Friday, September 10, 2010

Thrift Store Finds

No, I wasn't gonna do it-- having just assessed my cluttered garage and wanting to edit my living room--again-- BUT....

 
I have these botanical prints that my husband and his father made for a client way back when. (They owned a printing company)I have had them, rolled up, in my garage for years. I saw an Aaron Bros coupon recently and thought: I really should find out how much it would be to finally get them framed...they would look really nice in my B & W living room....

 
But, went to A.B. and to get even ONE framed it would be about $100.00. Nope. So, of course I headed on over to the S.A. It was a long shot, because I wanted a set of 2 matching frames... viola! Look what I found, for $7.00 each.....perfect condition.

 
Actually, I found TWO sets-- the smaller set I am thinking of framing one of Graphics Fairy's FREE graphics--check her out here. I downloaded these lovely FERN prints:

 
My Inspiration?
Here's one from Pottery Barn:

 
And one in Black n White courtesy of Ballard Designs:

 
Plan is: spray paint the frames, order new mats cut to size, and bask in the savings!!!!
When I am DONE, you KNOW it'll be a post!

UPDATE: OK, Here's what I have done so far....
  1. Had to go back to Aaron Bros--and buy 2 mats, because of course, the mat in the painting I bought at S.A. was too short!
  2. Spray painted the frame pewtery-silvery
  3. Covered the old poster that was in the frame in burlap using spray glue
  4. Spray painted the existing mat in the old painting black
  5. Put the new mat around the print in a "dry fit"... here's how it looks as a preview:

I like how the burlap just "peeks through"...also solves my problem of the "too small mats"...I had to buy a 16 x 20 ready-made mat--to get a custom cut mat to the size I needed wiuld have been $26.00 EACH--nope. Well, keep posted as I finish up this project....
Make it a GRRRRReat Day!
Ann

3 comments:

  1. I love stealing ideas from Ballard and Pottery Barn! The prints are great!
    I am a new visitor and follower from Over 40; I hope when you get the chance you will stop by to say hello.
    doreenmcgettigan.blogspot.com

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  2. Ann they look so pretty! Great inspiration.

    It's nice to meet you! I really appreciate your kind words on my weight loss. It means the world to me to read them. You're always welcome to stop by anytime sweet friend. Good luck to you on your journey as well. I know you can do it. I'm here to cheer you on! Let me know how it's going okay.

    Blessings & Happy Fall!
    ~Melissa :)

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  3. Ohh ~ love! I've been flirting with the idea of botanical prints myself.

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