With each season {or perhaps due to my own restless nature}, I like to give me home a little refresh – a little zhush!  One quick and easy way to instantly {and inexpensively} freshen up your home’s look is to swap out what you’re displaying in your picture frames.  And just because they’re called picture frames doesn’t mean we’re limited to using pictures in them, right?!  Using an ordinary item in an unexpected way adds interest to a room and picture frames are no exception.  So here are 8 creative things you can frame!

TIDBITS-&-TWINE---8-Creative-Things-to-Frame

 

 

1. Special Objects & Mementos

When I was creating my Gallery Wall, once thing that I really wanted to include was a tiny pair of leather gloves that used to belong to my grandma.  I simply adhered them to a fabric backing and slipped them into the frame just like an ordinary picture.  You could do something similar with any sort of {flat} object that holds special meaning to you such as baby clothes, birth announcements, bracelets, baby blankets, flatware, etc.  And if your object isn’t flat enough, simply remove the glass from the frame!

Tidbits&Twine-Medium-Small-Wall-Art

TIDBITS & TWINE Collected Gallery Wall

 

2. Notes

Notes or letters are another great option.  I have a note that my grandparents left for me framed in my cabinet.  The note doesn’t say anything particularly interesting, but it was a gesture that my grandparents often did for me and so it reminds me of them.  But love letters, postcards, even envelopes would be fun to frame if they hold meaning to you!

Tidbits&Twine French Cabinet Bingo Cards and Noteb

{source}
{source}

 

3. Recipes

On the side of my oven, I’ve framed three recipes of dishes that remind me of my family.  Not only do I love looking at the handwriting, but recipes are a natural fit as part of kitchen decor!

Framed Recipe
{via Cherry Hill Cottage}

 

 

4. Paper/Fabric

A super inexpensive alternative to art is to frame decorative paper or fabric.  I framed four different scrapbooking papers in my family room above my mantel in order to add some pattern and color.  You could also use fabric scraps or even leftover wallpaper!

TIDBITS-&-TWINE-Framed-Paper-Gallery

 

And one nice thing about having a plain background is that you can then use the glass front as a dry erase board.

{via Jill Ruth & Co.}
{via Jill Ruth & Co.}

 

5. Chalkboard

Large or small, frames are great for making chalkboards.  I purchased fiberboard {also known as hardboard} from a local home improvement store and painted it with three coats of chalkboard paint to make mine.  I haven’t yet written anything on it though….I think I need to take a chalkboard writing class!

TIDBITS&TWINE-Wedding-Mantel-3

 

6. Wreaths

Wreaths are beautiful on their own, but they stand out even more if they are surrounded by an empty frame.

{via French Larkspur}
{via French Larkspur}

 

7. Kids Drawings

My kids love to display their artwork on the refrigerator.  My daughter even tapes her drawings to my bedroom door, so I know she would love her very own art gallery!

{via Sawdust Girl}
{via Sawdust Girl}

 

8. Nothing

Frames don’t have to have something in them!  Sometimes, the shape alone can add architectural interest to a space.

{via Pottery Barn}
{via Pottery Barn}

 

 

This Christmas when I decorate, I think I’ll replace the decorative paper framed in my family room with holiday cards that we’ve received.  I love when I can add to my holiday decor without spending a dime!

 

What’s something you’ve framed other than a photo?
Tidbits&Twine - Signature

 

 

 

Would you like to receive my posts via email? Enter your email address below. You will instantly receive an email from FeedBurner and you will need to click the link to activate your subscription.

Enter your email address:Delivered by FeedBurner

 

 

Join the Community

Let’s keep in touch! Get exclusive artwork plus the latest news delivered directly to your Inbox!

5 Comments

  1. Thank you very much for your effort. You are a blog that I constantly follow and benefit from. As decorationforhomes.com, we try to follow your footsteps. I wish you continued success.

  2. You’ve shared some great ideas. I love old documents or letters framed. I also like the shadowbox like framing of items of interest. Ha ha, the whole chalkboard thing, that is why I haven’t made one yet, I want it to look like a professional calligrapher has written on it. It probably defeats the whole purpose of having one. :-)
    Karen

  3. I LOVE framing the notes – so sweet. And writing the grocery list on the glass is much prettier than scraps of paper on the counter! Great feature!
    xo. Leslie
    Segreto Finishes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.