I’ve been busy transforming free and thrift store art to create a nautical themed gallery wall in my hallway.
It’s coming along pretty well and I am in the home stretch.
Do you want to see how dated they looked before?
Keep reading!
Over two years ago I had hit the thrift store jackpot when I came upon an entire cache of vintage French and Italian metal frames for mere pennies.
I used a few of the frames on my entry way gallery wall.
As well as creating a bit of lampshade bling with the smaller frames.
But I still had four large frames that I had never done anything with because the still life image was glued to the glass. As I am now in “Use it or lose it” mode I decided to see if they would come clean.
One at a time I carefully laid the glass in a hot water bath.
Taking a straight edge I then slowly removed the dampened images. It was on the glass really good!
While the glass had been soaking I had been adding a few coats of acrylic paint to the clean metal frames. After drying for two days then I distressed the frames with a bit of sandpaper to let the brass metal glint through.
Once the glass was clean I used it to create a template for new art. I first though I would use old botanical shell prints. But the look was not quite “it”.
Then I remembered a set of four watercolor prints I had been given by a friend which were painted by artist Kelly Bermudez. They were light, bright and perfect.
I found this impressionist style painting in a “free” pile during our recent neighborhood garage sale. While it’s not great art it does remind me of Europe and I love the colors.
The frame was unlike anything I have ever seen before. I would like to eventually find a nicer frame but for now I thought a coat of paint might lighten things up.
I taped off the linen matting and gave the dark wood one coat of pure white acrylic paint. This was then followed by a custom mix of blue I created.
Once dry I distressed this frame a bit as well.
I hope to get everything hung and photographed tomorrow for a reveal on Monday.
Laura
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
What a great find in those Frenchy frames, Laura! I love how that seahorse looks in the first picture. Looking forward to seeing more!
Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home} says
Wow, you achieved such great looks! Isn't it fun to be able to create a whole new look from something thrifted? Love the seahorse, and I actually love the seashell print you didn't use! I've always wanted a house at the beach and I dream of how I'd decorate it. Still dreaming:) xoKathleen
Vel Criste says
You are just on a roll right now Laura aren't you! love it all!
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Wow, I love how you are redoing all of the frames and pictures. Looking fabulous.
Lisa says
Laura,
Your gallery word is fabulous beyond words!!!! So gorgeous and unique. Just perfect!
Suzan Sweatman says
Oh I'm on the lookout for French swirly small frames just like those – lucky you –
Love the color you chose!
xxx
the cape on the corner says
gorgeous, especially in that blue!
Kelley says
Look forward to the reveal! Awesome!
Hugs and happy May Day from Manila,
Kelley~
Mari says
Your frames are turning out beautiful!
Smiles~
Mari
Sarah says
Lovely, Laura. The thrift store frames were certainly a great find. they are beautiful, and your idea to have a nautical theme works grate.
Jen says
I love the direction you have taken these vintage finds! So creative and the colors are just wonderful. Looking forward to seeing the collection hanging. =)
Christine says
You have a lot of patience.
I probably would of given away the frames long ago.
You have created winners!
Christine says
You have a lot of patience.
I probably would of given away the frames long ago.
You have created winners!