Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Turn a Sad Window Frame into Primitive Decor! DIY

Happy hump day!

(It's almost Friday... look for the light, it's getting closer!)

Okay, so amidst your weekend plans- you may want to consider a trip to your local flea market and go frame hunting.

I mean honestly, there isn't a better way to spend your weekend than to scour for new treasures just begging for some TLC!

Take this naked chicken for example. This is what he looked like before his makeover:

He's not all that bad. Just in need of a pick-me-up, right?

~
Here are the fella's that helped him out:


You will need:
  • A Dish Sponge 
  • Sandpaper
  • A Foam Brush
  • Any Regular Paintbrush
  • Crackle Paint (This will be your new best friend. I'm not kidding- it's so addicting!)
  • Navy Acrylic Paint
  • Country White Acrylic Paint
  • Black Acrylic Paint
  • Chicken Wire
  • Wire Cutters
  • Staple Gun (Not pictured.)
Note: You obviously don't have to use the paint brands pictured above. I just happened to have those on hand.

Instructions:
  1. Using your foam brush, apply a nice coat of crackle paint to the frame as is. Wait until it gets tacky, but DO NOT let it dry. That part is important!
  2. While you are waiting a bit for the crackle paint to get tacky: mix the navy, black and white paints to desired color. (I find this method better myself since I don't have to go out and always buy a new color paint.)
  3. Apply this new color with your regular paint brush in even strokes and moving in one direction. (If you apply the paint in all different directions, your paint will crackle that way.)
  4. Now sit back and watch the magic happen. Crackle mania!!! (Since I have ZERO patience, I grab my trusty hairdryer to speed along the process.)
  5. Next, cut out a star shape from your sponge. Apply some country white paint to it and dab on randomly. (The key here is NOT to reapply paint each time. Allow yourself to go off the edges here and there, as well. You don't want it to look like you tried too hard, so have fun with it and get messy!) 
  6. Now you sand. Go crazy on the corners! The more aged it looks, the better. (I did not wait for the stars to fully dry before I started sanding. I personally like the streaky texture it created, but it's up to you.) 
  7. Now, cut your chicken wire to the size of the frame and use your trusty staple gun to lock onto the back of your frame. Watch for pokers!
  8. If you like, you can add some twine to the top for hanging. Just tie it on to the wire.
You're Done!

You can now hang random items from him such as: Dried flowers, clothes pinned postcards, etc. 

(Thank you, mom for shipping over the bittersweet!)

Doesn't he look so handsome now? :)

~Rachelle

12 comments:

  1. Oh I love it! I want to make something similar but smaller and to hang jewelry!

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  2. That is so cute. I love prim decor and you can take the berries off and change for other holidays.

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  3. Hi, there! You've got tons of creativity and I admire them all. Can you please join us at Creative Bloggers' Party and Hop? Hope to see you there at the party :)

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  4. The chicken wire is an awesome touch! Great job!!!

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  5. This one's fun too! Thanks for linking up!

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  6. What a great transformation! Your newest follower, Karima
    www.karimascrafts.com

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  7. I love this! You did a great job - I'd love to have you link up on {Not So} Tough Tuesday's on One Tough Mother, going on until Wednesday at midnight!

    www.onetoughmom.blogspot.com

    Hope to see you there!

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  8. Excellent! Love this transformation!!

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  9. Another awesome window frame! So glad you linked up to the Tuesday To Do Party!
    Smiles!
    Jami
    www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

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  10. U-huh, it's lively alright! This creative masterpiece can be functional too. I know a parlor owner who would like those kinds of designs in her shop!


    Grover Gatchel

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