Open Frame Photo Display

I am not a shopper. I’m the kind who goes in, gets what she wants and gets out… with one exception. I like to spend time strolling through thrift stores in search of potential makeovers. Maybe it’s because I love a good bargain. Maybe it’s because it gets my creativity flowing when I see something like this.

Hello, handsome!

I suppose if I lived in a log cabin in the woods, this picture would fit right in. However, there are few things rustic about my abode other than my charming husband. Yet and still, the deer spoke to me; I couldn’t turn away. I noticed the frame was solidly built of real wood. It would easily stand up to sanding and refinishing, and so I brought this lovely stag home for a mere $3.

There are a few good reasons for using thrift store items to bolster your creative genius:

• It’s inexpensive. You can completely botch a project without incurring a notable monetary loss. On the other hand, it’s incredibly rewarding to create something worthwhile from a bargain.

• It’s expendable. Never sewn a ruffle before? First time using spray paint on glass? Use thrift store items to practice on. Dare to experiment and try new techniques without worrying about ruining it.

• It’s returnable. If all else fails, donate it back if it’s still in good condition and try again.

So back to today’s project…

The frame was the perfect project to test out my Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I originally bought the paint to refinish a dresser for my daughter’s nursery, but I hadn’t the courage yet to use it. To attain my desired vintage look, my plan was to paint a base color (Provence), apply a whitewash (Antique White) and distress it.

I first wiped the frame clean with a damp cloth, lightly sanded the entire surface, and wiped it clean again. One benefit in using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is that you can often skip the sanding, but I wanted to be sure. There’s nothing worse than getting to the end of a project wishing you had done something differently in the beginning. As advertised, the chalk paint went on smoothly and covered well — totally easy. I still gave it a second coat (I’m nothing if not thorough) and let it dry fully before the next step.

For the whitewash, I mixed one part antique white paint to two parts water and brushed it on in long strokes. Before it dried, I rubbed it in with a clean, dry cloth to an even layer, removing brush strokes. You’ll want to work in small patches as the whitewash dries quickly.

After the whitewash dried, I went over the entire surface again with fine grit sandpaper to add some distressing characteristics, letting the natural wood peek out of some areas.

I think the frame has a rather shabby-chic appeal. The colors blended beautifully and you can still see the natural grain of the wood. I added four rows of picture hanging wire — attaching it with metal thumbtacks to the back of the frame — and threaded mini clothespins on to the wire. I used it this past Christmas to display our holiday cards.

This frame is a fun way to showcase favorite photos, postcards, inspirational quotes, artwork and other pretty little things. I saw a similar item selling for $40 at a craft store. Mine cost about $5, not including paint. That said, I think this thrifty makeover was a success, don’t you?  Thanks for reading! — v.