New Art For an Antique Picture Frame Using Decoupage Fiber

This article show you how to create new art for an antique picture frame using decoupage fiber paper by Redesign.

If you are new to this blog: Welcome! My name is Anna and I share information on collecting antique/vintage items, refurbishing furniture and making small crafts/projects. The purpose of this blog is to show you how to use creativity and antiques to make your home beautiful. In addition to information on the blog, you can also follow me on the following social media accounts Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest.

Handcrafted Society

Welcome to the Handcrafted Society! This is a group of talented bloggers who come together monthly to collectively craft creations using a shared medium or theme. This month’s theme was “frames”. Each blogger created a project that incorporated or was made using a frame or frames.

The projects by the Handcrafted Society are fun and inspiring because we see the varied perspectives and interpretations of the theme by each participant. These women are amazingly creative in making projects for each month’s theme. Towards the conclusion of this post, you’ll find images and links to the projects made by each blogger. I hope you enjoy browsing through all the ideas these ladies have created. Simply click on the image or blog name to view their full post.

Back Story

One of my favorite activities during the summer months is making a trip to Brimfield, Massachusetts to attend their outdoor flea market. This year, I was lucky enough to go with my sister-in-law! We went to Brimfield market prepared for a long day in the sun, full of heat and humidity. While I do shop with specific items in mind, sometimes there are certain pieces that speak to me and end up going home with me.

During this past trip, I stumbled upon an antique picture frame that caught my eye. I knew it was more than 100 years old because I could see the original square nails used in the construction of the frame. The dealer was packing up his space towards the end of the day so he sold the antique frame to me for only $20. The frame was large and didn’t include any art work, but that didn’t bother me. I knew with a little TLC and creativity I could clean up the frame and add new art work. Today’s HCS post is all about how I created new art for an antique picture frame.

New Art for an Antique Picture Frame

Supplies

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Most of these supplies are available at your local craft store such as Hobby Lobby or Michaels.  Where possible, I have provided links to online sources.  

• Frame of your choice
  • Here are some frames on Etsy
• Foam Board larger than the inset portion of the frame
• Mod Podge
• Craft brush
• Decoupage Fiber Paper. I purchased mine from Etsy.
• Brown kraft paper and double sided adhesive tape– optional for the back of the picture frame
• Cutting mat, straight edge ruler and box cutter.
• Scissors
• Small nails or picture frame point driver

Step 1: Clean the Antique Frame

The antique picture frame I purchased was in need of a good cleaning. Using a bucket of hot water, Mr. Clean, and a soft scrub brush, I thoroughly cleaned the front and back of the frame.

After scrubbing the frame, I hosed it down to remove all the dirt and grime. Then, I left it outside in the sun to dry.

Step 2: Cut Foam Board

Measuring the inset of your frame, cut a piece of foam board to size. It’s easiest to cut your foam board to size using a cutting mat, a straight edge rule and a box cutter or Xacto blade.

The foam board should fit snuggly into the picture frame.

Step 3: Apply Decoupage Image

First, there is an amazing selection of decoupage art including, animals, botanicals, landscapes and portraits. Decoupage fiber paper is more like a thin sheer fabric. It reminds me of black landscaping fabric used to block weeds.

Note: Use a warm iron to remove any folds or wrinkles from the decoupage image.

Determine where you want the image to align with the foam board.

In the image above you can see the foam board under the decoupage fiber paper. Then apply Mod Podge to the surface of the foam board.

Be sure to uniformly apply Mod Podge to the entire surface of the foam board and pay special attention to the edges of the board.

Carefully apply the decoupage fiber paper. Note: once you place it down onto the foam board, it’s very difficult to move and adjust the image.

Because the fiber paper is so sheer, the Mod Podge will seep through to the front of the image. Let the Mod Podge dry completely.

Step 4: Attach New Art to Antique Frame

Once the decoupage image has dried, trim off any remaining portions of the image. Place the new art inside your picture frame. To keep your new art in place you can use a picture frame point driver or some finishing nails.

I decided to finish the back of my frame with some brown kraft paper, using the double sided adhesive tape, for a clean finish.

Step 5: Enjoy the New Art in an Antique Frame

Finally, you can hang your new art in an antique frame! Below are some photos of the finished product.

I am happy with how this project turned out!

It’s nice to know an antique frame is being given a new life. Hopefully, it will be around for another 100 years.

Frame Projects from the Handcrafted Society

Below are other projects that incorporated the theme of “frames” created by the ladies in the Handcrafted Society. They are all tremendously talented so be sure to visit their sites for more inspiration.

In Closing

Thank you for stopping by the blog today. If you liked this post, you might enjoy the projects below. Happy creating!