Thrift Store Artwork - Updating the Frame

 




Happy Weekend, Cottage Friends!


Back in October I picked up a pretty framed still life print at the thrift store. The frame was pine -- a wood that I happen to like -- and it was priced at $5, which was a real bargain. I had thought to leave the frame in its original condition, however, the more I looked at it, the more I felt the frame didn't do justice to the still life. Rather than enhance it, the frame seemed to detract from the beautiful muted colors in the print.





This past week I finally decided what I wanted to do to the frame to change it up. I first hand sanded off the original finish with a 220 grit sandpaper, which was easy to do, and that did lighten the wood.




Still, it wasn't quite right. I was aiming for an "aged" appearance, and I wanted to highlight the wonderful details of the frame. 


I had small amounts of leftover Rustoleum Linen White chalk paint and Waverly Clear Wax. So I mixed them together, then using a foam brush I brushed on a bit of the mixture and immediately wiped it off with a lint-free cloth. I repeated the process, working in small areas and varying the amount of paint and wax mixture I removed around the frame, until I achieved the look I wanted.





The print now hangs in my dining area. I love the way it turned out, and definitely would use this process again. Do you think this is something you would try?


Hugs,









24 comments

  1. I think it looks great - really enhances the print! I wouldn't have thought to do this, would have just bought a new one, but this is perfect!

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  2. That makes a BIG difference doesn't it? The colors are so much prettier. Would I do it? Nope. I would ruin the frame for sure. That is not my talent. But I can sure admire the beautiful work that you do. :-)
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. Betsy, I honestly don't think you would ruin the frame. It's truly easy to achieve. Know knitting?!! That takes real skill! Hugs.

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  3. I would say the frame now looks like it fits more properly with picture. The picture looks antique and now so does the frame. Once again you've made a lovely project out of an inexpensive item. I'm sure it does look really nice in your dining area Insidious fruit. Just enough color to brighten up the wall. Lynn and Precious XX

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    1. Exactly right, Lynn. I'm not looking to add bold colors to my home. I've done that in the past, but now I'm in a "soft color" phase in my life and I'm really liking it. :)

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    1. Serenity is what we need in these crazy times, isn't it? Have a great week Sandi.

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  5. That looks fabulous Nancy. Love easy peasy projects to get a new look. Very pretty. Happy Sunday. Have a great week. xoxo Kris

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    1. Yup. "Easy peasy" works for me, Kris. And this project was just that. Hugs.

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  6. I would try it if I had either of what you used! But I would probably use what I have, which is white acrylic paint! I think a dry brush to brush it on and then sad off areas would work. I love the look. I have a big picture in a frame that is kind of a pinky dull beige.. and I want it mostly white, but a little distressed looking. I want to hang it over my bed.. so that is on my list of things to do! I don't paint things much, but when I finally get the motivation to open a paint can, then I want to paint everything! Have a good Sunday! Marilyn

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    1. Dry brush is a great technique to use for a similar look, Marilyn. And I agree with you. . .when I'm motivated to open a paint can, I, too, want to paint everything. LOL

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  7. Oh, I really like that. The new finish makes the texture in the frame pop and shows off it's beauty, while giving it a softer appearance. Good job!

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    1. Thanks, Connie. I'm really happy with the results and definitely will do this again if the occasion arises. xx

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  8. Love this very simple painting treatment, Nancy. The frame was a bargain and your project will be a great addition to your home. Thanks for sharing the idea♥

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    1. My pleasure, Susan. It really is so easy to do. Have a great week!

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  9. Looks so pretty Nancy, I love it. How are you doing? I'm just trying to get in a creative mood and add items to my shoppe. I am so sad over Ukraine and all that's going on. My heart breaks....praying for Ukraine.

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    1. Ukraine is heartbreaking, for sure, Diane. Your shoppe is wonderful. Praying your spirits will be lifted, and you'll get those creative juices flowing. Hugs.

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  10. That looks great, Nancy. You're right, the new finish definitely enhances the artwork. I've never worked with wax, for some reason it intimidates me. Maybe I'll give it a try one of these days...but I'll probably need a few tips!! Hugs!

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    1. I kind of felt the same way at first, Kim. But after watching some Youtubers who flip thrift finds, etc. for a living and their techniques with wax, I learned enough to try it myself. Now I'm kind of addicted to it. I think you'd handle it just fine. The thing is, it's easy to correct. If you feel like you got too much "colored" wax on your project, you can always remove it or tone it down with clear wax. I hope you'll get the courage to try it sometime. I know with your vision and crafting skills you could do some fabulous things. Hugs.

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  11. Big difference! The picture is the star now. You were clever to figure out the procedure to get the perfect result.

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    1. Thanks, Donna. Youtube is a significant source of my refinishing education. ;) Have a great week! xx

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  12. I think the picture looks much better with that treatment to the frame.

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    1. I agree, Barbara. The original finish on the frame didn't do much for the print. Take care. xx

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