Spray Paint A Frame, step by step

Please sing this to the tune of The Brady Bunch Theme Song.

Here is the story… of two low-cost black framies…

… found at Target and then spray painted bright white…

… then they both looked fairly sleek… like twin brothers…

… they make me want to twirl.

Ok, that did not quite work out like I hoped. But I am sure you got the crux of the story. I grabbed two inexpensive black frames at Target (they did not come in white and I think they were $21), sprayed them with the same built-in-primer-plus-spray-paint that I consistently use (Rustoleum Universal in Satin White), let them dry, and then framed some prints (like the one I mentioned here) which had been sitting around giving me the stink eye for a while.

For those looking for framing specifics, I simply flipped the paper that came in the frame over (so it was white) and centered the print on that, taped it down gently with loops of tape in each corner, and popped that behind glass. We have heard from framing experts that it is best to use mats so your print does not touch the glass (which I guess over time can cause issues) but we have used this method with inexpensive prints for the last 7 years or so and they are still going strong. But perhaps if you have a especially spendy item that you enjoy (or you are framing something in an especially humid/moist room) it is likely better to do the traditional cut-mat thing instead of simply the swift-fix of using white paper behind it to create a faux mat like ours.

This is the other print. Forgive me for trying hard but apparently not hard sufficient to get a few close ups of this one (they all had crazy-weird reflections in the glass). But if you click over here, you can see it perfectly since they are pros so their shots are nicer. Haha. We got the 17 x 23″ print for $26 and the frame that we used had a 22 x 28″ opening – so it simply floats in the middle.

I enjoy how both prints are animal related. Are we sensing a theme? I am that crazy cat lady. But instead of simply keeping the focus on felines I have somehow managed to work narwhals and eagles and bears and manatees into the mix. Oh yes, it is a diverse cast of animals around these parts.

I enjoy how it goes with my crazy HomeGoods pillow and the seven on the wall (which is in fact the letter L from a Dollar Tree sign that we got secondhand).

And for those asking where I hung the bee painting that I got for John… oh… a few years ago (!!!)… it at last found a home. Strike up the band. Seriously. Someone. Anyone? Can I get a little cowbell?

The bee painting in fact now resides with the excellent Burger portrait that I got from my friend Lesli for my birthday (mentioned here). I enjoyed it leaning casually on the mantel, but giving it a true spot on the wall with the bees was sweet. Two birthday paintings sitting together like old pals. Ohemgee and I simply realized these are two more animal-related things. I officially need some sort of professional assist. Am I an animal portrait hoarder? Is there some sort of county quota for how many animals I am allowed to have in the house if they are of the painted and ceramic variety? I hope not. You folks will pay my bail if there is, right? Or are you going to give me tough enjoy and make me sell them on craigslist to make bail?

Wait, I simply realized that this should be categorized as a “Dude, Get On That Already” challenge! It is certainly something that I have been meaning to get on for a few months (well, in the case of the bees, a few years). Yesssss. I did it. I in fact got on that, yo. Now I only have 100 other things to paint/hang/figure out. Simply sitting in the playroom. Mocking me. You know I will keep you posted!

What have you folks been tackling that is way overdue? Any frame-spraying or art-hanging going on in your neck of the woods? Have you ever noticed some crazy theme when it comes to the subject of the art you are most drawn to? Tell us we are not alone in our Noah’s-Arc-ish enjoy of mass quantities of animals.

Psst- Speaking of updates in song, check out Clara dancing (raving?) her heart out over on the house Life. It is official, I have been dethroned as the best dancer in our house.