When you go out and about, do you find inspiration in the world around you? Maybe I’ll be out on a walk and see a color, or maybe an insect or animal that does something quirky. Right now, we are in the doldrums of winter, so WHITE is my inspiration. haha. No, for real though, I do love being in nature and all the God has created for us to enjoy. Today, I’m going a bit funky junk with this thrifted picture frame and metal sheets I found at a local ministry’s thrift store.

You’re looking at an oak picture frame, but also those punched metal sheets that caught my eye. Why? Well, I like to challenge myself with finding something and seeing what I can make with it. Tell me I’m not alone, k?

While I had many ideas running in my head looking at this set, I settled on creating a collage of sorts.

CREATING TEXTURE

First order of business, I need to make at least one of these sheets fit my frame. Using my tin snips, I take a bit off the short ends.

Then, once trimmed, let’s add some texture to the metal giving it an aged appeal. If you’re new to the patina game, there are amazing products out there that allow you to age metal right before your very eyes. You can see how I’ve used this to make a weathervane and DIY garden arbor (video below), or even a patina Art Deco dressing table. Likewise, if you don’t have the product, you can create your own patina like I did for my awning HERE.

The first step to the aged copper patina is to use a primer (if needed). I’m using Modern Masters Metal Effects Copper Patina product set. This prepares the metal, but also will protect things around it from naturally aging too if you don’t want it too. Typically, I don’t use it, but this time I am.

After that, I apply two coats of the special copper paint. However, when I apply the last coat I use the patina spray to begin to age the copper patina. You can see it in action in the video above. So cool!

NEXT STEPS

Meanwhile, it’s time to dress up the frame. Initially, I use a cold galvanized compound spray (aka. zinc in a can) to add a base coat. Then, I dry brush a bit of aqua milk paint. However, before I call it quits, I use more of the copper paint and patina spray to add a decoration to the frame.

Are we having fun yet? eep!

Last, but not least, I dig into my junk #trashure stash and create some art. You can see my salvaged junk turkey creation HERE. If you don’t have a stash of junk, I can’t call you my friend…just kidding!

SALVAGED ART

Here’s my thrifted picture frame turned salvaged art with a little le femme touch.

My little thrifty adventure led me down the path to one of the most amazing gifts of creation. The butterfly truly is an awe-inspiring insect that astounds me in its lifecycle. I see each one of us as a butterfly that God created. We are being renewed and transformed to be glorious in all we do.

With that in mind, my little le papillon creation is made up of tractor parts, door parts, clock parts, duct parts, and a bit of salvaged copper wire. Do you love it? I do.

Also, instead of a typical frame, I add a fabric bow to complement the printed fabric text. What would you have created with the finds I had to work with? After all, I hope you can tell I have fun doing what I do! If you’d like to make this a part of your home story, you can find it available in my online shop.

SHARE

Additionally, share and pin to get the creative juices flowing in other’s minds. It’s fun to inspire while upcycling for the benefit of saving good items from the landfill.

Up next, it’s Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time. Yahoo! What would you do with a sweater cuff? Check it out now HERE.

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Also, more fun crafts using an thrifted picture frame: