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Boxwood wreath
I”m not sure if any of you even noticed.., but I did not do a single post in the month of December. It wasn’t that I was not doing anything related to being thrifty. ( Seriously, that’s automatic for me.) It’s just was that I was in a funk and the thought of sitting down and typing felt too much like homework. Therefore, I am going to be playing catch-up on all December happenings.
My dear sweet elderly mother was visiting for an extended stay…. before, during and after the holidays. No no its all good. She is such a blessing in our lives. Anyway, she wanted to do a little outing at a shop that is located on the east side of our city. So one afternoon we ventured out did the shopping and then was going to call it a day. This outing was a big deal for her since her arthritis restricts her mobility. As we were driving, my mother noticed we just pasted a thrift store. This one I didn’t even know existed there. She suggested we stop. What a great Mama! I knew she was tired but would rally for me. So in we went. She went right and I went left. When we met up again, we both had treasures. This was my score…
I found these two matching wood picture frames. No glass , no picture, and just unfinished wood. They totally were saying “project” Score!! I had a vision for them already in my head. Super easy!! When I shared the idea with my mom she said,” I just don’t see what you mean. I sure it will be loveley.” That’s my mom, always my cheerleader. Well, now it was important to create my vision while she was still visiting . No putting off this project. My overall plan for these frames were to simply white-wash them.
The first step was to lightly sand the pieces and wipe off any extra dust. Next I thinned down leftover antique white paint with a little water and brushed it very thinly over the frames. Because, these frames had no finish, the paint was quickly absorbed. Now, just wanting a little more depth, once the paint dried, I dry brushed a light gray randomly over the entire piece. That was it. A very easy project.
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white-washed frames
Finally, I was eager to display my work. The perfect spot was to hang them on either side of a large window in my living room. Using a patterned Christmas ribbon, I attached a small boxwood wreath to hang in the center of the frame.
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Boxwood wreath hung with Christmas ribbon
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Boxwood wreath hung with Christmas ribbon
There it was, completed! Of course, my mother was just as excited as I was. Her comment was, “I never would have thought of that from just a pair of plain would frames. (Aren’t Mom’s great! Even at my age I could feel myself beaming with pride as she admired my work.) I think we all our kids in the inside for ever!
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boxwood wreath with burlap ribbon
After taking down all the Christmas decorations, I thought I would change out the ribbon to something more neutral. Searching through my stash, I came across a burlap textured ribbon with red piping. Hmm.. would the red still look too Christmassy? Yeah I think so. What do you think? Should I cut the piping off? I have a feeling it will stay like this for a while… Just glad a project is done!
I think you could hang almost anything inside that frame. What a cute idea. Get a heart-shaped wreath or a ball, dangle some ornaments next Christmas. The imagination could run wild! 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
A Momma who breaks for thrift shops is a great Momma!
I think you should leave the red on the ribbon, it picks up some color from the baubles on the table.
Love that Boxwood wreath too! I’m a big fan of boxwoods!
Thanks for your opinion on the ribbon. I’ll leave it!
The picture frame is beautiful! And the boxwood wreath is perfect for the winter season. Your mom sounds like a smart lady. We never get too old to love our mom’s approval on our projects. I love it!
Thanks,Alli I’m pleased with it too. It was time for a change- out
Those frames turned out beautifully! I can’t believe how well they coordinate with the Willow Tree Manger Scene!
That was total luck. So glad they coordinated
Oh, and also, thanks for coming over to the #HomeMattersParty – we hope to see you again next week!