Thursday, November 3, 2011

From Ugly Duckling to Beautiful Swan

As part of my pantry/laundry room makeover, I've been wanting to create a sort of  'command central.' One main thing I wanted in the room was a cork board to tack appointment cards and other important papers to. Stores didn't have anything like what I was looking for so I decided to DIY one! After brainstorming I knew I wanted to buy cork and just attach it to an old picture frame without the glass. However, I didn't own a frame the right size so off to the thrift store I went to browse for an appropriately sized frame. Within about 10 minutes, I found pretty much exactly the shape I was hoping for.

Isn't it beautiful?


Definitely not my style anyway. So I set out on a mission to transform this thrift store frame, an ugly duckling, into something amazing. The first step was to paint that frame cause I was not having it. I used FreshAire no-voc white semi-gloss paint.


Next I used the adhesive tape that came with the cork (which was $5 at Target for 4 squares) to adhere it to the picture that came with the frame. Then I selected my fabric and cut it to size leaving about an inch all the way around the picture. To attached the fabric I neglected to do anything fancy and just used thumbtacks to keep the fabric in place. Lazy? Yes. Easy and functional? Very. The fabric was pretty easy to manipulate into place - nice!


Yes, I am wearing lime green socks in that picture.

When all was said and done, here's what I was left with!


I pretty much love it. It's the life that picture frame was meant to live. Here it is in its new home in the laundry room.


I suddenly feel a need for 10 more of these. At $2 for the frame, $1.50 for fabric and some more $5 cork it wouldn't break the bank!


Maybe I can make them and give them away as Christmas gifts?

12 comments:

The Atwoods said...

Love it! :)

erica said...

What a fabulous idea.. love this! I am your newest follower. xo

The Cooking Photographer said...

You are too talented. This is adorable Morgan.

Savannah said...

What a transformation! Consider me inspired!

ashley said...

cuuuute!

Kara Renee said...

Too cute! I'm super jealous! Maybe I'll be trying it out soon as well. :)

Britt said...

That fabric is perfect! Great idea!

the cape on the corner said...

looks great! i love that fabric!

Pam said...

awesome transformation! I love the fabric choice... super cute! ;)

Savannah said...

Hey Morgan ... this is random, but info that I thought I'd share because I LOVE the comment love you leave on my blog and want to be able to respond. I don't think your email is linked correctly to allow people to respond back whenever you leave a comment. Mine wasn't linked for the longest time and once I figured it out it changed my blog commenting life - ha! Check out a great how-to here: http://www.sweetsimplicityblog.com/2009/08/noreplyblogger.html

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Lacie @ Creative Attempts said...

It turned out so cute I love it! I want one

Stephanie @ Blonde Highlights said...

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! I love that fabric - so fun and so cute! I am very jealous and may have to do one for myself ASAP!

Hope you had a great weekend! XOXO