You may remember a few months back I had my eye on a painting at a nearby auction - so I bid, and won. It was actually sold to me in a group of three paintings, the second of which was a Mona Lisa which found a new home at Jane's place and the third of which was a much smaller portrait of a lady, pictured below left.
It sat around in my study for months - I originally didn't care to keep it but then considered that the frame was quite ornate, much the same style as the beloved large framed painting I was bidding for. I pulled it out a few days ago and decided to finally make something of it.
My plan was to turn this old drabby painting into a nifty framed pin-up board. I thought I'd outline the rough steps I took, just in case any of you out there stumble across a similar old picture and decide to transform it too.
(1) I started by removing the securing-tape from the back and gently pushing the painting out, corner by corner.
(2) Next I took a sheet of corkboard, about 50mm thick, and lined it up to the back of the frame opening, cutting off the excess.
(3) After cutting the cork I noticed it what somewhat susceptible to crumbling, and, being only 50mm or so, I decided to give it added strength by cutting some felt to shape and adhering it with some heavy duty double-sided tape.
(4) I thought I would jazz up my board by covering the cork with some pretty fabric. I chose a simple black and white floral pattern to match the black paint I intended to paint the frame with.
(5) After cutting the fabric to size (about 3cm larger than the cork on each side), I lay the cork on top, ready to secure them together. I tend to find that putting glue straight onto felt can be a bit messy and fiddly, so I used some more of the double-sided tape as a base on the felt, and then glued onto that. Then I wrapped the fabric tightly over each of the edges, one at a time, allowing time for each to dry inbetween.
(6) In the meantime I began to paint the frame. I did two coats and then sprayed it generously with a gloss varnish to give it a shiny look.
(7) Once the frame was dry, I turned it over and flattened each of the little protruding clips which had held the painting in place. The cork was too thick for them to be of any use, so instead I lined the inner edge of the frame with glue and inserted the fabric-covered cork board, pressing firmly.
(8) I finished it off with some extra strong tape along each side of the back of the board, overlapping the wooden backing of the frame.
This is what the finished product looks like. The ornate design of the corners look excellent black and shiny, but unfortunately it was hard to take a photo which captured them accurately, so you'll just have to take my word for it.
And of course, the obligatory 'before & after' shot:
I'm quite pleased with the outcome =) What do you think?
Ooooo nice redoing of the frame! I'm also liking the pattern...I'm guessing it's the fabric you bought from IKEA? :D
Posted by: Niina | August 17, 2008 at 09:14 PM
oh yes I like it! I must get around to finishing off Mona! argg so many WIPs. I love her and have great plans, one day.....
thanks for the ref!
Posted by: Miss Dot | August 18, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Great idea! Keep your eyes peeled at whipup.
Posted by: nicoleq | August 21, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Very cool! I just linked over via Whip Up. I'm so glad I found your crafty blog! I'm adding you so I don't miss a thing. I'm also linking to this project in the Daily DIY.
Posted by: Rachel | August 22, 2008 at 05:41 AM
I think it looks brilliant, what a great idea!
Posted by: Crafty Green Poet | September 02, 2008 at 01:54 AM
ery nice post!!!! ;)
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