Its been awhile since I've made a post, and I apologize. My absence has been due to a big move I just made. For those of you who don't know me, I have just moved from the outskirts of Baltimore, into the city. The move was fantastic, and I can confidently say that I am officially all settled in....
BUT....
Because of the move, my lack of decor was prominent due to the massive amount of space I now had to work with. I wanted to purchase an antique, focal piece for my bedroom, but the one I found (of course) was out of my price range.
I found this gorgeous piece at anthropologie, but it sadly had a $700 price tag. So naturally being, ME I decided to make my own version. Since I wanted to make this frame on my college student budget.....
#:1: I begin at my local thrift stores, looking for inexpensive frames. Some of these frames had awful pictures that I just removed, but when looking I made sure to find a variety of designs, as well as sizes to make my art piece more eclectic.
#2: Once I had gathered all of my frames (I had bought extra just in case) I moved them around numerous ways, until I found the perfect arrangement. Here is the rough layout I had....as you can see...they pics weren't very great, but it was the frames I was keeping an eye out for. Once you have a layout TAKE A PIC OF IT, so you won't forget the way you have arranged it later....
#3: After I found the perfect arrangement, I bought five different colors of spray paint. (Dark purple, Lavender, Black, White, and Silver) All of the colors that matched the scheme going on in my bedroom.
NOW..
When spray painting, if you want the paint to stick well you might want to lightly sand each frame, and the wipe it down thoroughly. I on the other hand, wanted to get the "antique" look to my frames, so I just spray painted each one right off the bat....
#4: After the paint has dried, if you too want the "antique" look as well, you could take some rough elements to your pieces. I personally used sand paper, and even took a couple outside and banged them against the wall to chip the paint as well as ding the frame. I thought it gave my pieces character. :)
#5: I then placed my pieces back together, based off of the previous photo I took, and glued them together. I used the epoxy glue below....
I did have to purchase two bottles, and epoxy glue isn't the cheapest. If you'd like to use epoxy glue, I'd recommend using a coupon or waiting until its on sale. If you want to use another type of glue, make sure it first off dries clear, and second off is compatible with adhereing to not only wood, but metal and plastic (whatever kind of frames you buy).
#6: Apply and let dry. FYI-Some of your pieces might be too heavy for glue. With these, I discreetly nailed them together. Fishing wire could also work if your having trouble attaching your larger pieces together.
THE FINAL PRODUCT
#7: As you can see, I kept two of the photos that came with the frames. I even spray painted one background white, and added a wall decor type of rose on the frame, as well as on the wall for a little something extra.
I'm extremely happy with the way it turned out, and saved myself about $650. The total cost of everything came to under $50.
If you have any questions on any of the steps I made please don't hesitate to ask. Also, if there is something you'd like to see me make, I'll gladly accept any ideas.
ENJOY CREATING!
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