Re-Inventing Vintage Frames And Re-Vitalizing Your Art Collection
Do you shy away from purchasing artwork? Just not sure what works with your home décor? It’s a common complaint. Most people are scared to make the wrong choice or can’t quite commit to a large purchase that they are insecure about. My hope is that if this describes you, that this information will help you feel bold enough to create your own art statement in your home.
Tips For Finding The Right Color To Paint Your Frame
I have often purchased old gilded frames. I’m never quite sure how I am going to use them, but I just enjoy the intricate detail and the reflection of a by-gone time. About a year ago I found myself painting frames. Any kind of frame. It seems that a great piece of art can be lost in a less than impressive frame. But with the right color, you can easily make that same piece of artwork dynamic.
When you find the color in the artwork that feels like the dominant color, paint the frame that same color. The difference will surprise you. That very pale blue image is instantly amped up when the frame has that same color blue.
And if you're not feeling the monochromatic vibe, a white like MMS Farmhouse White or Ironstone makes for a good choice, as does MMS Typewriter.
Refreshing The Hardware On Your Frame
Remove any old nails or wires from your frame. The old ones are usually a bit rusty and fresh hardware will ensure a strong hanging. After assembling my art piece, I used new small nails, called Brads, to secure the artwork to the frame. Then I added hardware and new wire. The wire is tied to itself and the ends are wrapped along that same wire.
Adding New Mounting
If you have selected a new art piece for your frame, you will need to give it a strong mounting as well. I like to use foam core and graphic two-way adhesive. You can see a closer look at this in the attached video. I have selected to blow up my own photography to be matched up to one of my gilded frames.
Black And White Artwork
I’ve used MMS “Typewriter” to take these frames to a new level. My photos are seemingly black and white, but that is because of the subject matter. Dark tree branches in white snow is actually a color photo. Subtle greens and browns can be seen amongst the high contrast image. This gives just the slightest dimension to the photo. These large photos were easy to create, thanks to a home office supply store. Poster prints have optional sizes and paper stock and are usually available the very same day.
Pick A Photo From Your Phone
We all have an endless assortment of photos just waiting on our phones to become more than just that image you look frantically for, so you can share it with, what is typically, someone less than interested in looking at your phone. It’s time to pick those photos for your large impact art statement. Suddenly that same person will walk right up to your image and be wowed by its impact. As will you!
Post Script Idea
Create a gallery wall. Take all those school photos, sports photos, and anything photographed at the Sears Photo Center, and scan them. On your computer, adjust all your photos to be black and white. And size all the photos to be the same size. Print and frame these and see how much more compelling these images can be.
Video Tutorial
Enjoy my video tutorial where I show you how to reinvent vintage frames from start to finish:
Are you inspired to add some custom artwork of your own to the walls in your space?
Let us know if Kathy gave you some ideas by commenting below.
Make sure you share your creations with us on social media too!
