Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Decorator's Challenge

Sometimes when I go to a garage sale, I wish I had some of you creative blogging ladies with me to give advice! I bought this frame Saturday at a sale for a dollar. I have a few ideas of where to use it and what to do with it, but thought I would see if any of you had some suggestions. I don't know if I'll use it on the porch or inside somewhere.

It is about 2 feet by 2 feet. At one time a mirror was in the middle. It looks heavy but is actually very light weight. Any ideas?? Please feel free to post them!






Please visit again tommorrow and look at my first piece of furniture painted black!
Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day.

47 comments:

bj said...

that's a great looking frame...
a pretty picture or another mirror would look great, I think...
love, bj

Michelle said...

I love that frame, maybe a pretty piece of scrapbooking paper or another mirror or a piece of fabric, just my 2 cents.

Have a great day
Michelle

Missy Wertz said...

I like it Diane! I know what, do you have an old key? A rusty looking one? You can leave the frame like it is or paint it. Then suspend a rusty key from it. I think that would look cool.

BTW, painting the chandelier was a cinch! I have a standard 8 arm brass on in the dinning room DH will take down next. I am going to paint it. First I have to decide what to do with the chairs. When I showed him a new one for $295 that I wanted to replace it with (His eyes were stricken with shell shock!) and I followed it up with a shrug and "...or you can take the one in the dinning room down and for the price of some primer, some spray paint... You will have to drill some holes in the round things for me to hand prisms ...." He replied, "Whatever you want to do honey, I am not attached to it..."

Dawn said...

It's very nice but I am the worst person to ask for decorating advice. I am lacking in that area. I know what ever you do it will be beautiful. I'm still hoping to get a little decorating sense as I keep looking at every one's blogs!

take care,
Dawn

Deb said...

I would actually use it as a picture frame. Maybe with a really pretty black and white pic. It is beautiful. Did you get it for a good price?


Also, thanks for stopping by. My girls are like me, they never stop talking. My hubby on the other hand, not much of a talker. It must be a guy thing. I do have to probe my older one sometimes to find out what they did, who she sat with, etc. I feel like they are telling me, that was school, this is now. Lets not live in the past.

Can't wait to see what you do with the frame.

Gone said...

Beautiful frame, Diane! How big is the opening in the center?

~Blessings,
Jan

Anonymous said...

Maybe you could put in a quilt patch, some fabric or an old picture from your family.

It's a beautiful frame and I honestly think anything would look good in it.

Gretchen

Marie said...

It looks so small in that first picture...I was surprised by the size (even though you said it was 2x2) in the second picture. I love that. I'd probably use it as a frame.... stick some scrapbook paper in there and your monogram??? GREAT deal!

SmilingSally said...

I have no extra ideas, but I liked Melissa's idea of a key.

I probably would paint it a fresh coat of white-white and replace the mirror. Then, I'd hang it in my guest bathroom.

Bo said...

First of all I'd like to say how pretty your "new" blog page is...and secondly, I'd like to say you really scored on that pretty frame for only $1. Others have given great ideas for it! ;-) Bo

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

What a neat find...I love all the suggestions you have so far. I just realized this morning that you weren't on my blog roll...took care of that oversight! Love visiting your blog and seeing what you are up to. Looking forward to the painted furniture, too! Susan

Blogger said...

It could be a cool candle holder, with a mirror or painted wood piece put back into the hole.

I think it would good just 'as is', sort of leaning on something else in a vignette that is up high, or high enough to be seen and appreciated...does that make sense?

I bought something similar to this in style a couple of weeks ago at a garage sale and hung it over my stove....you can see it here:

http://bella1104.blogspot.com/2008/08/sprinkle-of-this-and-splash-of-that.html

I love that piece, I would have snatched it up it, too! Great eye and great buy :)

Bella

Picket said...

Morning girl..ohhhh it looks like an old ceiling tin...I love it and I think Melissa's idea of an old key..like a skeleton key would be perfect hanging in it...you know the old house had ceiling tins and skeleton keys..oh it would be gorgeous....oh second thought you might not like that..just send it to me cause I sure do!!!! lol lol Ohhhh you know I can't wait to see what you painted black...I am in the process of painting a little bench black so I can put some pumpkins and Fall leaves on it on the front porch! Thanks for coming by sweetie and try the key thing..you'll love it! Have a great day!

Nancy Rosalina said...

Good Morning Diane, I love it...I would do different things with it..temporarily...that is, then decide which way you like it best...I like michelles advise, use diffenent items...what ever you do...I can't wait to see.. it will be great..Blessings, Nancy

Mad Red Hare said...

Where do you find these sales? I always find junk at the one I go to. I think a mirror would be great in that frame! You lucky dog!

Michelle said...

My vote is for a picture frame.

Michelle

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

I love the frame...I would have snatched it up too, but then not have any idea what to do with it. Inspiration will come! I also love your wicker pieces with the blue color. They are so pretty and relaxing-looking!
-Carrie

The Berry's Patch said...

Hi Diane,

I like the frame a lot! In fact I wouldn't paint it. I like how it's distressed. I would had a black and white picture of one of my dogs or a building of some sort. Something that has meaning to it.

Brandee :-)

Linda said...

No clever ideas from me yet but I sure like the frame. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

I love your header. The lake looks beautiful. That's my dream...to live on or near a lake. We'll be trying to make it happen within the next few years.

Grandma Faith said...

That's a great frame. I get a kick out of yard sales and thrift stores, too. I think I am going to join the ranks and add that to my blog. You have received some great ideas about the frame. I am anxious to see what you do. Be happy, Grandma Faith

Anonymous said...

That's a great deal for $1! I'd put a picture or a nice piece of wallpaper/wrapping paper/scrapbook paper (that way you can change it out for different seasons). Love your wicker down below - the color is yummy!

Manuela

Anonymous said...

Marie and I are thinking the same thing.. some pretty scrapbook paper and a Monogram... that would look awesome on your porch!!! I can't wait to see your black project too!!!

Screaming Meme said...

Use it as molding on the ceiling around a chandelier! or an inital on it backed with paper~ And I love the key idea! Or hang it with ribbon on the wall or over your bathroom mirror! I posted another faux class!!! Come to class!!!

{oc cottage} said...

That is so cool! I like it all by itself!


M ^..^

Barb said...

Hi Diane,

What a marvelous find. Can't wait to see what you do with it.

Your header is lovely!

hugs,
Barb

Darlene said...

I absolutely LOVE that find!! I'm with the key or the scrapbooking paper with a monogram on it. I think both of those ideas are FABULOUS!!

Carry Grace said...

Great find, I would have bought that too. It would be a great picture frame, or you could add another mirror or scrapbook paper.

Jean said...

Love the frame! I would put something very simple if you add a pic. The frame would take away from the picture I'm afraid. How about an old hanky with your initial. I'd leave the color as is too.

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Cool piece! Could you use it on the ceiling around a light, or with a chandlier coming through the middle? ~Rhonda

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey, Diane, I love that piece! I think I'd put another mirror back in there & you could use it so many places.

I'll come back tomorrow to see what else you're putting up. Love all your painted wicker too.

Rhoda

Bramble said...

What about a ceiling light fixture surround? Could be interesting?!!
Just found your blog and I am enjoying it, thanks!

nikkicrumpet said...

You've gotten some great suggestions....just make sure you show us the end results. It's pretty so no matter what you put in it...it's a KEEPER!

Nola said...

If I were you, I would just get rid of it; would you like me to come pick it up and take it away for you? haha! I love it; would paint it red and put another mirror in the back!

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

I think I'd leave as-is (and definitely not paint) and maybe pop a mirror back in there.

I also like the idea of a black & white print...maybe something that mimics the design…since it’s fleur de lis, maybe la tour d’eiffel??

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

What a pretty antique frame! I think a mirror would look nice back in it again, and I also like the idea about a monogram in the middle.

I love your new blog header -- how are you finding the time to do all of this and work Ms. Diane? You are putting me to shame!

Glad I got a chance to catch up with you this evening.

Hugs, Pat

Anonymous said...

i like the key idea but you know I think a mirror would be really nice, bouncing light off beside all that detail, I love your find, right up my street lol! it would look lovely in my beach cottage...

Sarah

Mo..."Mo's Cottage" said...

What a great frame...and for a $1....now this is what I call a good find....well done !!!!
Hugs,
Mo :-)

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

First thing that came to my mind was ,ceiling medallion, but someone already said that. Don't forget to show what you come up with Diane.

Empty Nest Full Life said...

I got the paint at Wal-Mart or Lowes. It is around 8.00 but it comes with the base coat and then you dab the darker on top. It gives it a sort of textured feel like rust. It goes a long way. I painted a lot of things. Flower pots, and odds and ends. It is in a box that says rust. There is one that say leather, and a few other finishes. Hope that helps. I love the large tin frame. Have you seen the large frames with a small picture in the middle that would look great, even painted in a more vibrant color. The color would really depend on what you like best. I would say that was a steal for 1.00. Jackie

Empty Nest Full Life said...

Oh, I just saw the key idea. A skeleton key would be great too. Melissa gave a great idea there. Jackie

Beth at Aunties said...

Diane, I just found your new blog tonight! I guess I am a little slow since you were already onmy link list I kept looking for a new post....and you have left the nicest comments on my blog and now on my daughters blog tonight.
Any way I am still looking forward to see what you decide on your new find. A skelton Key ... mirror ... picture frame or just like it is... beautiful with a maybe touch of spray paint inspired by Joy and her fun paint party.
Beth

Anonymous said...

Diane,
i like everyone ides..old key, fabric,black and white pics,scrapbooks... If it was mine...I would put fabric..and transfer word on it. That's a beautiful frame. thanks for stopping by...glad you like my posts...It's so simmple and easy...thought I would share it with you all. ~Kathy~

Anonymous said...

Hello! I am new to your site... and truly enjoyed my visit. :o}

You have some super advice. Can't wait to hear the update.

Cindy said...

I liked Kathy's idea of putting a word on it. I would use it flat on a center of a table and place a large bowl or platter on top of it (so it's kinda like an overgrown charger! LOL) and then my fruit or whatever. You would have to put something underneath if any sharp edges. OR I would turn it at an angle and do a fall arrangement coming out of the hole and hang it on my front door! So many possibilites...what a great find for a buck! LOVE it.

c

Lamp Tramp said...

Hi Diane: Thanks for letting me know about you and your son. We have lots of friends in Meridian. Glad he is evacuating from NOLA. Not sure what we are going to do yet. I know that sounds so stupid, I'm waiting for hubby to get engaged with all of this. He thinks Gustav will shift since it is so far out. God Speed and Bless your son, thank you for caring!
xoxo, Sandi

Anonymous said...

What a fantastic deal! Can't wait to see what you do with it.

Rebecca said...
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