February: Frame It
If you like it then you shoulda put a frame on it - sorry Beyoncé, that was weird!
February: FRAME IT
Welcome to this month’s creative challenge: Frames!
Whether you’re giving old frames a second life or creating new ones from scratch, this is your invitation to explore how frames can be more than just protective borders—they can be art in themselves! I mean, is there anything cooler than a gallery-style wall full of cool art and photos in equally cool frames? No, no there isn’t.
But What Really is the a Purpose of Frame?
Well frames do more than just protect your photos or art (I guess that was the first reason someone invented them?), they also shape how we see and experience what’s inside them. The right frame can elevate an image, highlighting textures or colours, and creating a particular context for a piece of art. It can even add value to it!
But overall, I think a set of well-crafted or cleverly upcycled frames can turn an empty wall into a story to be told. Frames can be a simple way to express your creative self.
My Framing Goals:
Several years ago my husband’s colleagues were moving country and off loading as many of their possessions as possible. Amongst the kids strider bike, baby stroller and changing table we purchased from them, were a set of dark brown wooden frames that they threw in for free.
I was never a huge fan of them. But it was nice to put pictures in a bunch of frames and have them on the wall. The problem is, we have since moved into a 100 year old house with dark brown wooden walls and it’s wood on wood!
So, my goal is to transform them in some interesting way based on what I can find as inspiration this month. We are still not sure if we’ll paint over our wooden walls so I want to change these frames in a way that’ll work on any background. Could be tricky! I’ll keep you posted.
In the meantime, as always…
Some Tips to Get Started:
Gather Your Materials: Raid secondhand (thrift) stores, dig through old boxes or family storage areas, or ask friends and family for unwanted frames. Keep an eye out for items that could be repurposed into frames, like antique windows, decorative mirrors or driftwood.
Start Small: If this feels overwhelming, begin with adding a little something to an ugly frame. It might just be changing the colour, or you might go crazy with gluing on those annoying bits of lego always hiding around the house. Just have fun with it.
Experiment: Try combining materials you wouldn’t usually pair, like a bright, modern design on an old, ornate frame. I’ll show you some crazy frames that merge driftwood later on this month!
Tools: If you are making your own frames, it might be useful to borrow or buy a mitre box and saw for getting thouse precise angles. For upcycling, once again head to the secondhand (thrift) stores as you might be amazing what sort of paints and treasures they often have.
Think Outside the Frame: Use frames to create shadow boxes, jewellery holders, or wall-mounted shelves. A frame doesn’t always have to “frame”—sometimes it’s the centerpiece!
Let’s Inspire Each Other
Throughout the month, I’ll share inspiration and ideas to show you how amazing frames can be and, hopefully, help spark your own creativity. And, I’d love to see what you make! Share your projects with us in the chat if that feels comfortable. We can celebrate your cleverness and I’ll try to share my progress there too. That way we can all share the process together :)
Happy making everyone,
Esta
Seek to Make is an exploration of creativity and making. Each month, I share a monthly theme around making, showcase inspiring makers, share tips, tools and encouragement. Together let's get curious and immerse ourselves in the art of making!
An interesting challenge, I’m going to explore the possibilities!
This is a really cool topic Esta. I guess it's always a hard decision to paint over something wooden but the wood is still there, hiding under the paint so go for it. I know I am going to be scouring the second hand shops with a totally new perspective now thanks to this article.