Transform An Old Frame Into Beautiful Wall Decor With Vintage Charm

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Finding decor to match a current aesthetic that also reflects your unique personality is tough. And when you do find something, it's not always affordable, especially those big impactful pieces. Fortunately, there's a vintage thrift store find that people are repurposing for gorgeous home decor–an old frame. There are some amazing finds hidden among the used products at your local thrift store that you may not have been able to afford new. You can even use one you already own, if you have one on hand that you've been holding on to with no plan in sight. This will be the foundation of a personalized display that your family and friends will be sure to notice.

The way this custom project works is by replacing the glass in the frame with a decoupaged wood insert. In short, this is affordable modern art you can easily make using scrapbook paper as a backdrop. A focal point is added to the backdrop to add depth, texture, and personality. This is where you put a little bit of yourself into the project. Use a vase, dried flowers, an ornamental figurine, or anything else that suits your fancy. Upcycling items you already have is a great way to save money and make the art piece more eco-friendly, as more than 4.9 pounds of solid waste per person enters the landfill every day in the United States. There are also plenty of ways to add more personalization as you complete your vintage DIY decor piece.

Gather your frame and visit your local craft store for decoupage glue like Mod Podge, an industrial-strength adhesive like E6000, scrapbook paper, and scissors. You'll also need a decorative item to display in your frame for a 3D effect, and a thin piece of wood the same size as the glass pane in the frame. Measure the glass and visit your local hardware store for a product like a ProWood tempered hardboard project panel. Shops like Home Depot will often cut the wood for you, so you can skip the sawing at home. With these items gathered, you're ready to make some vintage wall art.

Coat the cut wood with Mod Podge and add your paper backdrop. Mount your chosen display item to the front with E6000. Get creative and make one for your bathroom with a rubber duck, or draw from farmhouse entryway ideas that are bursting with charm, and put antique keys or an adorable straw hat in the center. Carefully swap out the glass in your frame for the wood, adding more E6000 to hold it in place if needed. That's all there is to stunning and whimsical wall art. Customize the look by using paint instead of scrapbook paper or giving the frame a luxurious finish by brushing on some gold leaf. You'll have a one-of-a-kind vintage art piece with personal flair without breaking the bank and with an eco-friendly touch.