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