Recently we were having a good sort out at home as we were due to have the decorators come in whilst we were away on holiday. It was surprising the amount of clutter zones we had!
We had boxes to hand in at the local charity shop, a few items were passed on to other family members, and I lost count on the number of trips to the local tip. But some items were too good to just chuck away. We had some lovely photo frames that we have had for many years now and it would be sad to just dispose of them. The thinking cap went on!
The rescue began for the frame
There are so many ways in which you can upcycle photo frames. Seeing as I am in the process of creating my own space in the office and craft room, I thought I would make use of it in this room. I am often found in this room for hours on end. It is a room I want to make bright and cheerful…..my own little space!
Amongst the pile of items found there was also an old wooden cork notice board that we had purchased a while back and hadn’t gotten around to using as yet. This is an item that would be very useful in my office and craft room but I thought it could do with a little brightening up.
An idea was then thought of for the frame
An idea then came to me. how about using the frame to upcycle it and make a pin board?
I measured my frame and then the cork board – the cork board needed 10cms cutting off the width which wasn’t a problem.
How I made my pin board using my old photo frame:
- I started by cutting off the 10cms from the cork board. Once done, I double checked it fitted inside the frame.
- The frame had the glass removed and was then sanded lightly. I wanted to keep the gold on the inside edge.
- Paint colours were then chosen, along with fabric (fat quarters).
- The frame was then prepped with masking tape to help save the gold on the inside edge. And to also separate each section I wish to paint.
- Two paint colours were chosen. I wanted the middle section a different colour to the inside and outside edge. The first colour was then painted on to the inside edge. These were done in pink.
- Because we were going over a dark colour we needed 3 to 4 coats of paint. Allowing each coat of paint time to dry before doing the next.
- Once the first section was done we then moved on to the middle section. This was painted in a dark lilac colour. Once again we needed 3 to 4 coats of paint. Allowing each coat of paint time to dry before doing the next.
- We then moved on to the final section which was to be the same as the first. Painted in pink, with 3 to 4 coats of paint.
Prep work was then done with the fabric
With it going into my craft room, I thought I would add some fabric. What better way to do this than add some fat quarters?
How I added my fat quarters:
- I chose to add two different colours. One pack was a purple variety, the other was a raspberry variety. I thought the colours would blend in well with the colours on the frame.
- The first thing I needed to do was cut the fat quarters down in size.
- Once cut to size I then ironed them.
- They was then positioned in place.
- Once I was happy with the positioning I then pinned them together.
- Then using my sewing machine I sewed them together.
- Once sewn together I then positioned it in place on the cork board.
- I then glued it in place using a glue gun.
- The board was then positioned inside the frame and glued in place.
- I finished off the frame by adding a few gems to add a little sparkle.
- A space was ready and waiting for my upcycled frame to then be hung.
This was a very simple and fun project to do and I love the results.
I absolutely enjoy upcycling projects do you?
