My mother is an artist. She painted for years, so I have an appreciation for old beautiful frames. I love the old gesso frames, because they are so unique and artful.
So even though they are empty frames, I think they have a beauty all their own.
I don’t think they make the gesso frames any more, and so you have to buy them second-hand. I found this pair on eBay. My sweet husband didn’t even ask when I was going to put artwork in the frames. He asked if I would. I told him, “No, they ARE the art.”
But to make them a bit more interesting, I did add some vintage sconces to the center of the frames. You could hang a smaller framed painting inside the frame, you could put a plate in the center, you could even leave them totally empty.
It’s your home, you do what you want. I suspect you have your own ideas on how you could use empty frames in your home. If you’re like me, you have 10 sitting around right now!
I always try to give you some unique ideas to feed your imagination. Even if this idea doesn’t appeal to you, I hope it encourages you to take a chance and try something new. Don’t worry about what other people think. Do you think the great artists did? Be BOLD!!
I appreciate your use of frames and have been wondering if I can dress up a plain slab interior door by using frames as ‘moulding’ and then painting it all the same coior to give the appearance of it having been built into the door.
I love the idea of placing the frames on the door~
We receintly remodeled our kitchen door by adding several different moldings.I painted them different accent colors and in the center of the door painted it chalkboard.
I definitely think you can and it would be beautiful. It is a unique and inexpensive way to get pretty molding as well.
I enjoyed the use of frames as I too use them. I have one that I painted white and stressed. It was placed on the glass door of my art studio as loved ones approach. Keep up the good ideas look forward to them each time.
I love thinking outside of the norm! You did such a beautiful job with your home.
Have a beautiful day.
Alison
Delightful! I have several empty frames just waiting for the right place to showcase them. I love what you did with the scones inside, absolutely charming!
I just became one of your newest subscribers. I CANNOT wait to go through your archives when I have more time…love your style and taste!
Love your ideas for empty frames. I have several stored so I must find them and put them to work. Thanks for sharing.
Love this…..I always like things that are unique…I’ve pinned this before fro your lovely blog!!! Christine from Little Brags
My brain has always worked differently from most. When I look at something, I immediately imagine so many things I could do with it . . . everything except what it was originally intended for! Fun isn’t it?
Anita love the touch these empty frames bring to the sconces. I am a frame person for sure, the ornate and aged ones are my favorite.
Cynthia
you did a great job in using those frames
Love, love it Anita…I have many frames in the attic just waiting for me to do something with them…Thanks for the inspiration! The sconces are stunning!
What a great idea, you now have me thinking!
Lee 🙂
Such a great repurpose idea. I have a weathered small cabinet door, glass removed, that I painted black with rubbed bronze highlights mounted on an open wood box that I use as a shelf in the powder room as a shelf. It is not as deep as an actual cabinet but allows enough space for small decorative items. However, I do not have any truly beautiful picture frames to use as a stand-alone touch. Will be on the look-out for them from now on. You just come up with the best ideas!
Anita,
Uniquely clever idea, dear friend!!!
I have used vintage frames in a variety of ways,
but the thought of leaving them empty hasn’t been a thought . . .until now!
These ae simply divine!!!
Fondly,
Pat
I do have several frames sitting around right now, and i agree… you can do all kinds of cool things with them. I love the way you’ve done yours with the sconces. You have inspired me now to go mess with my frames!
Cindy
I really like this idea!
Such a great way to use empty frames, which I have plenty of. I kept thinking I needed to fill them.
The posts is extremely intriguing
Delightful idea with your sconces Anita. Didn’t have a brain to capture that one! haha I love the combination of both and really want to head out to the goodwill stores even. Wow. Just wonderful news from you on all these super ideas. Keep them comin’ cause this ole gal is eaten it up! Love from TN.
I love your empty frame ideas! Thank you Anita!!
Thanks for the good info about using frames. I have been a little reluctant to do that in my home but reading about it does make me feel “Bold”.
How clever. I love how you used your old frames. I have some wonderful antique frames that I have tucked away for years just not quite sure where and how I wanted to use them. But I know now! Thanks again Anita. You never sease to amaze me with your talents.
I like you love the old gesso frames. I love to go to auctions and occasionally can find them at an auction sale. I have several large antique frames from my father that I haven’t done anything with yet, we are redoing our dining room and I was thinking maybe hanging plates inside them.