Frugal Decor - Getting Creative With Windows and Frames

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I love repurposing things, and have found that vintage frames and windows are the perfect foundation for some unique decor. The four projects that I'm sharing here have been my favorites!

Whether, like me, you’re living with a drastically altered (and lowered) income or you simply enjoy saving money in creative ways, these are just a few ideas for using vintage and garage sale finds to decorate and enhance your home space without spending a lot of money or time.

~Salvage an old window with a wooden frame.  Hang on your wall as is, or sand and repaint to match your décor.  If it doesn’t have glass, place small nails on the back above the window openings and hang small items (hearts, ornaments, miniature wreaths, etc.) for display. 

Found in an antique store on the Oregon coast, and painted with acrylics, this window hangs in my daughter's diningroom

 ~ Use a frame to make an earring holder.  Cut a piece of netting or lace slightly larger than the inside of the frame.  Tack or staple the fabric to the back of the frame.  I used a vintage frame found in my grandparent’s garage.  This has been in storage since my move a year ago, so it’s looking a little bit neglected!

~ Convert a frame into a bulletin board. Cut corkboard or a piece of foam core board to fit the opening. Cut the fabric of your choice (medium weight fabrics work best) the size of the cork board, plus two inches larger on all four sides. Center the fabric, right side up, over the board then flip the board over. Adhere the two inches of excess fabric to the back of the foam core board, pulling to tighten as needed, A hot glue gun works great for this. Attach the fabric covered board to the back of the frame with flat tacks, strong glue or nails.

The one that I made for my office (above) used a vintage white frame salvaged from my Grandparent’s storage and a scrap from a colorful hand-embroidered wall hanging from India (I first posted this project on my Creative Artitudes blog several months ago)

~ Experiment with altered art and create something unique!  I bought this frame on the Oregon Coast too – for another $10.00.  I decoupaged the frame with heavy tissue paper, added the letters to the top and embellishments to the left side and bottom.  I created five separate collages, using some 2 and 3D embellishments.  I then mounted each one to a square of heavy, clear plastic and centered each behind its own pane of glass.  Four of the panes were decorated with embellishments on the front; one with glass paint and crystals as well. I'll be able to add additional panels later, or remove and replace already existing ones. 

My Inspiration Window - the final project for my ARTbundance coaching certification class 

I hope you find some inspiration of your own in this post!

This post is part of 

Get Your Craft On Tuesday at Today's Creative Blog

Share Wednesdays at the Trendy Treehouse 

Whatever You Want Wednesday at Free Pretty Things For You 

Rustic, Recycled & Shabby Chic Ongoing Link Up at Rustic Crafts & Chic Decor

Shared for Show and Tell Saturday at Be Different Act Normal

Shared on Show Off Your Stuff Party at Fireflies and Jellybeans