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January 20, 2012

Glazed Frame – Learning By Doing

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Have you ever noticed that the pricing of frames at Goodwill seems a little off? Old broken Wal-Mart frame with a 59 cent clearance sticker on it – $2.99. Awesome, chunky, carved oval frame – $2.99.  So when I spotted this lil’ lady lying amongst the heaps of crappy gold frames, I snached it up and felt like a won the (very tiny) frame lottery. 

oval frame
Now I know what your thinking – that it would be a crime paint a hand carved wooden frame. I agree, but  rest assured… it’s not real wood. It may look like it, but I’m pretty sure real wood doesn’t peel apart in paper-like flakes to reveal a black mystery material underneath. So…out came the spray paint.
frame makeover
I thought it looked pretty good like that, but I wanted to try my glaze and this is the perfect piece. Remember when I wanted to glaze my crappy $5 table but couldn’t because I bought the wrong glaze?
glaze
As it turns out I didn’t buy the wrong glaze, your just supposed to mix it with paint. A reader pointed that out to me…and sure enough it says it right there on the back of the can. So Tim the Tool Man Taylor of me to not read the directions.
So I went to mix up my glaze and realized that I don’t own any black paint. I also don’t own any brown or grey paint…closest thing I had was the blue/grey that I used for the kitchen cabinets. I figured that was good enough and threw an unknown amount of paint into an unknown amount of glaze. Measure…who measures? Measurings for losers …or people that have more than a few scared minutes of naptime to work with.
dark glaze white accents
I mixed it up and rubbed it into all the nooks and crannies. BTW, I didn’t read any tutorials on this process…I’m just winging it. Like I said, naptime is too short to spend it reading tutorials.
Anyway, I had to put it on pretty thick to get it all up in there.
frame makeover
Then I got my rag and started wiping it off, till it looked like this…
Victorian frame makeover
I was feeling like the contrast was a little much, so I had the brilliant idea to just put on a layer of plain glaze to dull it down a bit.
upgrading photo frame
 It was working great until it dried and looked the exact same. You know, cause the glaze is clear and all. Whatever, it was worth a shot.
DIY frame renovation
 I needed the instant gratification of putting a photo in it, so I went on the hunt for an 8X10 I already had. Then I spotted this…
frame photo options
That white envelope (on my super messy bedroom bookshelf) is a family photo from our church directly. It’s been sitting there for about six months or so – which is a long time, though not as long as that container of bubbles has been sitting there.

So there we have it…two birds with one stone. Family photo off the shelf- check. Teach myself how to glaze by trial and error – check.

glaze by trial and error
Funny story about that photo…Elijah and I had a bad day where he didn’t nap at all (I think he was about 16 months in this picture). On the car ride to the church he passed out and we could NOT wake him up. He would open his eyes for a second, then they would roll back into his head and he would crash on Adams chest. So we went with it and I think the final product turned out pretty sweet & hilarious.

Ashley

Filed Under: Decor & Crafts, DIY Decor, Projects43 Comments

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Comments

  1. Sugarplum's Mama says

    January 20, 2012 at 9:15 pm

    Such a sweet pic Ashley! My goodwill's don't carry nice things like that frame lol. Don't get me wrong I do find other things but frames it's a no go… There are some new resale shops hat are just opening and I am going to see if I could do something like this for our new family picture ;) Thanks for the idea chica!

    Reply
  2. Kia @ A View From Here says

    January 21, 2012 at 12:12 am

    I'm not a fan of the whole painting/distressing/glazing craze BUT I ♥ your frame!
    The glaze just perfectly accentuates the detail and the colours you used are just right.
    The pic is a gorgeous finishing touch – so beautiful.

    Reply
  3. Abby Heckendorn says

    January 21, 2012 at 4:56 am

    Love the frame.
    I am laughing SO hard at E sleeping in this picture. Maybe it was just the way you told me the story that is making me laugh so hard, or maybe because I am delirious. It's just hilarious.

    Reply
  4. Natalie says

    January 21, 2012 at 9:40 am

    Love the frame – exactly my style! And so love the sleeping toddler – that's a classic! Nat

    Reply
  5. Fiona says

    January 21, 2012 at 11:43 am

    Oh your finished frame looks great! Well done! And a very sweet family photo!

    Reply
  6. Mrs. Crafty Pants says

    January 23, 2012 at 2:58 am

    That is so cute! Im totally a learn by messing it up the first time, too. Trial, and mostly error. I eyeball pretty much everything and Im alwayws on the lookout for projects that can still look good, Even if its a little “off”. Im a new follower, check out my site at
    http://mrscraftypants1.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  7. Katie says

    January 23, 2012 at 1:59 pm

    WOW! What an amazing transformation! I haven't worked with the faux glaze before but hope to soon!

    Reply
  8. Katie Carter says

    January 23, 2012 at 4:28 pm

    Wow! I love that glaze, that did wonders! You should join me for Handmade 52! http://raisingoranges.blogspot.com/2012/01/handmade-52-3.html

    Reply
  9. Kassi at Truly Lovely says

    January 23, 2012 at 6:37 pm

    That looks great! I love the pop of color from the glaze! And your family picture is too cute!

    Reply
  10. Beth says

    January 23, 2012 at 7:41 pm

    This turned out really pretty, at least in the online photos! And that photo makes it look even better. :^D

    Reply
  11. Emily says

    January 23, 2012 at 7:57 pm

    Wow that's brilliant! I must try to see the potential in things I see in thrift stores! Cute picture :)
    Found you through Made by You Monday

    Reply
  12. createdbyjess says

    January 23, 2012 at 8:42 pm

    This is so beautiful! I will keep an eye out next time at Goodwill. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  13. Heaven's Walk says

    January 23, 2012 at 10:16 pm

    Great tutorial, Ashley! Your frame turned out just perfectly imperfect! :) And it's a beautiful addition to that awesomely sweet photo of you and your family. ♥

    xoxo laurie

    Reply
  14. . says

    January 24, 2012 at 1:52 am

    The finished frame looks great!

    And YES, I have absolutely noticed that GW pricing is off sometimes. The thing that 'should' be more is super cheap, while broken crap is ridiculously priced. I always wonder how they decide on prices for their stuff.

    Reply
  15. Amber Lyon Ferguson says

    January 24, 2012 at 2:09 am

    Cute. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  16. rebekahdawn says

    January 24, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    It looks great! Love that frame.

    Reply
  17. Jen Lossing, The Consigner Designer says

    January 24, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    It turned out great! Sometimes the best projects are the ones where you just wing it!

    Reply
  18. Just Jaime says

    January 24, 2012 at 11:21 pm

    Great job and great find! I love the details!

    If you're interested, we're hosting our first ever link up party. Please stop by and link up! http://www.waywardgirlscrafts.com/2012/01/wayward-weekend-week-1.html

    Reply
  19. Carlene @ Organized Clutter says

    January 25, 2012 at 1:33 am

    The frame looks great! I have never tried “your process” but I will keep it in mind.

    Reply
  20. Jenny @ Simcoe Street says

    January 25, 2012 at 4:58 am

    The frames looks great! Cute pic too :)

    Reply
  21. Shabby chic Sandy says

    January 25, 2012 at 7:48 am

    That frame is beautiful..I love what you did with it! I can agree Goodwill pricing can be nuts–Dollar Tree items are 1.99 and stuff. But once in awhile you find something awesome for really cheap and that whats keeps me going there…like everyday!

    Reply
  22. marissa says

    January 25, 2012 at 8:59 am

    so beautiful!

    Reply
  23. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    January 25, 2012 at 8:41 pm

    I actually like the contrast! I think the design shows up beautifully. Nice job, esp for winging it!
    Visiting from It's Overflowing. :)

    Reply
  24. Okio B Designs says

    January 26, 2012 at 1:54 am

    Your frame makeover is gorgeous! I really thought it was real wood! Lovely family photo too. Coming over from Transformation Thursday and your newest follower. =)

    Jeanine

    Reply
  25. Full Circle Creations says

    January 26, 2012 at 1:58 am

    Love your frame and that picture is precious! Love the story that goes with it.

    Holly

    Reply
  26. applestone drive says

    January 26, 2012 at 2:57 am

    Gorgeous transformation! Great Job!

    Reply
  27. WhyCuzICan says

    January 26, 2012 at 3:03 am

    Nice grab on the GOOD frame and leaving the clearance section WalMart ones– (gosh I know what you mean on their pricing of stuff sometimes!)

    Darling makeover!

    Visiting from Under $100 linky party at Beyond The Picket Fence :) Thanks for sharing with us!
    ~Smiles, Suzanne in NW Illinois

    Reply
  28. amy and jesse hudson says

    January 26, 2012 at 6:31 pm

    Great job with this! I need to get over my fears and try this one day! Why not, right? Especially when you can find the “before” frames so cheap! I would love if you would consider linking this up to “Drab to Fab” this Friday (tomorrow). The theme is taking the ordinary or simple and turning it into something fabulous! This post totally embodies that! I know my readers would get a kick out of seeing this! Here's a link to more info about the party.
    http://www.amynjesse.com/p/drab-to-fab.html
    Hope to see you tomorrow!

    Reply
  29. Our DIY Diaries says

    January 26, 2012 at 8:39 pm

    Great job! It is beautiful. I hope you will link it up at our party!

    http://www.ourdiydiaries.com/2012/01/fab-not-drab-link-party-3.html

    Reply
  30. Janet says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:18 am

    What a beautiful picture!! Your little angel snoozing against Daddy's chest is so precious. And way to go girl with the glaze. IMHO you did a great job there. I thought it was awesome white, even better with the glaze. Kudos!!

    Reply
  31. simplydesigning.blogspot.com says

    January 27, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    Oh this is a beautiful frame!! I never seem to find such cute things at Goodwill… :( But I LOVE how the glaze turned out! So pretty!

    I would love it if you joined my weekly Friday link party if you are interested: http://www.simplydesigning.blogspot.com

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Ashley
    Simply Designing

    Reply
  32. Meg says

    January 27, 2012 at 5:15 pm

    That looks fabulous! I love the glaze, it really adds to the frame. Cute family!

    Reply
  33. Amanda @ Little House on the Corner says

    January 27, 2012 at 6:21 pm

    Great job! I love a good Goodwill makeover. :) I've never experimented with glaze before, but I definitely enjoyed reading about your experience! Cute family photo, too!

    Found your blog from the link party at Serenity Now :)

    Reply
  34. It's Overflowing says

    January 28, 2012 at 4:08 am

    Love it! Thanks so much for linking up!! Just a reminder to register for my giveaway…

    Ramsign Giveaway: Porcelain Enamel Sign {up to $99 value}

    XO, Aimee

    Reply
  35. Angie Ramirez says

    January 28, 2012 at 4:12 am

    That's amazing! I love.. I have been looking for some similar frames at thrift store but no luck!
    Stopping by from TT & J and would LOVE for you to come by and link this up (and any other project) at my “Create and Inspire” Party!
    http://www.littleinspiration.com/2012/01/create-and-inspire-party-giveaway-link.html
    Thanks so much!

    Angie from A Little Inspiration

    Reply
  36. Jen says

    January 28, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    Great frame! I love the glaze! I'd be SO pumped if you'd come and share this (and any other projects you'd like to show off) at the Head to Head Showdown link party, going on right now at http://www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com I hope to see you there! ~Jen

    Reply
  37. Kristina @ ReMadeSimple says

    January 30, 2012 at 3:56 pm

    This turned out great in spite of experimenting without directions! lol, I'm like you, nap time is crunch time!

    Reply
  38. Charissa says

    January 30, 2012 at 11:04 pm

    That's something to be proud of. I love the final product. Amazing…and I love the photo.

    Reply
  39. Alison @ Oopsey Daisy says

    January 31, 2012 at 5:46 am

    The faux glaze is amazing! I want to try it out! Thanks for sharing at oopsey daisy!

    Reply
  40. [email protected] says

    January 31, 2012 at 9:59 pm

    Wow. I can't believe it's the same frame.. Amazing transformation..
    Thanks for linking up at friday fun party..
    Following you now!

    Reply
  41. The Pinwheeler says

    February 10, 2012 at 6:33 pm

    i love upcycling old frames! i'll have to try this next time i find a good one!

    Reply
  42. Raquel Gonzalez Morales says

    July 18, 2012 at 12:52 am

    You have a beautiful smile Ashley.
    I love your web site , and I learn from your ideas, and do you know? You are mi sister! (In Christ) .
    .

    Reply
  43. Jane says

    March 6, 2013 at 2:16 am

    love ur DUIs but i thought this one should have a black and white pic…would really make it shine even more. but..who am i to say..i could never come up with creative ideas like this. :)

    Reply

Ashley - Wildfire Interiors
Welcome to Wildfire Interiors! I’m Ashley, and I think you should love where you live. Small budget or big budget, color-obsessed or neutral lover, trend follower or trendsetter, and whether you know anything about design or not…we can all have homes that make us smile. Read more…

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