Twelve Blogs Of Christmas Day 8

Are you having as much fun as I am?  These bloggers that have volunteered their time to show us their talent and holiday decor are absolutely amazing.  Please don't forget to stop by their blog and leave a little note of thanks =)  Today Shaunna at Perfectly Imperfect joins us to strut her stuff!  Please welcome her and all the talent she is contributing today.

Hey there, ladies! I'm Shaunna from Perfectly Imperfect, where I share the tales of my furniture restoration biz and lots of DIY and design projects.  When I'm not doing that, you can find me hanging with these two (awesomely wonderful hubby not pictured)

or hanging as a foursome...

I want to thank Sommer for having me over today...it's an honor!

We're actually having to hold off on Christmas decorating around here, because somehow, our home is being shot for Cottages and Bungalow's Magazine this week.  (this is me gasping)  

But, I do have an incredibly easy and affordable gift tutorial for you guys!  Here's my original post...

Who's ready for Christmas?

How about Christmas shopping?

It's a love/hate thing for me.  I LOVE shopping for my friends and family, but also get frustrated when I can't get exactly what I want for them at the right price.

One of my favorite places to shop are holiday markets and craft fairs...there's a lot to choose from and I can usually get most of my shopping done in one day.

I missed all of those this year.

Bummer.

One of the things I'm always drawn to at the markets are the beautifully crafted frames.

Frames like this...

Only I didn't buy this one.  I made it.

For $12

(there's a $9 version as well)

I'm planning on actually building some frames, and I'll share those as well, but I wanted to share this very straightforward project with you.

Everything used for the project was from my home and bought from Hobby Lobby, at 50% off.  The main component being this frame, regularly 9.99, but I scored it for $5.  I also grabbed a fleur de lis applique for $1.

First step is to paint (and glaze if you want) your frame.

I painted mine with paint left from our guest bedroom, Valspar's Misty Surf (plus 2 extra pumps white).  I then glazed it with Valspar's Antiquing Glaze (my favorite!).  You'll want to seal it with a clear acrylic matte sealer too.

Once that's done, it'll be time to decide on your backdrop for the inside of the frame.  The great thing about these frames (found in the craft/woodworking section at HL) is the inside is super smooth and sturdy, perfect for mod-podging or painting. 

I applied a thin layer of Mod-Podge to the frame backing, and smoothed the paper on, being careful to avoid large bubbles.  (a little bubbling is normal until it dries)  Once that was dry, I added a top coat, and it was SO smooth! 

Time to choose your inner frame. This one was a little more at $7, but I loved the pressed tin look, and it was still within my budget.  A cheaper option and equally as pretty, is buying a $2 wood crafting square (located on the same aisle) and staining it to become your frame within the frame.  Or you can keep scouring your flea markets and thrift stores, and you'll probably snag some great inner frames.

I used a hot glue gun to attach my frame to the "mat."  You're probably going to apply it before it gets this dry. Because I pretty much had to scrape all this off and skipped the photographing the next time.

:-)

I applied the applique with a little bit of wood glue, but I'm sure the glue gun would work just fine.

Then, prop that bad boy up and plop a picture on top. 

Easy peasy.

I simply taped my photo on top, but it won't stay there.  This one's headed to my sis-in-law, Lara.  And if I know her, she'll see it here before she opens it next week...so I hope you love it, sis!

Don't you just love the depth to frames like this?  The layers and pattern are instant art.  You could create a wall collage for someone that would speak volumes about their personality and showcase their cherished photos.

The possibilities are endless as far as embellishments, colors, stenciling, etc. go. 

Glazing Tips: I wanted a touch of glazing on the smooth surface, but mostly concentrated within the grooves.  Use a damp paper towel to wipe the glaze mostly off on the smooth frame.  For the edges, paint it on heavily, paying special attention to the grooves.  Wipe off perpendicular to the grooves...this will ensure that it remains in the nooks and crannies.

The best part about this frame??

It's reversible! 

Paint the other side of the inside with chalkboard paint, or for that matter, use another patterned paper to completely change the look.

What do you think??

Cost breakdown:

Frame @ 50% off: $5

Smaller frame @ 50% off: $6

Applique: $1

Total Cost: $12

Everything else I had on hand, but you may have to factor that into your cost.  I figured most of you crafty ladies had a lot of this in your back pockets, anyway. :)

  Other products I used:

mod podge

chalkboard spray paint

1 piece 12 x 12 scrapbook paper

paint

glue gun/craft glue

I probably better get going.  I've got to make some more frames!

Thanks again, Sommer, for having me! Wishing you all the Merriest Christmas and biggest Blessings this Holiday Season!