftover scrapbook paper as a background. This opened up a whole new world of possibilities! For one frame, I chose a lovely linen floral pattern that beautifully complemented the rose print. The second frame received a more whimsical touch with a handwritten floral design on the scrapbook paper.
5. Framing the Finishing Touches:
To ensure the final piece fills the entire frame perfectly, I used the glass as a template. Simply trace the glass onto your chosen scrapbook paper and cut it out. With the background prepared, carefully cut out the rose print and adhere it to the scrapbook paper using a glue stick.
6. A Touch of Upcycled Magic on Your Walls:
Finally, the moment of truth! Hang your newly transformed frames on the wall and admire your handiwork. It's incredibly rewarding to have a cherished space filled with beautiful rose prints, all created with a touch of upcycled magic.
A Touch of DIY Magic in Every Corner
Two of the frames now grace our foyer, finally fulfilling my long-held wish of adorning that space with art. Thanks to a recent rug purchase (more on that soon!), the area was refreshingly bare, allowing me to easily hang them myself. (Let's just say, hubby isn't the biggest fan of wall décor, so strategic timing comes in handy!)
For the third frame, I decided to create a free printable for our bathroom. It features a quote by Dr. Seuss that resonates deeply: "Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter, don't mind." As someone who has always marched to the beat of my own drum, this message holds a special place in my heart.
Embrace Your Uniqueness: Free Printable Included!
This project is a testament to the power of upcycling and embracing your unique style. It also highlights the fantastic resources available online, like The Graphics Fairy.
Click the link below to download the free Dr. Seuss printable and create a piece of inspirational décor for yourself or a loved one. After all, we've all needed a reminder to celebrate our individuality sometimes!
Click here to download your free Dr. Seuss printable!
P.S. Stay tuned for the next chapter of our foyer transformation, featuring the new rug!
Hey Cara, The frames are such a fabulous find! I love how you antiqued them and added those beautiful pictures! I adore the Graphics Fairy too and have used several of their printables in the past! I need to try this to use up some of my scrapbook paper! Thanks for the inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteI have an abundance of scrapbook paper I have been trying to use, and it seems pictures are always my go to. They have so many beautiful prints available, and for the price of a new piece of art on the wall, it is kind of hard to pass up. Wall art is expensive!
DeleteWhat an amazing find at such a great price, Cara! I love the makeover you gave them and how you added your own special touch with the roses and mixed media too - they're fabulous and the perfect addition to your space. Can't wait to see what other paper art you have in store for us this summer. You come up with the best ideas! Hugs, CoCo
ReplyDeleteThank you so much CoCo! I had so much fun using the frames I found, and then finding the rose prints. I also love a good Dr. Seuss quote, or book, depends on my mood. lol. I have been giving our spaces a whole new look recently, enjoying budget friendly ideas all around.
DeleteWow Cara, I love how the wax looks! I was going to paint a mirror frame, but now you’ve got me thinking about waxing it too!
ReplyDeleteI have usually used paint first, then wax, but I decided to experiment a bit with these frames. I was thrilled with how the antique wax aged them. I enjoyed working on these frames, especially with the rose prints. I have been making all sorts of changes here in our home lately, and I am loving the changes.
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