Re-Imagine Thrifted Frames with IOD Stamps
If you're drawn to the rustic charm of vintage-inspired decor but want an easy and approachable way to achieve the look, this tutorial is just for you. We’re going to walk you through transforming thrifted frames into charming wall art using the IOD La Campagne stamp. This project is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of French countryside elegance to their home without needing extensive crafting experience. Follow along as we guide you step-by-step through creating your beautifully framed art piece.
Note: You can use almost any IOD stamp, transfer, or paint inlay in frames…so choose the product that fits your frame and product best!
Grab your IOD products and supplies by using the store locator and finding a stockist near you.
IOD Products Needed:
Other Supplies:
- 2 Thrifted Frames
- Masking Tape
- Glass Cleaner
- Heavy Water Color Paper
- Goo Be Gone
- Plastic Scraper
Step-by-Step Tutorial to Re-Imagine Thrifted Frames with IOD Stamps
STEP 1: CLEAN YOUR FRAME
Before making any adjustments to the look and feel of your frame, you’ll want to clean your frame and its glass thoroughly. In this tutorial, we’re using Goo Gone and a plastic scraping tool to remove the price tag and any excess adhesive on the glass. Then, we sprayed Windex to remove all of the dirt and dust from our glass.
Make sure to remember the steps of how your frame came apart, as that is how it will go back together at the end!
Pro Tip: When shopping for frames at your local thrift store, avoid cheap ones by inspecting the frame material closely. Make sure the seams and corner joins are solid, and stay away from frames where the corners are coming apart—those can be a real pain to fix. Also, check the condition and color of the mat around the art. If it’s in good shape, you can repurpose it, which is a great way to save money since matting can be pretty expensive.
STEP 2: PREP YOUR PAGES
Grab your sturdy water color paper and cut it down to fit your frame size, ensuring they will fit within the backing.
We sprayed watercolor paper with a mixture of chalk paint and water in our spray bottle to age the white paper. We blotted the paper with a paper towel after each spray and repeated this step a few times to get that vintage look. The end result should provide you with a nice, subtle aged brown look.
Hint: Feel free to lay a book over the top of your paper to help it dry flat.
STEP 3: PREPARE YOUR STAMP
Grab the beautiful La Campagne stamp with its French countryside motifs and pick a design of your liking. Olivia chose a blossom from one of the La Campagne sheets for this project. Next, she inked one side of the floral to avoid the floral coming off of the frame during the stamping process.
Note: Choose a stamp design that fits nicely in your frame size, leaving some white space but also not too much that it is drowning in white!
STEP 4: APPLY YOUR STAMP
Carefully press the stamp onto the watercolor paper, applying even pressure to each design element. You’ll want to keep one hand fully in contact with the stamp while you press down on other areas of the stamp to avoid any shifting. Ink up your second floral stamp and repeat the application process.
STEP 5: FRAME YOUR PAPER
Has your watercolor paper dried completely? It’s time to place your paper inside your thrifted frame and put it back together. Hang them on a wall gallery or in an office and enjoy your adorable pieces of art!
If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.
Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!
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