Picture Frame Makeover For Christmas Decorating

I love to collect junk picture frames to use in decorating. Whenever I come across super cheap or exceptionally ornate picture frames I always scoop them up and add them to my stash. There are so many fun things you can do to breath life into an old frame, especially for Christmas decorating!  

Don’t worry if you find frames with broken glass, an ugly color or with insanely outdated artwork…they all have a second life waiting in the wings! If you are looking for affordable ideas for your Christmas decorating (or any holiday really) old frames are your new BFF, especially when paired with the perfect makeover products. Trying out new paint types and DIY products is a favorite pastime of mine so I was thrilled to try out Rust-oleum’s Imagine line of craft & hobby paint in GLITTER RED! I mean does it get any better for the holidays that glitter? You can really never have too much!

This simple makeover cost next to nothing and was pretty quick to do. I’ll show you how to transform the frame AND the chalkboard part below!  I simply took this plain old frame outside and sprayed it down with my new Rust-oleum glitter spray paint. Here are a few tips that I learned in the process! You can also see the other project I did with this glitter paint here! 

Glitter Spray Paint Tips

1. Shake REALLY well and frequently as you use the paint.
2. Base color might be a factor. For this wood frame I sprayed directly on the wood. If I did it over, I might spray a solid color first. I think a good color base coat (depending on the color glitter you are using) would help with color and coverage. It is not necessary but could be helpful! 
3. Be patient. Light coats work best. You want to get close enough to the surface without glopping on the paint and lightly spray multiple coats. 
4. Move your spray paint continuously to cover the surface and avoid drips.
5. Multiple coats for best results. I found that multiple coats gave the best results with the glitter effect. Allow to dry in between coats. 
6. Optional – I sealed my frame with a high gloss clear coat for an extra glam finish. 
7. For pretty hanging add a ribbon to the back, I secures mine with a staple gun for extra sturdiness.

For the chalkboard insert of this frame makeover I used the cardboard backing that came in another frame I had on hand. I cut it to fit this frame. The cardboard had a rough and smooth side, almost like chipboard. I used Rust-oleum Imagine Chalkboard spray paint. It was awesome. I’ve used a few different chalkboard paints and was VERY pleased with the results of this one. Many of the same spray paint tips apply here. Shake well and multiple light coats work best. I think it’s important to remember you can transform so many surfaces with chalkboard paint! Cardboard is one of them! Especially for a sweet little Christmas decorating item like this. 

Buffalo check is still the rage and adding a buffalo check pattern is simple. Break a piece of chalk to the width you’d like your stripes and using the side of the chalk make a buffalo check pattern. The crossing squares are darker in this pattern. You can use your finger to smooth out the chalk and create a smooth finish – have fun with it. 

Once you glitter up an old frame and make a chalkboard insert you have SO MANY decorating options! Hang a wreath over it, layer with a sign, family photo, garland or Christmas trinket. The glittery goodness will highlight any treasure you choose. Let me know what you create – I’d love to see it or hear about it! Merry Christmas! 

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