      
Odds and Ends
Fit To Frame
Are you one of
those who have a drawer full of favorite cards from your kids or
spouse? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could bring some of these
special remembrances out into the light again? Here’s an idea
using dollar store frames that has the double benefit of allowing
you to save your memories while adding artwork to any room in the
house.
First decide
which cards would be appropriate for framing. Cards with no
writing on the front and simple designs work best, as in the
example below. This photographic print card looks classy in a 5”
x 7” shadow box frame.
All you have to
do is tape the card to the insert inside and replace the backing.
The wooden picture easel is $1.00, as is the frame, which can also
stand on it’s own.
You probably
have a variety of cards that reflect your affinity with a certain
animal or object. If so, you can hang these together on a wall
to make an attractive grouping.
For odd-shaped
cards, use an 8” x 10” or larger frame. Here, we’re using a
clip frame. Choose a piece of colored card stock scrapbook paper
that coordinates with the card to be framed and trim it to fit the
frame. Then simply center the card on the paper, securing it with
a piece of tape and frame as usual.
Many
greeting cards will go easily into a regular 5” x 7” frame, as
with our third example, although you may sometimes have to trim
the edges of cards in order for them to fit properly. An
alternative would be to use a larger frame and use a picture mat
to center your greeting card. When doing a grouping of favorite
cards, it’s best to use the same color of frame for each one,
although the frames you choose can be of different styles and
sizes.
- Frames -
$1.00 each
- Scrapbook
paper – 2 sheets for $1.00
Scenic vacation
photos can also be an inexpensive alternative to artwork and with
digital photography, it has never been easier to create high
quality 8 ½” x 11” pictures. Each of these frames was $1.00.
 Or
how about using some of those scenic postcards you’ve collected
over the years? My Mom bought packages of black and white
photographs many years ago while on a trip to Western Canada. In
order to make use of these 3” x 4 ½” prints, we created a
collage of mountain scenery using a dollar store frame and some
white cardstock, cut to fit an 8”x10” frame. Center the
pictures in the middle using tape. Then outline each picture using
black ribbon to coordinate with the frame. The ribbon is secured
with small pieces of tape. You can use glue, but be careful not to
glue the ribbon directly onto the picture, as this will damage it.
This
frame cost $2.00 and the scrapbook ribbon came in a package of
five small spools of coordinating colors for $1.00.
Use
these easy ideas to help fill any empty wall space you may have.
It’s fun, frugal and may inspire conversation, as well.
more
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