Artist and art agent Lila Rogers named her book, I Just Like to Make Things. She talks about the joy she experiences in making things.
How many of us can raise our hands in a "me too" statement? There is fun and joy in making things. Usually, those of us who create do it almost chronically, even a tad obsessively.
Here is one of my latest creative do-it-in-an-evening projects.
Krislyn and I were doing something one night and we stopped by her home. I saw the cutest key holder by the door. Her sister Karen had made it. The picture frame turned key holder grabbed my attention. All week long I thought about it- what a great way to not lose my keys anymore!
And it was a pretty key hanger-holder.
And it was a way to upcycle the frames I didn't have pictures for.
And it was just plain fun.
Plus. Plus. Plus.
I spent a couple of hours putting a few together. So much fun and easy to do. I won't be losing my keys anymore because they'll be hanging in their proper frame. So happy to create something not just for being pretty but because its functional too.
You probably have everything you need around your home for this project.
- frame
- hooks
- paint (optional)
- embellishments (optional)
- pliers, protective glasses
1. The hardest part is taking out the glass. Krislyn and I were able to wiggle the glass out of the frames I found at the Goodwill Store, but I decided there had to be a better way.
I found pliers and pulled out some of the stapes holding the glass in place. I pulled them out on two sides and that was enough.
WARNING: Pulling out staples is an unpredictable practice. It's a good idea to cover your eyes in case of breaking or splintering pieces flying.
Remove the glass and save it for another project or dispose of it in your recycling garbage can.
2. Decorate. A lot of frames have signs of wear or are just plain dull. This is your chance to freshen up the frame!
You could paint it like I did here.
I started with mixture of white and purple paints from the Martha Stewart acrylic line. I didn't sand the frame; I had to put on about three coats to really cover up the original paint.
I painted the hooks to match.
Or, you could grab a frame that is already decorated and embellish it.
I found this frame in the Target clearance bin for less than $3.00 (score!)
I bought the flowers at Michael's for less than $1.50 and used a craft glue to glue them on.
Or, you could make a seasonal frame. For this frame I had the idea that I could change the sprig to whatever season was current. So next month I could change it to another fall sprig; in Christmas I could replace it with a holly or Christmas flower decor. All of these can be found at craft stores (if you don't already have a bunch at home.)
3. After the decorating the hooks need to be screwed in. This is easier than I thought. I marked out the places I wanted them to go with a pen.
Next I twisted them in. No equipment needed. A little straightening was required to make them look just right.
Ta-da!
These functional frames can be as fancy or simple as you want them to be. They could be blinged up or hang in simplicity on the wall. I'm thinking of a fun Christmas theme for an inexpensive, fun, DIY decoration.
Happy creating!
Leave a Comment