Saturday, April 9, 2011

DIY Funky Frames

Every now and then, I try to remember to take time to tackle crafty projects that don't have to do with my Etsy business. While I love painting figurines and making illustrations, I think it's good to take some time to create something new and different. Exercise that creativity muscle. Relaxing and stress free. No deadlines, no trying to fit into someone's custom vision, no worrying if a stray cat hair made it into the project.
I picked up two frames from Goodwill months ago. They've been sitting around collecting dust mostly. I kept meaning to go to Lowe's to pick up some spray paint to paint them a bright cheerful color. But I've been lazy. Partly due to the fact that I knew I'd be spray painting outside, and the weather has been less than great. I didn't want any rainstorm/monsoons ruining my crafty project.
So last night, I took it upon myself to just use acrylic paint, and I'm pretty pleased with how they turned out!

The first frame I painted a bright aqua. I picked it up from Goodwill for a dollar. It's not vintage, but it has the look of vintage and that's good enough for this girl. (pardon all the poorly lit cell phone photos)




The second frame is actually an oval mirror. I picked it up for $5. This one is definitely old. There's a label on the back that says Syroco Wood, which I googled and found a bunch of people selling various Syroco framed mirrors for $20 and up. (I win!)
I originally started painting this frame aqua too. I couldn't figure out what color would look best, so I thought if I painted it ANY color, I would get inspired. Halfway through, I realized a nice bright minty color would look awesome.



I sealed it with an acrylic gloss and hung it on the wall. Ta-da! I can't wait to hunt down some more frames. I'd like to dedicate a whole section of wall to brightly colored frilly ornate frames.

8 comments:

Tati said...

That's pretty cool!
I need to do something like that too. :D

Hugs,
Tati

magicbeanbuyer said...

Do it! It was a lot of fun! I keep looking around the apartment for something else to paint fun colors. hehe..

Greener Pastures--A City Girl Goes Country said...

Now I'm in the mood to paint frames. They look great!

magicbeanbuyer said...

Thanks! See this is why I need more frames!

Sweetflutterbys3 said...

I love the minty color too. Looks great. Now I want one....

magicbeanbuyer said...

Thanks! It's amazing how revitalized and new something looks with a fresh coat of paint.

Lemon Shortbread said...

Love those!! I like the blue one. I've been searching for nice ornate frames since forever but never seen one for a buck!!

magicbeanbuyer said...

That blue might be one of my new favorite colors. I keep painting everything that shade!