A few weeks ago, my daughter and I made an impromptu stop at the thrift store.
Where I found this lovely botanical print on the wall.
It was $7, a bit more than I wanted to pay for this second hand piece of art, but I just couldn't leave it behind.
Something about those red flowers made me smile the minute I saw them.
The frame was a mess, painted in a haphazard fashion, but I was ok with that. It'd be a simple fix.
Where I found this lovely botanical print on the wall.
It was $7, a bit more than I wanted to pay for this second hand piece of art, but I just couldn't leave it behind.
Something about those red flowers made me smile the minute I saw them.
The frame was a mess, painted in a haphazard fashion, but I was ok with that. It'd be a simple fix.
However.
Once I got it home and brought it into the living room, I had an idea that didn't involve that frame at all.
For over 20 years, the same two thrifted prints had flanked the sofa. Roses on one side, tulips on the other. Both completed by the same artist.
And I adored them.
So much so that it never dawned on me to change them.
Until I saw my latest acquisition in the room, then I knew that I needed to swap out the tulip print with the new botanical one.
While I loved catching a glimpse of those tulips, my signature flowers, whenever I walked past the living room, lately, I felt the need for a change...and the new print seemed to satisfy that craving.
And all I needed to do, was remove the old picture and pop the new one in its place.
I started by turning the new frame over to inspect how the print was locked inside.
The back was covered with paper.
So I grabbed a small razor blade and cut it away from the wood.
When I peeled it back, I noticed there were staples that kept a piece of cardboard and the print in place.
I pried them loose with a screwdriver to free those pretty flowers.
In the meantime, I removed the tulip print from its frame and pulled out the red, linen matboard.
Unfortunately, the prints were not the same size.
That meant I had to figure out how to bridge the gap between the red mat and my smaller print.
I contemplated my options for a long time, until I finally decided to use this red checked ribbon.
It was thick enough to cover that gap and just the right color.
It would be a quick and easy DIY after all.
Or would it? Well, that's debatable.
It started out ok, as I used a ruler to center the new print on the backing paper that fit inside the frame and measure the space I needed to cover.
Once I had it positioned perfectly in the center of the matboard, I taped it to the paper.
Then I tucked the ribbon under the mat and over the white outline of the print and taped four separate strips in place, as well.
That was a task that took longer than I thought it would.
The ribbon kept moving, exposing the white border and getting the squares on the ribbon to line up at the corners, in a pleasing pattern, wasn't easy either.
The ribbon kept sliding around...and when I finally got it positioned exactly where I wanted it, as soon as I flipped it over to pop it in the frame, it moved.
Over and over again.
That's what I called my husband into the living room to help me, because two heads are better than one.
And four hands are better than two, right? For this project? Definitely.
Unfortunately, four feet were too many, and as my husband and I tried to dance around each other, he stepped on the glass in the frame, which was on the floor. Not good.
It was late, I was frustrated, but my sweet husband, thankfully not hurt, got the vacuum and cleaned up the shards of glass.
Then he calmly suggested the magic solution to my moving ribbon problem. He said that I needed to suspend the art and drop the glass and frame onto the print from the top.
So I balanced the print and mat on top of a pillow, placed the frame on top of it, then reached under to secure the metal clips.
And it worked!
He really is a genius. The guy has an engineer's brain, which serves me and my crazy DIY brain well.
I was so happy with the process, and the look of the first print, that I decided to use the ribbon to accent the old print on the other side of the sofa.
Creating a new pair of prints that were unified by the same frames, same matboards and same ribbon.
A pair that was particularly difficult to photograph, thanks to all the reflections the camera lens picks up.
So you'll have to take my word for how truly fabulous they look on the wall.
That simple ribbon totally refreshed my old rose print. I swear the colors looked brighter...proof that the right frame is art in itself. It makes such a difference.
The combination of the ribbon and that bold red matte elevated that $7 thrift store print into something that looks like it cost so much more.
Making me smile a little brighter when I walked past it.
And giving my entire living room a fresh new feel.
How fabulous.
😌
Do you have an old print that could use an update?
Oh hey! Before you go, it's time for another round of thrifted shares from my creative friends!
Be sure to click the links below so you can check out all the out of the box craftiness and decor! You're sure to be inspired.🤩
My Repurposed Life
Refinished Vintage Metal Patio Chair
Shop At Blu
Thrift Store Lampshade Makeover
Our Crafty Mom
DIY Upcycled Globe Light, Cloche, Pedestal Bowl and Paper Towel Stand
Funky Junk Interiors
Thrifted Botanical Print Makeover
Exquisitely Unremarkable (That's me!)
Glass Rainbow Garden Tower
Redhead Can Decorate
I'm frustrated just reading this. That kind of thing will drive a person crazy. Kudo's to your brilliant hubby!
ReplyDeleteI love the addition of the ribbon, it's perfect for your cottage charm home!
It was very frustrating, Mari! That silly ribbon kept slipping around. Thank goodness it was hubby to the rescue...and thanks! It was a super thrift store find.
DeleteKim. This is an absolutely brilliant and very stylish solution. It looks great with your cottage style
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mary! What a lovely, lovely compliment. ☺️
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteI love how both prints look with the ribbon and the red mat! I'm happy that you didn't give up, because all of the frustration was definitely worth it in the end.
Pinned!
gail
Thanks Gail and I do love getting pinned! 😉 It was frustrating, but the results were so worth it.
DeleteBrilliant idea Kim! Thank goodness for guys like our husbands with engineer brains!
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks Sara...and yes, those guys are worth their weight in gold.
DeleteI love the idea to use ribbon. I am pinning!
ReplyDeleteCarla
Thanks Carla! I can’t believe how much life that ribbon breathed into both prints!! 🌹
DeleteFabulous! I want them. *L*
ReplyDeleteThank you!! I wish I had extras to share!! ❤️
DeleteSuch a clever solution to a problem I've faced before. I was thinking you'd have to re-mat it. This is a much better idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann!! 💕 This one had me on the ropes for a bit. I thought about fabric and paper, a brand new mat like you said, but then I saw that ribbon. Bingo!
DeleteWow Kim, the frames looks so nice. It's wonderful that you and your husband work well as a team and work on projects together. Your husband it smart and I'm glad you were able to figure out the frame situation. Enjoy your new frames! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Julie! I'm so glad he was still awake. Haha...It was after 11pm when I called to him. I'd had it, wrestling with that ribbon on my own. Thankfully he had a great solution. Of course, the broken glass wasn't good, but it happens. Hope you're having a great week!!
DeleteThat looks lovely and is such an easy solution.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne! Once I figured out the secret it was super easy.
DeleteOhhhh beautiful! That print is perfection for that room! But the ribbon really does it for me. The extra oomph the pattern gives feels so cozy and FUN! That picture and what you did? Total score!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Donna! I'm a sucker for anything red. It's been my go to decorating color for decades. I just love a pop and that ribbon certainly delivers. ❤️
DeleteHi Kim, this is gorgeous!!! I love the colours and design! I really appreciate your artistic talent...and I love your taste in things! That print is eye-popping stunning! The flowers, the green leaves, the Gingham border and the bold background! I absolutely love this!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Linda! What a lovely, lovely comment! That red and white gingham ribbon made me smile. I think it was the perfect way to bridge that gap and it really made that print pop.
Delete😍 Pamela
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Pamela! That red just makes me smile.
DeleteWow! The ribbon makes those lovely prints even better!! - Briana from Texas
ReplyDeleteThanks Briana! I love that ribbon. Now I want to use it everywhere...Hahaha.
DeleteI love the added in ribbon! It just really elevates the picture. Now you have given me some ideas when I run across things like this.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mandy!! It worked out really, really well...and made that print pop!
DeleteI would have never thought of the checked ribbon around the prints. I will now if I ever do one. The print does pop. You have so many wonderful diy ideas you share here and I enjoy seeing them.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Betsy. I’ve always enjoyed creative projects and it makes me happy to share them, especially if I think they might help or inspire others. So your comment has just totally made my day. ❤️
DeleteA lovely transformation Kim. The red checked ribbon is so fun around the print. Perfect for the cottage look. Kudos to your hubby for coming to your rescue.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Linda! I love that ribbon and the way it updated both prints...and I love my hubby for his help. It was 11pm and I had been wrestling with that silly ribbon for far too long!
DeleteI love the addition of the check ribbon to the mat. A practical and pretty solution to a problem.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol! It fixed the issue and updated those prints in one fell swoop…thanks a little ribbon and my senior discount at Michaels!! Haha!!
DeleteYou and your dear hubby make the best team!! He is such a sweetheart as he comes to your aid and rescue. The frames look so great with that red and white checked ribbon! I’d be smiling, too ❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks Kitty! I love the way this one turned out...even with the bumps along the way!!
DeleteI LOVE botanicals! You did such a beautiful job here despite everything that went wrong. I can imagine how you both felt when your husband stepped on the glass. The ribbon looks so perfect here. I don’t think I would’ve thought of that. Leave it to you. Another beautiful project completed.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, Pattie, when he stepped on the glass, I almost cried! Luckily I have a few of those frames, some with canvas paintings in them, where glass wasn't really necessary, so I stole one!
DeleteYou have such a way of working everything out and making your projects look so pretty. This really turned out great and looks good hanging on the wall and the check ribbon adds a burst of excitement. Excited to see the chair when you get finished. These chairs are so popular around here. Wishing you a wonderful weekend..
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shug! You are always so sweet and leave the nicest comments.
DeleteKim, whenever I see your beautiful living room I just wanna stop by for a visit in a cup of tea, it is so welcoming. The artwork that you added looks like it was painted just for the space absolutely wonderful makeover thank you for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteMichelle you are super sweet! I wish you lived close enough to pop by...we could have so much fun talking about crafts and thrifty upcycles!!
DeleteYour refreshed print is lovely, Kim!!! Totally you!!! Nice work as always! -Julie (pinning!)
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie...and yes, this one has my name (and favorite color) written all over it! Haha!!
DeleteWow! Kudos to your hubby!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!!!!
He was a huge help on this one, Chrissy...broken glass and all!!
DeleteHubby to the rescue :)
ReplyDeleteThe ribbon makes those very nice prints look even better.
No wonder you are smiling.
I hope you are enjoying a happy and peaceful weekend.
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan! He really was my knight in shining armor on this one. Happy weekend to you, too!
DeleteWhat a find at $7 - I would have snapped it right up, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gina! Definitely worth the price.
DeleteWrestling with sliding ribbon that refuses to line up at the corners is enough to test anyone's patience, but having your husband swoop in with that brilliant engineer-brain trick to drop the frame from the top was pure genius. It is such a relief that he wasn't hurt when that glass broke on the floor, and his calm problem-solving definitely saved the day after a frustrating evening. Swapping out your signature tulips for those vibrant red flowers completely paid off, because that striking combination of the red linen matboard and the matching ribbon brings such a fresh, cohesive cottage charm to your entire living room.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Melody! It was a crazy DIY that I thought was going to be so quick and easy. There were lots of stumbling blocks for sure, but in the end it was all worth it. Thanks for your really kind comment and visit. I hope to see you in the comments again soon!
DeleteI think I would have given up. Kudos to your hubby for figuring it out. The ribbon adds such a nice touch to both prints and I bet it gives the room a whole new oomph. It's such a pretty room!
ReplyDeleteThis print is so pretty (I LOVE all things botanical) and works perfecting in your room. Another winner!
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thank you Amalia! It really is perfect..and perfect for this season! xo
DeleteKim, this makeover is so charming. I love how the ribbon trim gives the botanical print a fresh, sweet touch. It’s amazing how a small detail can completely elevate a piece. Beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stephanie! As soon as I saw that ribbon, I knew...I didn't know it was going to be such a pain to work with, but it was worth it.
DeleteKim your husband sounds like a great crafting partner from reading all your posts. ~ Beth
ReplyDeleteHe really is, Beth. 💕
DeleteHi Kim! You were right not to leave that pretty floral print behind! It looks fabulous paired with the one you had at home! Adding the ribbon was genius! Isn't it great having a husband with an engineering mind! You all make a great team!
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna! It was a lot more tedious than I thought it would be...and I needed help...but in the end it turned out really well.
DeleteOh, Kimmy, you know I'm partial to red gingham and it really sets off the flowers and harmonizes so well with the mat and frame! Congrats to your hubby for finding a solution for making wiggly fabric stay in place! I've had that problem before (cloth in frames) and it's a challenge! You gave those flowers a beautiful refreshing!❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Kim!! it was time for a change in that room. I needed a fresh pop and that ribbon and the print definitely provided one. I'm glad to hear I'm not alone with my wiggly fabric issue...it was a challenge. Now I know what to do though, I may be using fabric in frames a lot!! Thanks for the visit my friend!!
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