Tame the Frame

Picture frames have the power to transform a room.

Re-Purpose your picture frames and take your room from looking like an old museum to the look and feel of a sophisticated place.

Let's do this!

Supplies:

• Old picture frame

• Black acrylic paint

• Small disposable cup/plate

• Cup of water

• Small to medium sized paintbrush

• Newspaper

• (optional) clear gloss paint

Disclosure: I use black paint in this tutorial, but you can use whichever paint color you'd like! Just keep in mind - the lighter the paint color, the more layers you will have to paint in order to obtain a nice solid finish. Example: white requires approximately 4-5 layers of paint because of the low opacity (ability to see directly through the paint).

Step 1:

Lay the newspaper down onto your table, big enough to set your frame on without getting paint

Set the frame on top of the newspaper. Be sure to remove the glass and the backing and just leave the literal frame to paint.

Step 2:

Pour some paint onto the disposable cup/plate. Take the paintbrush, dip it into the paint, and start painting the frame.

After you have painted the entire thing, let it sit for ten minutes, and then paint another layer. After putting the second layer on, if the original frame designs are still visible, paint another layer.

I would just stick with painting the front and sides, as the back will be up against the wall and won't be seen when hung.

Step 3 (optional):

After you're done with the paint, paint one layer of glossy clear paint to add a shiny protectant finish.

Wait 24 hours for it to completely dry.

And you're done! Add a nice painting (possibly one that you have recently re-purposed), and add the glass and backing and show it off.

Just do me a favor, and try to resist the urge to re-purpose all of the frames in your house (unless they're all incredibly old-fashioned…then, be my guest).

Isn't re-purposing fun?

Keeping it Classy & Crafty,

-SS