This Old Frame

I like to think of myself as a semi-decent photographer. Let me rephrase. A semi-semi-decent photographer who can transform a crappy shot into something a little better using some mean design skills in Photoshop (not applicable to the iPhone photos below)! Who's with me?

Anyhow, it doesn't matter how much time and effort I may put into editing a shot if I never print, scan, frame, or otherwise share the photo. So I have taken it upon myself to scrounge up and transform some cheap old frames (I used these in my Senior Art Show back in college - What!).

My tools:
- 6 old frames with white pre-cut mat board
- Sand Paper
- 1 Can of white Rust-oleum Lacquer spray paint
- 12 Nails
- Hammer
- Level
- Pencil
- Face mask
- Tarp or newspaper
- Pavers or something heavy to hold down the tarp/paper

First, I chose two very bare walls in our kitchen (please ignore the landscaping out back...I have plans to revamp the yard very soon!).

Next I pulled out 6 old frames that were 4 photos deep (okay, so I used to be good about framing photos, not so much since the kid came along).

After measuring my nail marks on the wall with the level and pencil, I removed the backing, foam, photos, and mat board from each frame. I then numbered each frame to correspond with the placement of each frame (1, 2, 3...). I had to do this because the hooks were not in the same location on each frame (like I said, el cheapo).

Next, I jumped into some scrubs and took the frames, spray paint, sand paper, and mask out to the driveway. I set out some tarp, and held each corner down with some random pavers we have (plans for these in the future as well:). I highly recommend doing this on a calm day. If there is much wind, it may blow grass, dirt, etc. onto your wet paint.

Then I took my sandpaper and very quickly sanded the surface of each frame (only where I would be spraying the paint). I literally spent one minute or less on each frame.

Then the fun part! I sprayed each frame thoroughly and I only used one coat. If you want more than one coat, you will need at least 2 cans of paint.

Since it was such a sunny day, the frames dried quickly (I gave them about 45 minutes). I brought them inside, placed the mats and photos inside each frame, and hung them on the wall! Voila!

As for the wall on the right? I cheated and found this already-framed-art at BB&B for $30 (with a coupon). :)