Cheap Frame Redo

I bought these GORGEOUS prints and needed something simple and um, basically cheap or free way to frame them. So, I measured 'em up real nice and took my handy tape measure to the DI (Mormon-land's version of "Goodwill" and found some frames that were close in size.

Then I made them MINE! 

From May 2011

(Don't be JEALOUS of the artwork. YES those are ground hogs hugging and YES that is one of those RAD velvet marker posters...)

First: Take the darn thing apart, remove the HIDEOUS artwork and do what you want with it. Keep the cardboard backing. You're going to need it. 

From May 2011

Sand the frame. Use a light grit because really, these are cheap little frames and they can't handle a rough grit. Just enough to keep the paint sticking.

From May 2011

Paint it. I went with black due to the artwork I have and well, I had it. I used regular old craft paint. Again, it's what I had. I used a little foam brush. It was very easy.

From May 2011

Lay the frame to dry. 

Next take fabric of your choice and lay it under the cardboard backing. Cut the fabric to be about an inch or two larger than the cardboard all the way around. 

From May 2011

Tape the fabric tautly once on each side. I used masking tape. It works.

From May 2011

Hot glue the entire piece of fabric all the way around, pull it taut as you go. Make sure it's nice and smooth, and tight as you go. NO wrinkles!

From May 2011

Next, center the art work on the front side and tape it down with masking tape. Don't glue it! What if you change your mind later? This is re-doable for Heaven's sake! 

From May 2011

Wash the glass, and put the frames back together. 

Hang and enjoy.

From May 2011

This entire project cost me $6.00, plus the cost of the art. 

Nice, huh? 

So, before you think you need to spend bazillion of dollars on expensive framing, try the DIY repurpose way. If you hated spending marginal amounts of money for a nice project, then goodness, go and get it professionally done! You have my permission.