Category Archives: picture frame

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Giving in to Trends: Ombre Paint Chip Art

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I spent a good portion of my teenage years rejecting all things trendy and popular.  That habit has stuck with me now into my late 20’s (ok, early 30’s) whenever I see something adorable on another craft blog and/or everybody’s favorite website, Pinterest.  (See, I’m even trying to pretend like I don’t totally love Pinterest.)  Instead of happily jumping on the bandwagon and admitting that something is adorable, I dog ear it and come back later, trying not to make eye contact with it and acting like it’s not so great. 
Today I decided that it was time for me to make eye contact with paint chip art and I’m glad I did because it was a fun and easy project (not to mention practically free!) that only took about an hour to finish.  
Here’s how I did it:
First, go to your favorite paint store and grab some paint chip samples from the big wall of colors (or use different colored construction paper).  I actually felt a little bad about taking so many so I asked the guy behind the counter if it was ok.  He shrugged with complete indifference and I was guilt-free.  

Next, find a small circular object to outline onto the paint chips to utilize as much of the colored area as possible- I used a small roll of tape- and cut out your circles.

Experiment with the layout of your circles until you have ’em just how you want ’em.

Prepare your frame– I got this white matted frame for $5.99 at the Christmas Tree Shop by my house- the frame has some dings in it but I’m writing them off as “shabby chic.”

Remove the mat and backing from the frame and outline the opening of the mat directly onto the cardboard backing.

Now, starting and the bottom and beginning with the lightest layer, glue the circles to the cardboard using a glue stick.  The second layer should overlap the first slightly and the circles should become progressively darker towards the top of the cardboard.

You only have to fill in the area inside of the outline we made but be sure to overlap the edges so that none of the backing shows.  
To add a letter, take another paint chip in a coordinating color and draw your letter backwards on the BACKSIDE of it.    

Cut out the letter, glue it into place wherever your little heart desires and presto- you’re an artist.

I decided to let some of the lettering from the names of the paint show on my final product.  It gives it extra home-made-i-ness.  
Now you have a personalized gift to give as a new baby or shower present and no-one has to know about the ridiculous internal struggle that it took to make it.   

Happy Friday!
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Gold Leafing A Vintage Frame

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I tried my hand at gold leafing last night for the first time ever and I loved it.  It took this already beautiful- but dull- vintage ornate frame bought at Brimfield this past August and gave it a drag queen makeover. 

It’s so shiney!  And now so is my floor and my coffee table and my Mama Cat because she was “helping” me.  Seriously, this stuff gets EVERYWHERE.  It’s probably best to do it in a work room (don’t have one) or a garage (don’t have one of those either) or to go outside (brrrrrrr, no way!)  Livingroom it is!

It’s worth it though ’cause look how pretty:

I gave the original mat that came with the frame a mini makeover too. 
It’s pretty simple:
  1. Cover entire surface of mat with gluestick
  2. Lay decorative paper face down on flat surface
  3. Lay mat, glue side down, on top of decorative paper
  4. Smooth out any ridges/bubbles
  5. Trim along edges with X-acto knife
  6. Bob’s your uncle.

 I can’t show you the finished product because it’s part of a birthday present.  Pictures to follow.
Have you ever gold leafed?  Got any tips for me?  I’d love to hear them!
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The Name Frame Game

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It’s not really a game, it just rhymed so I went with it.  Sorry I mislead you but as long as I have you here, look!

These frames- for cheerleading sisters Faith & Lylah- have been shipped off and by now should be wrapped and waiting patiently under the tree for Christmas morning. Which is more than I can say for myself because I can’t wait for the girls to see them.  Their Nonnie (aka Gramma) assured me that Faith & Layla are going to LOVE their frames and now, though I’ve never even met them, I am so excited for them to open their gifts!

It’s not weird if I invite myself over Christmas morning to watch them unwrap them, is it?  I’ll only stay for a little bit.  Just until my french toast is gone.  Maybe they’ll do a cheer with my name in it!!  Oh man, this is going to be the best Christmas EVER!!