Betty Crocker Wannabe has MOVED! I am now blogging solely at A Simply Klassic Home. I am still sharing printables, party ideas, and other inspiration. It's much more streamlined and clean. I hope you will stop by and say follow along there! I have lots of ideas for new printables coming this holiday season!!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Pottery Barn Inspired Empty Frame Art & Card Display

I think we have created a monster.

I picked up a paintbrush for the first time in years. And I liked it. a lot. In fact, I've been wandering the halls of my house warning the mismatched picture frames that they're next.

As soon as I saw the Pottery Barn catalog that came out a few weeks ago, I started ripping pictures from it, storing ideas of things I wanted to knock-off for Christmas decor. I shared some of those ideas here.

This was one of them:


But with a hefty $200 price tag, I knew it was something I would never own. Then I looked to my right and saw a picture frame hanging on the wall. Sure, it had a picture in it, but this frame was just begging to be transformed. So I did.


I am so excited about how this project turned out. It's the first "big" project I've taken on in a long time.

Here's the original 16" x 20" frame:


First I sanded it down, not wanting to completely lose the dark color.


Next, I painted the frame Cottage White. I used a couple coats of Behr's Primer Paint (I actually bought a sample size for $2.94) and it worked great!


Once it was dry, I distressed the frame using both coarse and medium sandpaper.


Then I was ready to attach the wires. I purchased a picture hook kit at Home Depot that included picture wire, sawtooth hangers, picture hooks, and screw eyes for around $4.

I screwed in the eyes evenly spaced on the back of the frame.


Then I doubled up the picture wire, looped it through the eye and twisted it to secure it, making sure to hold it as tight as possible.




I kept the original hanger, and just screwed it back into the frame high enough and tight enough that once it was hanging it wouldn't be seen.


I hung it on the wall, and stood back to admire my work!


The entire project cost me about $7 for the paint and the picture hook kit. That's $193 cheaper than Pottery Barn!!

My original intention was to use it to display Christmas cards.


But then I thought it might be a great thing to leave up year round to use as holiday decor throughout the seasons.


I think that my favorite idea though, is to just hang a few black & whites on it.


What would you display?

Make sure to check back on 11/11 when I'll be posting a GIVEAWAY for personalized printables!


Linking to these great parties!

28 comments:

Patty said...

What a great idea! And so easy! Thanks for sharing this!

And then there was Anna... said...

very cute! better than the original! :)

new follower by the way - love love love your blog!

Zaira said...

adding this to my 'to make' list!

Kate said...

Well Pk that there is the proof you have transitioned beautifully from master chef to interior design. Well Done!!! Looks great

xo
Kate

Stacie said...

Love it with the black and whites!

Tracy said...

Oh my word!!!! I LOVE IT!!! I am SO COPYING THIS! I love distressing things...and I absolutely love this idea...(did I say I love this?) LOL

Christine said...

such an awesome project & great result! might be nice to convert into an advent calender for Christmas :) Thanks so much for sharing & for your sweet comment!

Gwen @ Gwenny Penny said...

Fabulous, Kristin! I love it. The color is perfect... even better than the original! Nice work!

Kathiey's World said...

Hi, I am just visiting from New Friend Friday and I love your blog. I am now a follower.
Thanks for your post
Kathiey:-)

Anonymous said...

looks great! Very nice idea for the Christmas cards, you could always change it up for the seasons?

Here from NFF, have a happy Friday!

Michelle said...

That's a great idea!
I think I would hang my boys art work on it.
Have a great weekend!

Sassy Sites! said...

Kristin!

Thanks for stopping by Sassy Sites and especially for adding my new button to your cute blog! I have enjoyed looking around your blog at your many talents. I look forward to getting to know you more. Have a wonderful weekend!! xoxo!

-Marni

Anonymous said...

Kristin~
I thought the same thing when I saw the PB catalog and long before I saw your post, I have my project qued up for the next thing to be done! I can't wait! You did a great job!
skk

Anonymous said...

What a cute idea! I'd like to try it. Thanks for the inspiration!

~Michelle

Ali Richardson said...

GREAT job! I love it! I actually have had all of the supplies to make one of these but I have been seriously lagging. You've inspired me to get to work :)

Unknown said...

I saw this in their catalog. You aced girl!

Beth Adams said...

Such a nice addition to any year round decor! Kudos to you.
http://wiccanmakesometoo.blogspot.com/

Jen @ EmbellishingLifeEveryday said...

Love it! It looks great! I hope you'll come link it up at the Catwalk! Link opens Monday night :)
http://embellishinglifeeveryday.blogspot.com/

shannon i olson said...

love this, looks great!

Holly said...

That's so cool! I think I need to make one.
BTW, I host a PB, Ballard, Restoration Hardware Knock-Off party once a month...this would be a great entry if you're interested. Next party is Nov 18.

Sarah said...

I love it! I will have to scour Goodwill for a perfect frame because I will be using your idea!
Sarah
linked over from cottage instincts

http://forevernewlyweds.blogspot.com/

Mel said...

Gorgeous! I saw those and thought,what! The want how much?

Yours looks amazing.

Tami / Maddie Lumpkin said...

Love it! On my way to the basement to find a frame!

Nikki said...

Oh gosh that is adorable! Im going have to make me one of those!

Holly said...

Still lovin' it! So glad you joined the party!

Holly said...

But please add my link to this post, k? Thanks.

Amy said...

This turned out so cute. I made one of these a few weeks ago. I saw the idea at tatertots and jello. I hung mine in my kitchen and I hang the recipe I am cooking on it. It works out so great to have the recipe up at eye level hung on the wall. I have a few pics of my kids hanging on it too :)

Amanda said...

I've put together a round up of PB inspired projects on Craft Gossip today and included your project. :) You can see it here
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/9-pb-inspired-projects/

If you would like to share the Craft Gossip love and show your visitors you've been featured, you can grab a button here!
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/