Thrifted Frame Flip: Create Charming Chalkboards for Any Room!
For this thrifted fall decor segment, I’m showing you how I turned two thrift store picture frames into a real thing of beauty! One of my inspiration photos for this year’s fall decor included a set of two beautiful antique brass-coloured frames, one inside the other. The inside frame was a chalkboard with a lovely autumn quote on it. I knew I could DIY this for cheaper than buying new frames and make it fit the rest of my decor perfectly, too!
Thrift stores are FULL of old picture frames, so I knew I was sure to find what I needed for a fraction of the price.
The first frame I found was perfect the way it was! It was already an antique brass colour and had some really beautiful detailing around the outside edge of the frame.
The second frame was the right size but needed work to make it fit my vision. The inside groove of the frame was a dark brown instead of the antique brass I was going for, so I needed to change the colour of the whole frame.
OnceI had my frames and an idea of what I had to do, I got to work! The first thing I did was take the backs of the frames off, being careful not to damage the frames or the backing.
The backing of this frame was a sturdy black piece, so I was lucky enough that I could use it for the chalkboard surface! All I had to do was flip the backing over and apply my Rustoleum Chalkboard spray paint.
Once the spray paint was dry, I rubbed chalk all over the surface to give it that “previously loved” look.
I put it back in the frame and it was ready to go!
Watch All of my Budget Thrift Flip Decor Ideas for Fall
Making the Outside Frame
Then it was time for the more serious DIY: making the outside frame the right antique brass.
First, I sanded down the frame where it was painted brown by hand using a piece of sandpaper.
Then, I used my Rustoleum Vintage Gold to give it a gold-toned base layer.
Once that was dry, I used Rub n’ Buff in Antique Gold for the next layer.
Next, I use my Daler Rowney Goldfinger to give a bit more depth to the colour of the frame.
Lastly, I added a few drops of Liquitex Acryllic Ink in Carbon Black to get the patina I wanted for the outside finish of the frame.
I put the smaller frame next to the one I just finished, and they looked perfect together! These will look so beautiful nested together as part of my fall display.
