Thursday, February 10, 2011

I hope Michelangelo doesn't mind...

We were gifted with a giant print of Michelangelo's "Creation of Man" as a housewarming gift back in 1999. Over the years, hanging near large windows, this painting faded to blue from the golden browns of its original. I knew I could repurpose the frame and the canvas into something useful. I always have loose photos leaning against framed images, candle holders, against books... basically anywhere I could prop them, so I could see the faces of my loves. Having used chicken wire for lots of other purposes over the years... besides confining chickens... I decided to construct a giant framed "bulletin board" to display all those snapshots.



The before...



After disassembling the painting, I sprayed the frame with a few layers of Krylon Interior/Exterior Paint in Black...



I used wire cutters to cut chicken wire to size and spray painted black...



I sanded the painted frame lightly to add that "I've lived and loved and have stories to tell" sort of feel...



I covered the canvas with a thin layer of batting, then with natural linen; wrapped fabric to backside and secured with a staple gun. I laid painted chicken wire over front of covered canvas and strategically attached it with staples where they would be covered by edge of frame.



I placed canvas back into frame and secured with straps stapled across corners on backside. I used heavy wide ribbon.



Because of the narrow hallway, I couldn't seem to get a photo that did this project justice! I absolutely love having a special place to hang all those pictures of our favorite people! I can't seem to bring myself to taking down all the photo Christmas cards we received this year and our family is in serious "production" mode, so we have loads of adorable faces gracing this project!



To clip the photos in place, I use miniature clothes pins that I inked with Clearsnap Chalk Ink in Chestnut Roan then stamped with a french script stamp with black ink.

It's so much fun to give new life to something old!

8 comments:

Shelly Hickox said...

I absolutely LOVE this idea! I have a large frame that has been sitting in my garage, waiting to be altered in some way. I want to use it in my studio as an inspiration board. I might just give it a little Roxi makeover!

*~*Laura*~* said...

you are amazing mother!!

Elise said...

I'm sure he doesn't mind {his arms were tired, anyhow! hee hee} This is SUCH a fun project, Roxie! I have one similar that I made from an old gate - I NEVER get tired of it's possibility! GREAT job!

niki said...

I have that very same frame and pic. I might have to copy your idea!

Michelle Frae Cummings said...

This is wonderful! I love it! And I definately have plenty of chicken wire since I use it in my crown making! Thanks for the inspiration!

Lisa Fulmer said...

Your post is featured today on the C&T Publishing blog - thanks for being part of our Creative Troupe!

Melony said...

Rox- your blog design is looking good and I LOVE this project. You are a genius with chicken wire

www.mel-designs.typepad.com

Scatter said...

This is truly brilliant!! I see several of this on my Christmas Gift list, with recipients squealing with joy! Thanks!!