Dollar Store Frame Update and Patriotic Printables
Adding dimension and depth to a shiny gold dollar store frame is easy and quick. Be sure to grab my free patriotic printables!
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Dollar Tree can yield some surprising items, and when I found a couple of the elusive gold chalkboards, I grabbed them.
How to easily update garish gold on a frame
The gold on these plastic frames is extremely bright and fake looking, but I knew that could easily be remedied. Giving cheap embossed frames an antiqued appearance can be achieved in minutes. Here is what you'll need for this project.
Supplies
- any gold embossed frame that's a little too bright (THESE are the framed chalkboards from DT)
- gilding wax (I used this color) OR rub n buff (I recommend this color)*
- small craft brush
- paper towel or soft rag for buffing
- optional - disposable gloves
*you could also try any dark brown furniture wax for similar results
Directions
- Start by removing the backing of the frame and set that aside. We will reuse that and don't want to get gilding wax on it.
- Dip the tips of your brush into the wax and quickly brush it over the frame. Don't try to cover all the gold, we're essentially adding lowlights to the bright gold, just wherever your brush hits.
Tips for best results:
- don't just brush back and forth, try pouncing the brush to get wax into some of the grooves
- this isn't a precision project, don't overthink it!
- each side should take you just seconds to "paint" with the wax
- don't forget the outside and inside edges of the frame
The results will be subtle but overall very effective. In the photo above, you can see where I've applied the wax on the top right of the frame, and a close up in the photo below.
I love using these types of waxes because a little goes a very long way! That little tube or pot will last you for many, many projects!
The close up image below is a little bit blurry, but WOW right? Obviously if your frame is flat, you're not going to get the same results. But on a frame that has bumpy elements, it makes quite an impact.
Once the entire frame has been covered to your satisfaction, give it a few minutes for the wax to "set", then lightly buff with a soft rag or even paper towel. You will remove some of the excess wax, and if you applied a very light coat, you may want to go back for a second application.
You can really see how much more depth and dimension the gold has now, and the results are an antique looking frame that cost only $1.25 + tax!
Printables
I added two brand new patriotic printables to my frame and styled it in a couple different places. If you're a subscriber, you'll find these printables in my Printables Library. The link is in every email I send you. If you're not a subscriber yet, you can sign up HERE.
These summer hydrangeas in a patriotic vessel are perfect for July 4th. I made two versions of the printable, one is a blue watercolor background and the other is a beige gingham. The printables are sized to fit a 5x7" frame, just print in full color, trim to size and tuck into any frame.
I've added lots of vintage patriotic goodness to our dining space, with an ironstone platter wall, a primitive pine hutch filled with blue mason jars, milk glass and flags. Tap HERE to see more of this space.
In my office, the little punched tin shelf I picked up on the curb (thank you neighbor!) holds another patriotic printable in the updated frame. More ironstone, decorated books and a little no-sew primitive fabric star made from drop cloth emphasizes the vintage cottage theme I have in this room. Tap HERE to see more of my antique chair recovered in vintage chenille and ticking.
Cute!
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