Monday, April 23, 2012

Don't toss those old frames!

I have had these "New Orleans" prints that I purchased from Kirklands for several years.



The prints were beginning to discolor, and quite honestly I grew tired of them. I had them sitting in a donation pile for the goodwill. Then I reconsidered after I had a friend, who has great decorator savvy, come into my home. We got to discussing home interiors and I mentioned to her that I want my home to tell a story (my cousin Beckie is my style inspiration, she knows exactly how to interject history and character into her home). I told my friend, I want my home to reflect MY family's story. My friend said, "Leigh,  You are a photographer. Your home should reflect that. You need to put some of your prints on your walls!!"

And she was right. I had little of my own prints but for my hall gallery.

So I uploaded a couple of my prints to a photo processing place. While they were being printed, I began to remove the backing from the matted frames.


Pretty easy.....



The photo lab is really about a block from my home. So I immediately went to retrieve the pictures. They were ready! So I came home and installed them in to the frames..


You can click on the pictures to enlarge to better see the photos.
I thought it would be clever to print off some of my beach outdoor shower prints to go into my bathroom.
The one above with the children (Sister Sledge and J Smooth as well as 2 of my nieces from a family beach trip) was taken about 4 years ago. I cannot get over how fast the children have grown and changed.

 

The one below was taken at Lulu's Homeport Marina. Its an outdoor shower for fishermen to wash off the days potent smell of bait and catch before heading inside for a brew.




Of course, it is still a work in progress. I haven't treatment for the window yet after painting the bathroom a few weeks ago. And I just might white wash the frames. But you get an idea...


So, my point....before getting rid of some of those old prints check out the frames. Framing shops charge an arm and a leg to frame pictures. You might have a frame that you can use or just needs a coat of paint  and  in need of your photos or treasured keepsake like a map or program, a vintage linen, etc. Just think of the possibilities and allow your home to reflect your story.

Have a great day!

13 comments:

Mari said...

Good idea - I'm guilty of tossing them too. Your photos are great!

Green Acres in the City said...

Thanks for the great idea. I have a stack downstairs that I am going to see what I can do with. BTW saw Jimmy here in Kansas City on Saturday Night. Never a disappointment. From one parrothead to another.

STILLMAGNOLIA said...

I bought a box of frames at an auction before Christmas..revived them....and put several of my shots from Italy in Sepia in them....they turned out gorgeous.

Creations By Cindy said...

Great idea! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Tammy @ A Walk in the Countryside said...

I have the print on the right in my master bedroom! I have a stack of frames and pictures just waiting for some inspiration. Thanks for sharing, Blessings, Tammy

Jan@southernjunkin' said...

Great ideas! I'm always thrifting for frames of all sizes!

Jan@southernjunkin' said...

Great ideas! I'm always thrifting for frames of all sizes!

Jan@southernjunkin' said...

Great ideas! I'm always thrifting for frames of all sizes!

nancygrayce said...

What a great idea!

Crafts a la Mode said...

Nice work. nice pictures, too. Best wishes, Linda

4thelove! said...

those turned out great!!

Elizabeth Ann said...

Great pictures. Love the one of the kids. Of course anything to do with Lulu's is a favorite.

Joyfully,
Elizabeth Ann

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Cute pics...love the one with the kids. Yes...I would paint the frames. I have boxes of frames that I re-use all the time.

Blessings,
Linda