I started out with this simple plastic frame. It was cheap plastic but I was determined to make it something special – something gift worthy.
I would also like to invite you to visit my friends at the Creative Christmas Link Party below.
What I Used:
- A cheap plastic picture frame. Mine had a divider creating the illusion that there were three separate picture frames
- Americana Chalky Type paint in Everlasting
- Decoart Americana Acrylic Paints in red and yellow
- Decoart Dazzeling Metallics in Black Pearl
- PicMonkey to create the graphic
- Mini Christmas wreath
The How To:
Below you can see the back of it. I was so excited to start I didn’t get a shot of the front. It is cheap black plastic. They seem to show up like weeds in my house.
In fact you can download this one that I made. I chose the De Walpergen Pica font for this project. And no the J is not a mistake, it was designed to look that way. Here is a tutorial on how to use the fonts.
I also should mention that the frame came with a divider creating the illusion of three photos. And now you know why I chose the word “JOY”.
Can you see that nice sheen on the plastic frame? It doesn’t look plastic anymore. It has texture and depth. And even some imperfections which only add to the charm.
Below is a link party that I am participating in with my Blogging Fifty friends and we are all sharing … you guessed it, all things Christmas.
The Creative Christmas Link Party is hosted by Janet of Shabbyfufu and the bloggers of Blogging 50. Please visit all of the talented bloggers below!
Linking up to these Link Parties
This blog is for entertainment purposes only; my DIY tutorials are not professional advice. Read my full disclaimer here.
I love it when I get your comments and I will try to reply to every one of them. Please do not add a hyperlink to your comment, otherwise it cannot be published.
This turned out beautifully, Mary…the frame finish looks wonderful and it is a perfect style for the word JOY!
Pinning!
Thank you Linda, it was a simple project tailored to the decor of my friends house.
Mary you would never believe that it was a plastic frame, it looks so rustic and wooden and just cozy and perfect! What a wonderful idea and lovely sign for the holidays! I too love picmonkey for my printables!
Katrin my friends home is so warm and cozy full of lots of wood and that is the look I was going for .
Happy Holidays, Mary!
I love this idea! I pinned out to my Crafts to Make and Decorating boards for you. I also used Tailwind, so pins will go out later, too. Great idea and THANK-YOU for the tip about creating two “Joy” prints ~ very good to know! Glad to be with you on the Christmas Creatives linky tour. <3
Hope you are having a lovely Thanksgiving week ~ happiest of Thanksgivings to you and your family,
xoxo Barb
I am so looking forward to the holidays this year Barbara. It is a fresh start for us with lots of new things to make.
Your sign turned out beautiful! I really love how you did the paint. I’m going to have to try that some time. I love the additional touch of adding the wreath. <3
We needed to have a little something extra for Christmas! 😉
What a pretty and thoughtful gift Mary!
Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving 🍁
xxx
And the best part, it was tailored to the recipients taste.
You did a good job with that Mary. It does look like wood now instead of plastic. Love the way you put the whole thing together. It turned out so nice. I would be proud to receive it as a gift.
Thanks so much Florence, I know my friend was very happy with it too.
Your sign is fabulous Mary! Joy is one of my favourite words and states of mind. Great makeover of the frame too. Love the wreath around the O. Perfect finishing touch!
Thank you Tuula. It was a great way to use up that awful plastic picture frame.
That turned out really festive, Mary! Hope this holiday season brings you much joy! Hugs!
Thank you Jas, I am looking forward to it. It has been a long time since I celebrated Christmas in the states.
It looks great. I do like how you made it so understated and added the embellishment.
The person’s home I made it for has an elegant understated style so I wanted it to blend in and not stand out so much. Thanks for noticing that Debra.
You have a great talent in making boring plastic things into interesting pieces Mary! Thanks for the great tutorial!
Katerina I love when they are boring, it is like a blank canvas for me.
I LOVE this wall decoration! It is super cute and a great gift idea! I love that it says JOY! The embellishment is a great added touch! I love that you added that to the frame!
Thanks so much Natalia, it doesn’t take much to upcycle a plain picture frame.
Mary, I love it. The mix of the paints made for the perfect wood color and the way that you painted it added so much texture. It looks like old wood, and I dig that look so much! Joy is one of my favorite things, this would be a treasured gift, for sure.
Thanks Nikki, maybe I can make one for you and send it over? 😉 I’m sure I have lots of frames around here, only I would write “Grace” on yours.
That is so cute! I love the addition of the wreath over the “o”.
That was a last minute idea to give it a little bit of the holiday spirit. 🙂
Mary, the picture is beautiful and the frame is wonderful! I like how you painted it. I’m sure your friend loves the Christmas wall art.
She did and it is always nicer to give a personalized gift than one that is store bought. But you know that! 😉
What a beautiful piece of personalized Christmas art, Mary. I love the idea. You’re so creative.
I always try to upcycle whatever I have around to fit the recipient.
Mary, This is such a great way of getting an inexpensive Christmas decor added to your house (or your friend’s house). Pinned!
Thanks Carol, I really wanted to give her a handmade gift.
Such a clever idea for Christmas – love the little wreath around the O Mary
Thank you Amber it is now in its new home and very happy there.
Very sweet! You did a great job upcycling that frame!
Thanks so much Lynda! It was fun!
Thank you for sharing on the Whisk It Wednesday Link Party! Tomorrow when this week’s Whisk It Wednesday Link Party starts your link will be featured! Hope to you see at the party! Carrie @ Carrie’s Home Cooking
Carrie thank you so much for the feature. I’ll be right over.
I really like your festive JOY sign, Mary! Such a great way to repurpose a frame.
That frame really needed it Marie. 😉
Geepers, I thought that was wooden! I’d put that up in my own house. Well done.
Cath
The power of paint! 😉
I love this! So pretty and well done, and the frame is awesome too! You do such nice work. Thank you for sharing at Celebrate It!