Re-Using Old Picture Frames

It's fun taking something apart and putting it back together again in a new creative way. I work in an office where we had a lot of old promotional type posters that were very expensively matted and framed. Now that we're moving to a new office we wanted something new, but didn't want to spend a lot of money decorating. We decided to disassemble the old frames and re-use the mats to frame new prints.

We made a visit to a local craft store and found an abundance of inexpensive artwork in all sizes, ranging in price from $1.49 to $40.00. Definitely within our budget. We picked out several beautiful floral prints and framed them with the old mats and frames. Disassembling the old prints included tearing off most of the prints that had previously been glued to the mats, but I just tore it all off and used scotch tape to tack down the new prints.

The new prints don't have to completely fit your frames or mats, either. It was hard finding prints that were just the right size. Don't be afraid to move the print around in a mat that's a little too small. Often you can cover some edges of the print and not take away from the overall effect of the picture at all. Just trim edges where necessary to make the print fit (after you've double checked your positioning within the mat). You can also buy bigger mats to make a smaller print fit in a larger frame.

If you don't care if all of your frames match, it's very inexpensive to shop thrift stores and yard sales for cheap prints and re-use the mats and frames for new prints. Or go through some of your own old prints and redecorate!

Also, when looking for inexpensive prints, don't limit yourself to poster prints. Postcards and greeting cards also look great framed. Add a mat and you'll never be able to tell the difference.

You don't need a lot of special tools to get started. All you really need is possibly a screwdriver for disassembling frames, a ruler to make sure your print is straight, some tape for attaching the print to the mat, and a pencil and scissors for marking and trimming prints that don't quite fit.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to have great wall art. It just takes a little planning ahead to match print sizes to frames and match colors. Have fun, and use your imagination! A beautiful picture really brightens up a room, and you can create your own easily and inexpensively.

Originally published at Suite 101. Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What's for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For easy do-it-yourself home decorating ideas for busy moms, visit http://www.frugal-home-decor.com

---

Home Lighting - Important but Overlooked Aspects

Home lighting is something that doesn't get the attention it deserves. There are so many TV shows that focus on home remodeling projects, and speak very little... Read More

Japanese Sword: A Great Piece for Any Home

A Japanese Sword is a wonderful decoration to add to any room of your home or office. Many people think that a samurai sword might look out... Read More

Beautifying Your Home

"Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want." --Jim RohnAs a frequent traveler, I'm often amazed at how dramatically... Read More

Decorating Your Kitchen With Accessories

Just like a nice outfit, your kitchen can benefit from accessories! If you are thinking about redecorating but don't have a lot of dough to put into... Read More

Decorating a Childs Room - 8 Simple Strategies to Make You Both Happy!

When it comes to decorating a child's room, your approach should be much different from decorating an adult bedroom.For kids, their bedroom is where they play games,... Read More

The Benefits of Gourmet Picnic Baskets

Instead of carrying dinnerware, silverware, beverage containers, and so on, gourmet picnic baskets contain food for the feast. Gourmet picnic baskets are woven baskets, either with an... Read More

What are Water Softeners?

Soap scum. Stiff clothing. Clogged pipes. No matter what you try, it's hard to get your surfaces clean. Scale builds up. Dishes come out of the dishwasher... Read More

A Look at Vending Massage Chairs

Vending massage chairs are coin-operated devices that can be found in many retail establishments across the country. Some of the most ideal locations for vending massage chairs... Read More

Tribal Persian Rugs

Tribal or nomadic rugs are produced by nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes whose lifestyles have traditionally revolved around breeding sheep and weaving. The rugs produced today are similiar... Read More

What is a Duvet Cover?

A Duvet Cover is actually just another name for a Bed Comforter Cover. It's like a very large pillow case, is is normally used to cover a... Read More

Decorate Like You See in Magazines & Books?

Have you ever wondered why interior designers place slippers on the ottoman in magazine photos? They do it to make the staged setting look as if it's... Read More

Decorating Ideas for a Baby Nursery

Creating a comfortable area for your baby is important to many parents. That is why so many parents are interested in decorating ideas for a baby nursery.... Read More

Decorate Yourself Happy: How to Decorate For Everyday Pleasure/Joy

Because psychologists relate true happiness to joyous occurrences happening frequently, decorating your home to promote everyday pleasure makes sense. If you're planning a home makeover, provide for... Read More

Fireplace Accessories - Adding The Finishing Touch To Your Hearth

Back in the day, fireplaces were an integral part of heating the home. People relied on the heat which radiated from their fireplace as their main heat... Read More

7 Tips To Note When You Decorate Your Home

When you decorate your home, think twice about the colors you use. Plan out properly the color scheme before you even buy the paint.That bright color might... Read More

Bringing the Inside Out

The time of year is here when we all start spending more time outside. Look at your deck or backyard as an additional room. An easy way... Read More

Childrens Furniture

Children's bedroom furniture and nursery furniture can help turn a bland and boring bedroom into a fun and cozy retreat. Since there is a wide range of... Read More

How to Buy Discount Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is a relatively new alternative to standard hardwood floors. It offers similar and perhaps superior qualities of strength, hardness, and appearance. Using bamboo (which is... Read More

Carlton Ware: A Colourful Collectible

These vibrant collectibles are as charming today as they were when they were first introduced.OriginThe company Carlton Ware was formed in 1890 due to a partnership between... Read More

Christian Art in Your Home

Christian art is wonderful for inspiring us. Cathedrals and churches, paintings, music, performances, and sculpture have been created for centuries. Now, in our own time, photography, mixed... Read More

Color Psychology: The Joy and Pain of Yellow

Warm and luminous like sunlight, the right shade of yellow brings cheer to dreary rooms. Some bright yellows, however, cause people pain in interior design.Imagine you're driving... Read More

The Advantages of Copper Kitchen Sinks

If you want a touch of class and art in your kitchen, you might consider choosing a copper sink. Copper sinks are crafted from first quality, super-thick... Read More

Save Money & Time... Plan Home Decorating Projects

Why is planning home decorating projects important? Let's start by asking the following question.What do the following have in common?1) Boxes of odds & ends collecting dust... Read More

Decorating, Where Theres a Will Theres a Way

Decorating anything is one of the easiest things in the world! And when it comes to decorating your home, if one has a will and there is... Read More

All About Closet Organizers

Most people like you love to keep everything in its place. They like also to clean up every room of the house often. However, it can take... Read More

Amish Furniture For the Home

Amish Furniture makes a home warm and welcoming. Hard woods, have invited friendly visits and important family gatherings for years. When you sit on a solid piece... Read More