Thrift Shop Frames to Valentine's Day Wall Decor

January 29, 2018

Today I have an easy Valentine's Day project that started out with these two square thrift shop frames that I purchased locally.

I like project frames that aren't photo frame sized. (Photo framed sizes are like 8 x 10, 5 x 7, or 4 x 6) I always check the frames mitered corners to see that they are tight before purchasing.

I think I paid $1 for the two of these.

First I brushed on two coats of Rustoleum Chalked Paint in Chiffon Cream.

Chalked Paint is a cheaper version of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, and is one of my favorites.

Next I wet distressed the frames with an old gold tee shirt rag.

Wet distressing is just what it sounds like. You wet a rag, wring it out, and rub on the chalk painted surface.

I always apply more pressure on edges and less on center areas. It's an easy technique to master AND much less messy than sanding chalk paint.

My husband cut two wood squares for me to fit in the frames.

I always have bead board unfinished sheet paneling on hand for projects, and this is bead board paneling upside down.
So it's flat.

Here, I painted them with two coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Graphite. I have a few favorite colors in Annie Sloan Paint line, French Linen, Old White and Graphite.

I sanded the surface smooth with 220 grit sandpaper before stenciling.

I purchased this Stencil Ease "You Are Loved" stencil at a Hobby Lobby store for $2.99. I didn't see it online, but it may be.

My main complaint with the stencil were the overly prominent stencil bridges almost everywhere. I know that stencils need to have some bridges to hold them together, but this one seemed to have the bridges just for decoration!

So I took a scissors and cut several of the stencil bridges out.

(I tried the stencil WITH the bridges first, and I didn't like it so this is take 2!)

You can always brush on more paint AND start over!

Thrifted Frame Valentine's Day/Little Girl's Room Decor

Much better. I stenciled the lettering with Ceramcoat Acrylic Paint in Buttercream, and the hearts are stenciled with Ceramcoat Acrylic Paint in Bubble Gum.

I sanded the stenciling gently with 220 grit sandpaper.