New Life to Old Frames

Just as we’ve preferred to upcycle used cigar boxes for our engraved boxes, we also love to repurpose old frames we find at local thrift and antique stores to display and sell our work at art markets. They not only have ample history and character that pairs well with the historical art we create, but we are giving new life and purpose to something that’s already out there in the world, just waiting for a new home. We painted this one but it’s not something we often do, as there is something I find endearing about all the little nicks and scuffs these frames have sustained over time. (I just didn’t love the color of this one and thought black would complement this print so much better.)

Sidenote: sometimes I love the original art or photographs in these frames so much that I can’t bring myself to separate them. In those instances, I will either not purchase the frame, preferring to let someone else buy it who may actually want to maintain the piece as it is, or I’ll still buy it and just keep it for myself. I obviously had no qualms with removing the print from this particular one as it was pretty blah and underwhelming. It was also stained and discolored. We also lucked out on the price for this one! We rarely find frames this cheap especially, used OR new, at this size, no matter how old or in whatever condition they’re in.

(We don’t currently sell our framed art online; we limit these to local art markets.)