The first of several picture frame transformations. These metal frames are quite lovely when presented right. This is NOT the way to present one! I’m embarrassed to admit I actually had this for sale in my Etsy shop, and in my booth before that…well, I was just TRYING it like this for awhile, okay? I have learned that frames sell better when they have something in them. So I was desperate, and I picked out the only thing I could find at the moment.
Sorry Norman Rockwell, but what’s wrong with this picture? The scale is off for the frame. “Saturday Evening Post” is cut off. The buggy whip makes the glass appear to have a crack. And the girl looks like warmed over death. So we don’t have to wonder why this didn’t sell!
So THAT became this!
The first thing I did was paint the frame, which made a huge difference in its appearance. Then I printed off the hydrangea from the Graphics Fairy website http://thegraphicsfairy.com/…a wonderful go-to for lovely FREE vintage photos of all kinds.
Nice, but it still needed something. Ah! A mat, and my vision was a gingham check, cloth-covered mat of some kind, and I just happened to have that fabric on hand, but how to make a mat? “Cheapskate” does not go somewhere to buy a mat! Enter PINTEREST! Then I found a DIY project on how to make picture frame mats out of cereal boxes! See that tutorial here.
But I have a confession to make…this project looked easy, but was difficult for me, which might have something to do with the fact that I’ve never been too good with taking accurate ruler measurements. I must have been absent the day they taught that in grammar school! And I had a hard time with making the fabric go neatly around the corners.
Amy @https://www.pinterest.com/source/amyjdelightful.blogspot.com.au does recommend the use of mat board. But you can substitute cereal boxes, which is what I used. I finally threw up my hands in frustration and gave it to the hubby who can fix anything. Did I mention I’m not too crafty???
It’s a lovely project and I’m sure you will do just fine with it. The great thing about this project is that it’s a quick fix, attractive, and you can complete it with what you have on hand. It really adds a nice extra touch that will help sell the item. I was VERY HAPPY with how it turned out!
And the picture frame transformation did the trick. SOLD!
An improvement, yes? Tell me what you think!
Florence
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Corners are hard no matter what you try. That transformation was awesome!
Thanks Wanda!
Haha, Florence your description of the girl as “warmed over death” had me on the floor. But you are so right, there was so much wrong with that picture. I didn’t even realize it was the same one and had to scroll back up to check the transformation. You did a fantastic job. And you did right by me in making the matt yourself. I love a good diy project and this one is great. Thanks for the laughs and for providing us with lots of sweeet inspiration.
Thank YOU Mary! If I do say so myself, I love how it turned out! Thanks for your comment!