I’m always on the lookout for cheap frames when I’m at the thrift store because there are so many creative ways to repurpose them. My daughter is about to turn six, and I wanted to create a birthday board for her with a pocket for each year. There are various ways to put your own spin on this project; try using it for cherished photos or even an advent calendar! Start by painting an old frame with either spray paint or acrylic paint. If you want more of a distressed look, you could try distressing the frame using various distressing techniques or even crackle paint! Once the paint has dried, measure the sides evenly and using a pencil, make marks where you want to add the nails. Hammer in the nails and then tie the string (or wire) on fairly tightly. Embellish some mini paper bags with borders and numbers using an old 7gypsies stamp set and the numbers from the typewriter clear stamp set. Fill the pockets with ephemera and clip the pockets and some pictures on the frame using either mini clothespins or some silver clips. Add any additional elements you like, I used a white flower to add a soft, feminine touch and a few random pieces of ephemera including idea-ology mini alpha cards and 7gypsies ephemera. Add some simple strips of decorative washi tape to the top and bottom edges of the frame. My inspiration for this project was the 2011 issue of Somerset Home!
