Tuesday, February 18, 2014

DIY Dollar Frames

I'll bet you're like me and have a few unfinished projects laying around. You know you buy something because it was a good deal. Or inspiration strikes you right there in the store you have to get it! Then months or years later you find that dollar frame...mmmmm maybe I should finally do something with this.
Zig Zag Pattern
So the frame in the photo below isn't a dollar frame but it was my inspiration.
I knew it was time to get those dollar frames out and create something with them.
Chevron Fame
As you can see I am still loving the zigzag trend.
Chevron Frame
I apologize for previously referring to a zigzag pattern as chevron pattern. But you know you learn something new everyday!
Chevron Frame
In the photo below are the dollar frames from Michael's. At a dollar each you don't need to waste your 40% off coupon on them. They are about a half an inch thick and have no glass. Hey they are only a $1
To get started I painted the frames ivory with acrylic paint. Always make sure to let the paint dry between layers. Next I watered down some dark brown paint and brushed it over the ivory. I let it sit for about 30 seconds then I wiped the brown off with a damp paper towel. Let everything dry. I then stenciled the zigzag pattern on in black. I also painted the outer and inner edges of the frame in black
Then with my Silhouette Cameo I cut four paper frames to fit around the inner part of the frame. I did the same thing for the heart frame.
I layered and glued the four frames together for each frame. Then I painted them a golden yellow and did the watered brown paint thing again.
For a sealer I used matte Mod Podge.I used it on the paper frames and the wood frames.Even though it is a matte sealer it still has a bit of a finish to it.
 Then came the tough decisions, what pictures to put in the frame?
I printed a few sepia tinted pictures but they looked bland in the frames.
What I really wanted to put in the frames are some sunflowers pictures I took last summer but I want to save those for my late summer fall decor.

Like everyone else I am eager for spring.
You know that feeling of wanting to see some bright blooms.
So there my choice was made, I printed out these pictures of some of my zinnias from last summer. I love the contrast of the mod yet rustic frames and the bright flowers!
I am pretty happy with my dollar frames from Michael's. Make sure check back this summer to see how my sunflower pictures look in the zigzag frames
Thank you for visiting today. I really appreciate it. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of the dollar frames. Have you ever decorated frames like these? Let me know! Sign up to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or through email. There is always something going on at MarvinsDaughters!

Have a great day,



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3 comments:

  1. I love these, how clever and so cute. http://twelveoaksmanor.com/2014/02/17/painted-settee/#comment-21766

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  2. I wouldn't worry about the whole chevron vs zigzag thing. Even fabric manufacturer's and designers refer to this as chevron. Whatever you call it, these turned out great! I love the black and they way you framed out the middles. The pink zinnia's are perfect too! Thank you for sharing at What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Have a lovely week! ~Deborah

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  3. Hi--I'm visiting via Ivy and Elephant's party :) So glad a I found you--love the frame project. Your tutorial was great and so easy to follow. Have a great week-end, Diana

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