DIY Gilded Frames

Chris once asked me, "Can't we just buy something as is?"  Ah, I wish it was that easy!  Unfortunately, you can't always get what you want.  My motto is, if you can't buy it, create it.  I saw these Pottery Barn gilded gold frames and knew they'd be a great fit for the gallery wall I wanted to create.  Unfortunately, they don't offer them in 11x14 - precisely the size I needed.

First, let's look at the final result of my latest gallery wall:



The top center frame was purchased as is from Michael's.  I wanted heavy molding for the middle frames and wanted one to offset the others.  Should I add artwork to it as well?  I'm open to opinions!


I found these grey washed 8x10 frames at World Market and printed favorite quotes onto artist paper for a more authentic look.  {What I love most about my home is who I share it with."  Back to gilding...I searched a few thrift stores for heavy molded frames without any luck that day, so I ran to the craft store and picked up one of my favorite $4 supplies - Rub 'n Buff.  It comes in various shades and is easy to use.  It's little tube is deceiving.  I completed all three frames on one tube!


The original frame just wasn't my taste, but I saw potential in it.  I just put a dab on the frame at a time and worked the "paint" in with my finger.  Work quickly as it dries fast.  To get the paint in the nooks, I used a 15 cent foam brush.  


To mimic the frames that I wanted to purchase, I left the finish as is, but just as the name implies, you can buff the paint off with a soft cloth for a clean, smooth finish.


Can you believe I paid just $8 for this frame?  Just 10-15 minutes per frame to achieve the look.


Anything imperfect is perfect to me.  Likely why I was drawn to the frames!


The wall made a great backdrop for our family photos!


Let me know what you think!  Should I leave the center frame empty?  If not, what do you propose I put in it?

8 comments:

Julie @ The Family CEO said...

Julie, I like the idea of putting something 3D in the frame. A cross, another smaller, framed picture, etc. according to your taste.

Jen @ Cuddles & Chaos said...

Love this little gallery! I agree that something should go in the frame, only I'm not sure what. Maybe a fun pop of color?

Anonymous said...

I think I would add a bit more on either side to balance with the width of the couch. also, maybe consider putting something a bit bolder in terms of print or image in the frames. otherwise, it's absolutely lovely

Julie Blanner said...

Julie, that's a great idea!

Lala said...

Absolutely love this!

Ann Burr said...

I am so happy I stumbled on this beautiful blog! I've just spent at least an hour obsessively reading post after post, but I had to comment on this one because I am desperate for some gold frames and had never hear of Rub n Buff! I can't wait to try it out. Love love love your gallery wall, and my vote in definitely for putting something into the center frame :) Again, happy I found you - I'll be a regular, for sure!

-ABC

Coordinately Yours said...

Thanks Ann! It was a great discovery. I'm still hoping to locate the colors champagne and brass sometime. It's amazing all of the frames, mirrors and tables you can reinvent with it. I have a metal table waiting in line! If you ever have a question on a post, don't hesitate to ask!

Reid said...

Okay, I'm officially impressed. You also just gave me a brilliant idea. Time to get my ute tool boxes out of the garage and see if I can't make works of art like those to sell on the side.

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