Fancy Lil' Frames

   

 

  Ok- How many of you love those fancy, boutique picture frames, but don't wanna pay $30- sometimes $40 for them?  If this is you, hang around!!!

      I love dressing up everything, and that includes my family pictures!!  A dolled-up frame just adds something to your décor, doesn't it?!?  This is an easier craft that won't overwhelm you if you're just starting! 

      Here's what you'll need:

 

*a good quality frame

*sandpaper

*some acrylic paint & paint brush

*scissors

*a hot glue gun with glue (I use a high temp one for this because it holds better)

*embellishments (ribbon, too, if you want) 

 

 

Ready?  Ok- lets get started! 

 

    Take you frame backing off and glass out.  Then sand the entire frame with fine grit sandpaper.  This helps the paint stick.

  Next apply a thin coat of white paint as a primer.  This always makes whatever color you're applying look it's best.

  Let this dry completely before you apply your paint.  If you're like me sometimes and get antsy having to wait, you'll regret it!!!  I have ruined many by jumping the gun and getting ahead.  The paint gets all clumpy and... trust me- just let it dry!  *smile*

  Now that the primer is dry you can get to the fun part!!!  Paint the ENTIRE frame in your final choice of paint.  I work in batches since I usually do several frames at once.  Paint the top- let that dry.  Then the sides- let that dry, so you'll be able to hold the frame without damaging the rest.  Finally paint the back.  ***Little tip I learned the hard way***  When painting with acrylic paint- always keep a glass of water handy to moisten your brush.  Good quality acrylic paint dries super fast and will sometimes do just that before you're ready!  So just moisten the tip of your brush as you paint, and you'll be fine.  ;)

  This is gonna be messy work (at least it is for me), but this paint comes off super easy!!! No worries!

 

Finish all your frames and let this coat dry COMPLETELY before trying to touch the frames!!! Also really hard for me to do because I am one of those people that wants everything to hurry along!  I'm a "Get & Doer"  not a "Sit & Stew'er"!!!  Have you ever heard of that?  Anyways, get up and wash out your brushes, clean up your mess, heat up your glue gun-  Just DO NOT rush this step!

 

 

 

 

 

  When your paint is completely dry, you can re-assemble the frames. 

 

  And this is my FAVORITE part- adding all the frills!!!  For this particular order, a customer asked for only an embellishment on a few and a bow on one, but you can add whatever suits your fancy.  ;)
I always mark my center, apply a generous amount of hot glue (and again- I use a high temp glue gun for this because I don't want this stuff falling off later when you're cleaning them or moving them around.)  If you don't have one, you could use your regular glue gun, but just be careful when you handle your frame. 

  Let the glue cool, and there you have some simply ADORABLE frames that will add a little sass to your home décor!  I hope this helps y'all!  If you have any questions, just comment below!!! Thanks!!!