A fresh look at Framing Memories

 

 

This photo of my parents wedding might be my favourite.

Favourite for being my first try at decoupage that is.

 

So easy.

All I did was print the photo onto cardstock, spread a thin thin layer of Mod Podge on the frame – just enough to get the picture to stay attached.  Gently rub the picture so that you know the edges will not curl up.  Let it dry.  Take a damp rag and gently begin to rub the areas you want to look distressed.  Don’t get too carried away.  After you’ve achieved the look you want, apply as many coats of Mod Podge as you want.

 

Another look at painting a pretty frame.  This frame was black with a bit of shiny cherry colored edges.  It was too dark and too dated for me.

 

Just a little chalk paint and it’s bright and fresh.

Don’t be afraid to mix up your modern frames with the contemporary.  You might just like the look of your memories the way YOU like to see them.  There are no rules to making your home feel comfortable and reflect YOU.

Chalk Paint Photo Frames

There’s been a lot of blogging going on regarding ‘Chalk’ paint, not to be confused with Chalk Board paint.  You can google Annie Sloan and read up on how she started this new paint line.  There’s also been a lot of blogging regarding home-made chalk paint.  That’s what I’m all about.  I did follow the instructions and produced my own chalk paint.  There’s a lot of tricks and tips to working with this paint and the options are numerous.  All you need is paint and wax.  Any paint mixed properly and dark or light wax and you’re set to produce any look for your wood products.

 

So, I’m sharing today my first project with Chalk Paint. 
This project started 2 years ago with my husband
hanging a wooden dowel on the wall.
I had an idea to hang pictures from this dowel and thought it'd be done in no time, well.....
that wasn't the case.  Anyways, it's done today! 

I used a home-made chalk paint recipe and it worked great! 
I have also bought the real Chalk Paint and have an antique writing desk (here) just waiting to be brought to life.  I’ll have to see if paying the high price of the real paint is worth it or not.  

Enjoy – I’ve kept it short with the comments below each picture.

 

I bought the small unfinished frames from IKEA and originally stained
them to match the trim in our home, which was a deep cherry bown.
At that time I hadn't discovered this new technique.

Here I've painted over the stained frames using 3 parts paint to 1 part 'plaster of paris'.
That's the beauty of this paint. You can also use Baking Soda.  Make sure you mix until completely smooth.

The large frame is not the one hanging on the wall, as the one you see here did not
finish the way I liked so I used a different one but forgot to take photos.

When completely dry I sanded till the paint was silky smooth.  
Then I sanded a bit more to achieve the 'antique' look which revealed the stain
that I originally had on these frames. 
Then I applied a dark wax and let it dry.

Then I rubbed and rubbed the wax until I achieved a beautiful shine. 

I realized I may have recieved the same look with a little less wax.

Michael's had just the accessories I was looking for.

I had to recruit my husbands help for this. 

It looks simple enough but I was done with this project and
ready to hang these frames.  That's when he stepped in and helped me.

I didn't even have pictures printed for them yet.

Hope you enjoyed. 

Wait for the next Chalk painted Writing Desk.