This month’s Studio 5 challenge was to find some different ways to use old picture frames.  The most difficult part of this challenge was to stay focused.  My mind was going a million miles a minute and I finally realized that there are way more ideas than I had time for.  So, I picked a few to start with.
I saw a vintage bird curio at a local botique.  I was in love . . . but not in love with paying $60.  So, I tried to make my own version. I started out by building a basic box shape out of a piece of wood I purchased at Home Depot for $2.50. Then I made a rounded piece for the top.  I purchased a wooden applique for the top and then I painted it.  For the door I used an 8X10 picture frame.  My favorite part of this project was the door.  I wanted to create a frosted glass look.  So . . . I printed a design onto a full clear label sheet by Avery.  I included it below if you’d like to use the one I made.  Make sure you use a burnisher to smooth out all of the air bubbles.  Next, I attached the door with hinges and then added a glass knob.

I also got this idea from the same local botique.  It was on sale for $75.  I decided to make my own and it ended up costing under $4.  I simply made a frame and adhered it to a 2X4 that I trimmed to the desired length.  After I painted it I attached eye-hooks to the top and then hung frames with ribbon.  I actually purchased the frames for 10 cents a piece at a yardsale.
For this project I created a box using the left over wood from the other projects.  I used a 5X7 frame for the lid by attaching it with hinges.  After painting and antiquing, I printed the design onto a piece of  Avery “Clear Full Sheet” Label paper.  Then I adhered it to the front of the box.
This is a perfect example of using Frames for customized home decor.  Group frames together to spell words or phrases.  For this particular frame I decided to make a Halloween sign.  I simply used pattern paper and black alphabet stickers.
This is a great gift idea for mom.  It is a large 11X14 frame that I simply attached Handles on the ends to create a tray.  I decopauged some pattern paper on the top.  I used a great new line by Kay and Co.  It is a huge pad of oversized patterned paper that is perfect for home decor projects.  This tray would be great for breakfast in bed, sitting on the coffee table, or simply a tray for your perfume bottles.

Heritage frames are EXPENSIVE.  Especially if they have bubbled glass.  This old clock frame was PERFECT.  It went from nasty orange to a great vintage photo frame.