A while back, I found an adorable oval frame at the flea market for $5. I probably could have talked the lady down, but I’m a horrible negotiator, so I just paid it. Anywhoo, it didn’t have any glass and had a sad wire on the back for hanging (with only one side actually attached to the frame). I’ve held onto it for a while, and recently came across some artwork that sparked an idea in my head.
I decided to create some “Home Sweet Home” art for my gallery wall in the living room using Scrabble tiles. I knew this would be easy because the very same flea market where I purchased the frame always has a vendor who sells little odds and ends, one of which is Scrabble tiles. So on my next trip, I picked them up for crazy-cheap (20 for $1).
Here’s how I made the artwork:
1. I started by cutting a piece of cardboard to use as the backing for my frame. This was basically a trial and error process; first I traced the front side of the frame onto the cardboard, then I gradually trimmed it down until it fit the backing. I could have done it a more accurate way I’m sure, but I was impatient.
2. Next, I cut my fabric that I planned on covering the cardboard with, adding an inch around the edges so I could fold it over the cardboard and glue in place. I chose a pretty dusty blue damask print that has a little bit of an antique feel.
3. Then I glued my fabric to the cardboard backing.
4. I followed that up with glueing my Scrabble tiles in place. I didn’t want them to be linear; both because I liked the skewed look and because it would be easier to glue them on if I wasn’t trying to get them in the perfect spot (again, I tend to be a bit impatient).
5. Finally I put my artwork inside the frame and secured the cardboard backing with small nails hammered into the frame (similar to what I did here). I also nailed a real picture hanger on the back and got rid of that silly wire.
Now all I have to do is paint my frame black. I like it the way it is, but it doesn’t really fit my décor. Either way, I love the final outcome and how simple and cheap it was to create.
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