Give your old artwork a fresh new look with just a couple of updates.
We’re back again this month with our Trash to Treasure series!
Today I’m showing you how to take an old piece of artwork and update it.
Here is the before. It’s something you’d see at any garage sale or thrift store, nothing special but the artwork itself is pretty.
The frame is actually plastic. And the matte is dingy looking.
I used my favorite paint since it adheres to almost anything without prep.
I used the leftover Graphite Chalk Paint® from my old dresser makeover.
Take your frame apart and paint on two coats drying in between coats.
I discarded that dingy matte and just put some water colour paper behind the painted piece like I’ve done here.
That’s it!
Crazy, right?
So easy yet gorgeous! I’m going to add this beauty to my rustic cabin in the woods once the renovations are all done. I can’t wait!
So if you want to see what this old person is wearing to her high school reunion this weekend or to check in on the debauchery, then be sure to follow me on Instagram.
And now be sure to pop over to these lovelies to check out what treasure they made from trash!
KariAnne from Thistlewood Farms
Jenna from Rain on a Tin Roof
Shannon from AKA Design
Coastal Charm
My Repurposed Life
Remodelaholic
Savvy Southern Style
The Scoop
The Shabby Nest
Ginger Travers O'Sullivan says
September 12, 2014 at 7:18 amFYI…(which I’m sure you already know). :-). You can also paint the matte, which I’ve done several times just because I wanted the job finished ‘RIGHT. NOW”! Ya know what that’s like, right? I used a sponge and just dabbed two different colors until I was happy with the outcome. You can do this with one color or as any colors as you like. The first matte I did about 10 years ago and it’s still in perfect condition.
Jamie says
September 20, 2014 at 9:02 pmThat is a great idea 😉 Thanks for sharing, Ginger!
Hugs, Jamie
Loribeth says
September 12, 2014 at 9:11 amLove that you painted the frame, but there is a purpose for the mat. It keeps the art from touching the glass, which is VERY bad for it. If it’s not a piece you love, no big deal, but if you love it, you’ll eventually ruin it the way you’ve framed it.
Jamie says
September 20, 2014 at 9:05 pmThanks for sharing, Loribeth. Yes, I would definitely use a matte if it was a nice piece of art. This one was destined for the thrift store. Great tip!!
Kathie from CA says
September 12, 2014 at 12:47 pmStandard mats are available at JoAnn’s and you can use your 40% off coupon
Jamie says
October 21, 2014 at 12:16 pmThanks Kathie!