Hunting down a great thrifted frame is one of life’s little joys if you ask me. When the frame has one of those old cardboard pieces of artwork still hanging around, I say even better. I’m going to show you how to use a cheap, outdated picture I got in a thrift store to make a beautiful DIY typography wall art piece you’ll love.
This dusty old frame and scenic photo landed in my possession for a mere three bucks. Seriously, does it get better than that? I think not. Little did I know how special this ratty piece of art would be to me. It’s the new year and I have been feeling God grasping my chubby little cheeks and turning my head saying, “Look at ME. Look to ME. Refocus and put first things first.” Now, I know I am not imagining this realignment, it has been beckoning for too long to be made up. Deep in my gut I know what the Lord means, I ventured off his path a little, making my own little side street that runs parallel to his will for me. Not really doing anything wrong, just carrying the load myself, spinning my wheels and forgetting what He called me to do in the first place. Do you believe a thrifted frame can be a breakthrough? Well, it was for me and I’d venture to guess it can be for you too.
I knew I wanted to take this scenery pic and paint over it to make a cute sign to hang in my office. Plain and simple, black and white, a frame with some words. That is all I was going for.
I started by painting the warped scene with white paint and immediately as the paint was drying I felt the urge to wipe it away, to peel it back and let the old picture shine through. As I smeared paint and the image re-emerged I felt God saying, “Remember your purpose.” Over and over this phrase washed over me as I wiped away the layers I had added, to perfectly reveal a glimmer of what was before.
We all wonder what our purpose is in life and as I have walked closer with God over the years and soaked in His word, I have found that our purpose is really no secret or mystery. Our purpose is to serve the kingdom and deliver the message of salvation for as long as we are alive and breathing. HOW we walk in our purpose is the real question to be answered. Rest assured, we all have a different call to serve the kingdom, a different equipping to bring the gospel to life, and no matter how much you feel un-purposeful, God filled you with your very own method of ministry.
God gave me a creative gift to see beauty in the broken, cast out and tossed aside. He gave me a creative eye and a passion to fill a home and make it pretty. That’s great and all, but it’s not my purpose. My purpose is sharing with you how I see God in all the treasures when I’m flexing the gifts He gave me. My ministry in this life is to inspire others and set you free by unleashing the talents you have bottled up and unexplored. I’m here to help connect the dots between talent and purpose. So that you can march on and do the same. Our purpose is to point to God in all that we do, whether that be scrubbing toilets, knitting blankets, transforming junk or closing multi-million dollar deals. In your talent lies your purpose, your medium, your way. For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13
It’s so easy to get lost and off track in this crazy world that tells us to self seek and do what feels good, pursue perfection and a cream cheese carved life. But God is gentle and kind and he will call you to lift your head. He will nudge you back to his path if you’ll have it. And trust me it feels better than anything this world can offer. The load is lighter and the reward is sweeter. So if you feel the call to remember your purpose I softly whisper, “go”.
Making your own one time use stencil with your Cricut is easy. Just start a new project and type in your saying, select a great font ( I used Aprillia Font from my own font stash for this project). I type each word individually and then move them together in a layout I like and then weld the words together to create one uniform piece. You can cut the letters and adhere the vinyl as the words, or do what I did and make a one time use stencil from contact paper. Size the words to fit your canvas and cut them on your Cricut or Silhouette. If you are making a stencil, remove (weed) the letters and leave the negative. You will need to use transfer tape to transfer the stencil to your canvas. Remove the transfer tape and smooth the stencil. Paint over it and remove the contact paper stencil for perfect typography letters. I sanded mine down a bit for a worn feel, but you can leave them solid if you like.
A quick dry brush of chalk paint on the frame and my new thrifted artwork was ready to hang, loud and clear in my office. Constantly reminding me of what I need to remember!
Whenever you craft or work with your hands I encourage you to ask God what he has for you in that project. He is so keen to talk with you if you will only listen. I hadn’t even asked that question in a while and as soon as I did – there He was, anxious to fill me up again. This piece is literally one of the first projects I have felt God so near to me in a very long time. I am so thankful for the forgiveness God doles out so quickly. So see – junk can be a gospel breakthrough, it’s all a matter of the lens we look through. Blessings to you today as you reignite your passion to walk out your purpose!
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
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Kim – this is absolutely gorgeous! I got a Cricut Explore Air 2 for Christmas and have yet to get the courage to try it out.
You’ve inspired me with this project, but more importantly your words hit me like a ton of bricks! I’m sad to say I’ve also been making my own path and leaving God in the dust. I didn’t even realize it until I read every single word of your post. I believe God worked through you to wake many of us up and I’m thankful!
May God bless you abundantly today and always.
Karen
Thank you for letting me know I am not alone and your encouragement! Girl, get that Cricut out and have some fun!!!
Thank you Kim ❤️
Beautiful project, but more importantly, beautiful story!
Thanks for sharing. Jesus is always there for me! I totally feel we all have a purpose ????????????
yes we do! It can just seem so daunting at time right? but that is when we are working alone and there is no need to do that. Thank you for being here 🙂
I love coming to your space in the blogosphere. I leave encouraged; encouraged that there are others out there that are using the gifts God has given them to draw eyes and hearts to Him. The Westminster Shorter Catechism, question 1: What is the chief end of man? Answer: Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
Thank you for the encouragement and reminder. I will be paying closer attention to old pieces of artwork from now on as I look to put my own spin on a similar project.
Thank you so much and I love that answer, so often I forget it and need the encouragement and reminder! So thankful you come hang out with me
Beautiful project and very good reminder of our gracious, loving God who is ALWAYS there for us, leading us in our path if we let HIM!!
Thank you and God Bless
man, if we let him…such truth. Why are we so stubborn to goodness sometimes?
This really spoke to my heart. Thank you so much. I needed it! Great project is a bonus!
I do love this project too, it was a fun one. I appreciate you speaking out
Beautiful and inspiring! I can see the Holy Spirit at work in you. That’s so awesome.
awww thank you fried, that means a ton coming from you.
I am 70 years old, thinking that I am too old to look for new ways to serve the Kingdom. But, God keeps putting ideas in my head and desires in my heart to not stop. Your post today was Him again! Thank you!
don’t stop until he stops you! You are never to old and I adore learning and growing in the shadow of the women before me, you have something very important to offer…always!
You are, indeed, an amazing Christian woman – your work is beautiful and your witness is even more beautiful. We all need a wake-up call now and then and it would appear that you have accomplished that for many of your friends. Thank you for your words of enlightenment and love.
I am hardly amazing but doing my best to get up and put one foot forward at a time. I know my life is so changed and truly desire that for others, so thankful for this space to have a go at it and people like you who encourage me along the way. Thank you Betty.
Linda, I am 83 years old and I still need encouragement and I have been doing God’s work all my life. (I must admit I am a young/oldie and still do all the extras including Aquafit, quilting etc.)
amen – you are never too old!!! You have something to offer!
Amen, sister!
😉
Thank you for this much needed reminder to remember God’s purpose designed specifically for me! It’s so easy to lose sight of that in times of hardship!
He is so personal and what he gave you is all yours to run with. I love that so much. Blessings Cheryl
Thank you for sharing this and your love of God. You inspire me to not just create something, but you show me how to glorify God while I’m doing it. Priceless!
Marlissa Gibbs
If you can manage to find God in your craft then I feel like you have found the most amazing treasure! crafting is my church 🙂
Thank you so much for an encouraging and inspiring post. I really needed that message today!
so happy to bless you today Mary and thank you for letting me know
Thank you, Kim. I understand the ‘parallel path’ you referred to. It’s much better being on the course He has set. May the Lord bless you as you remember your purpose! And a lovely project, as always 🙂
thank you Janet – sometimes that path isn’t bad it’s just not best!
The artwork, the beautiful reminder, and the awesome comments by your blog followers. Inspiring!
thanks girl and man, my people are so awesome! I just love these ladies, including you!
Awesome love this
so glad Norma!
I feel like I’ve just had church sitting in front of my computer. What a sermon! Thank you for sharing what overflows from your heart.
lol – that is so funny, well I hope it doesn’t touch someone’s heart. I only share what I am going through and am hopeful I am not alone in whatever trench I am in! God speaks it, I just share it!
I love how you wiped away the paint. What a beautiful finish to go along with your beautiful words. Thanks for sharing both!
Kim,
That is incredible! Thank you for sharing both your faith and your talent!
Thank you Janice for being here!
While I cannot make out the artist’s name on the first photo, the style looks to be a Paul Detlefsen. He was my husband’s favorite artist. Thanks for the walk down memory lane today.
I love this and all your encouragement. I haven’t. purchased a circuit, but I may have to look into one.
In His Grip,
Renita
I don’t do close to as much as you can do with my Cricut but it is really fun to have and play with!
This post ministered to my heart this morning. The artwork is beautiful, too. Thank you.
so glad, blessings to you!
very nice and modern tranformation of an old painting! Good job well done!
My Granny had the same picture! And I hated it! Then my Mom, her daughter, came into possession of it. When Mom died, I got rid of it. Now, I wish I had kept it to do over lol!
Kim,
I follow several of you talented ladies through email. A couple I started following because I saw they are Christians and have been blessed many times by little stories they tell. In my busy world though I’ve got to the point where I just scan the pictures of the craft projects and rarely read what is being said. I’m not sure why, other than God, but I actually read this one today and was blessed by your story. Thank you for your ministry keep spreading His word in all you do. I appreciate you and your commitment to serve the Lord. God bless.
Thank you for your encouragement and for being here. You make my day bright😍
Wow! Kim, this is beautiful! God definitely has a purpose for you. ❤️
Thank you sweet friend😘
Thanks, Kim. I needed those inspirational words today! I am new to your blog, but I think we are going to be fast friends!
Such a great story Blessings to you
and you as well Irma
This was an amazing story! Wow! Kim God has certainly blessed you with talent and inspiration. Thank you for sharing your testimony in your work and words to inspire others. God tells us to encourage one another and you certainly are gifted to do that. The picture that you transformed was so pretty. May God continue to bless you to bless others by sharing with us. Sincerely, K. Miers
Thank you so much Kay, I appreciate your kind words