How upcycling thrifted frames Into art for your home can help create your own unique space.

Are you looking for a budget-friendly way to add unique art to your home while embracing sustainability? Upcycling thrifted frames into personalized artwork is the perfect solution! This creative project allows you to breathe new life into old frames and create custom pieces that reflect your style and personality. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly way to decorate your home while keeping costs low. Let’s dive into how you can transform thrifted frames into stunning art.

1. Choosing the Right Frames

The first step in this upcycling journey is to hunt for frames. Thrift stores, flea markets, or garage sales are goldmines for inexpensive frames. Don’t worry if they don’t match – mismatched frames can add a charming, eclectic vibe to your decor. When selecting frames, focus on the shape and structure. Even if the frame is a bit worn or outdated, you can easily transform it with a coat of paint or stain. Look for frames in different sizes to create an eye-catching gallery wall.

2. Cleaning and Prepping the Frames

Once you’ve found the perfect frames, it’s time to clean them. Thrifted items can come with years of grime or dust, so use a soft cloth and gentle cleaner to wipe them down. If the frames are wooden and need a bit of sanding to smooth out rough edges, grab some sandpaper and lightly go over the surface. This will help ensure a smooth finish if you decide to paint or stain them.

3. Painting or Staining the Frames

One of the best ways to customize thrifted frames is with paint or stain. Choose colors that complement your decor or go bold with a statement color to create a focal point in your room. Spray paint is a quick and easy option for frames, providing a smooth and even finish. Chalk paint can give frames a vintage, distressed look, perfect for farmhouse or shabby chic decor. I use simple craft paint because you don’t usually need a lot and it’s inexpensive.

If you want to maintain the natural beauty of the wood, a simple stain will enhance the grain and give the frame a polished look.

4. Choosing Your Artwork

Once the frames are prepped and painted, it’s time to decide what you’ll display in them. Here are a few ideas for filling your upcycled frames:

Vintage Prints: Scour thrift stores for vintage art prints or download free printables from online resources. Botanical prints, old maps, and black-and-white photography are timeless options.
Personal Photos: Print out your favorite family photos, nature shots, or vacation memories to create a personalized gallery wall.
DIY Art: Feeling creative? Try your hand at DIY artwork. Abstract paintings, watercolor designs, or simple geometric patterns can be a fun way to express yourself.
Pressed Flowers: I love this idea! Preserve the beauty of nature by framing pressed flowers or leaves. This adds a delicate, organic element to your wall.
Fabric or Wallpaper Scraps: If you have leftover fabric or wallpaper, frame a piece of it to add color and texture to your space.

Frame Projects: the easiest DIY projects ever!

Project #1 – Round frames

I picked these 4 round frames up at thrift store years ago and they have been in my stash waiting for their turn for a makeover.

I found my inspiration when I saw these on antiquefarmhouse.com:

You can find the vintage inspired round framed bird art here.

They are beautiful but they are $79. I knew I could dupe them!

The process:

They are a weird brown, fairly banged up and begging to be painted. The first step after a good clean was to sand them down with a 220 grit sandpaper remove the shiny top coat and give the paint something to stick to.

After sanding, I wiped them clean and then gave them a coat of black paint using simple, inexpensive craft paint. I didn’t want perfect coverage or a sleek look so I used minimal paint and left the wood showing through just a bit.

I recently purchased some digital prints on Etsy and knew the frames would be the perfect match. Normally, I would take the glass and put it over the picture and trace around where I wanted to cut out the picture to fit into the frame. Since these did not come with the glass, I had to get creative.

I measured the opening from the backside of the frame and it was a little over 8″ wide.

I used a piece of paper as a template, found the center of the paper and used a compass to draw an 8″ circle. I cut it out of the paper and it fit perfectly.

Once I knew it was the right size, I cut out each picture .

I really like the way they turned out but, to be honest, I think these prints are a bit too dark and I will probably switch them at some point. They work now going into the fall season.

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Project #2 – Oval gold frames

I found these two gold frames at my go to thrift store for $1 each. I thought they would be great to add a little art to a shelf.

They are a bit too shiny for me so I gave them a very quick makeover with Antique Gold Rub n Buff. I love this and use it all the time on frames, candlestick holders, mirrors, you name it. I used a stipple paint brush to apply it to the frames but you can also use a rag.

The nice part is, it dries really quickly.

I found these pretty bird prints in my stash and thought they would be perfect. If you would like them, you can download them here and here.

I used the glass as a template and cut the pictures to the right size.

Once it was the right size and shape, I just placed it in the frame. So easy.

This probably took me 15 minutes. I love the vintage vibe!

5. Creating a Gallery Wall

If you have several thrifted frames, consider creating a gallery wall. This is a fantastic way to fill an empty wall with art that’s both meaningful and budget-friendly. To create a cohesive gallery wall, stick to a consistent color palette or theme, or embrace a mix-and-match style for a more eclectic look. Lay out your frames on the floor before hanging them to experiment with different arrangements. When you’re ready, use a measuring tape, level, and picture hooks to hang your frames evenly.

Project #3 – Using a frame from a piece of thrifted art.

Sometimes you may like a frame but not the art in it. I found this piece of art at a thrift shop and fell in love with the frame but the picture just isn’t my style.

Super easy fix! I removed the back paper with an Exacto knife, bent the staples up and removed the inside backing.

Then I simply replaced the picture with one that I purchased on Etsy. You can see download them here.

I also added a bit of Rub n Buff to the edges of the frame to give it a warmer feel.

6. Incorporating Mixed Media Elements

For an extra creative touch, you can transform your upcycled frames into more than just art displays. Add 3D elements like twine, wooden letters, or small objects inside the frame for a mixed-media look. You can also turn a frame into a functional piece by adding a chalkboard or corkboard, making it both decorative and practical.

7. Showcasing Your Upcycled Art

Once your frames are complete, it’s time to display them! Whether you’re decorating a living room, bedroom, or hallway, these upcycled frames will instantly add character and charm to your space. The best part? Each piece is completely unique and tells its own story.

PIN IT for LATER!

Final Thoughts

Upcycling thrifted frames into art is a wonderful way to showcase your creativity, personalize your home, and embrace sustainability. With just a little effort, you can turn discarded frames into stunning pieces of art that breathe life into your space. Plus, this project is incredibly budget-friendly and perfect for DIY enthusiasts. Happy crafting, and enjoy filling your home with beautiful, upcycled art!

Col