Sunday, August 8, 2010

Before-and-After: $1 Tin Artwork

Before: $1 tin artwork courtesy of a local thrift store.
Kinda cute in it's own way but doesn't work for my decor.
(Please excuse the dusty outdoor window sill.  Eww.)

Step 1: I spray painted them a bright turquoise to match my living room accent color.  Then I waited for inspiration.  And waited.  And waited some more.  We're talking weeks here.

On a whim, I bought scrapbook paper that resembles wood planks.  I knew the frames needed some sort of depth and, for 50 cents, I thought I would give it a try.  It worked!
Step 2:  more waiting as I decide between a photo or illustration for the main focus.  After stumbling on this site, the light bulb went on and I printed copies of 2 vintage seed catalog covers.  I used 2 vintage hankies from my stash and, using this tutorial, created 2 rosettes.  

I added a couple small squares of cardboard to the back of the seed catalog prints so they would be three dimensional in the frame.  And here's the best part -- because these frames are metal, I glued small magnets to the back of the flowers and the artwork so that I could start over with a fresh canvas if I decide I want to go a different direction (considering the length of this process, I won't be changing things up any time soon).

Finished product:
 
I'm linking up this post to all of the parties over on the right....

Updated 9/28/10:  I'm linking up to the CSI Project this week

Visit thecsiproject.com

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's so beautiful! Great job!!

Jenny Hall / Seamingly Smitten said...

I love how it's 3 dimensional! Just got inspired for a kitchen project for our blank walls!

Jen said...

That faux bois paper totally adds to the appeal! And I love that you found a project to incorporate some of your vintage hankies into :)

Nice job!

lindybasenji said...

I want to be brave with the spray paint too! I've got some projects waiting . . . waiting . . . waiting. But I love it.

Amanda @ Healthy House on the Block said...

I absolutely LOVE your redo, Nikki! They turned out SO cute! Love that blue -- it really pops! :)

Alycia Grayce (Crowley Party) said...

adorable and creative!

Brittany Lewis said...

How cute! O please let my thrift store have a couple of tin trys haha!

brittany-theyoungjunker.blogspot.com

come check my blog out!

Staci J said...

those are absolutely darling!! I LOVE the blue pop of color;)
Visiting from justsewsassy.com
Come by and check out my blog for a fun giveaway going on right now!
http://justsewsassy.com/2010/08/10/tuesday-tutorial-anthro-inspired-headband/

Tammy said...

You are too talented.

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Adorable!!! Super cute artwork. Love the little ruffly flower. :) Stopping by as this week's CSI Judge. :)

Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures said...

Oh how fun. I love the bright colors. What a great makeover. Saw you at CSI.