I’ve been wanting to change the accessories on my fireplace mantel for spring, right now it still has all my mercury glass on it. So I looked around at what I had and came up with an idea or theme for a spring look. Most everything I’m going to use I’m either going to make, change or already have. First thing to change is this picture of birds.
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I picked up this picture last year at Goodwill and never got around to hanging it in my guest bedroom like I planned. It’ll probably wind up there eventually! I liked the birds but I didn’t care for the gold on the mat and a few other things.
The back was covered with a thick piece of paper so I just ripped that off. Fortunately the picture itself was held in with staples to the frame so I took most of them out. Some that were just in the frame and not the picture I left so that I’d have something to hold the picture in later on.
Originally I was going to take the mat out and spray paint it but in this case the mat is attached to the picture and I couldn’t pry it loose.
So I took a small sponge brush and painted the entire mat a creamy white. Yes, you can paint mats! No need to go out and buy another one if all you dislike is the color. Just paint it!
I also didn’t like the roses – they were too orange. So I took a small artist’s brush and dabbed some white paint on them. I also added a bit of white to the birds to tone down the brown. Don’t be afraid to actually paint on a picture. I’ve done it many times. No one can even tell unless they press their nose against it!
I sprayed the frame – not too solid. I wanted a bit of the wood to peek through. Much prettier don’t you think? Paint should be in every budget decorators bag of tricks. You can paint just about anything and everything and it’s the cheapest way to change the look of accessories. I always pick up spray paint when I see it on clearance because it’s something you can always use!
Come back Monday to see how it turned out! Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend everyone!
I like it so much better.
I may just paint some of my pictures I have. Thanks for the idea.
Wow, it looks so much more updated now! I love it!
Big improvement – Much better. I did not know you could paint mats.
Glenda
That’s really cute. Nice job.
I’m enjoying your blog.
I love this! I had no idea one could paint a mat. You’ve inspired me once again! Thanks!
Manuela, this is really great. Thanks for inspiring me.
Just love it!
Barb
Manuela, I love your change!!! Amazing what you can do to something old to make it all new again!
I love the picture! You reminded me that I need to pick up spray paint next week! Thanks!
Sometimes when I see the simple ways that you make a drastic change to something drab I want to cry. Cry for the hope that I can do that too. Thank you! I am so very new to blogging and have much to learn.
Manuela, I know it is going to come out great with your expertise. Have fun re-doing. Also have a great weekend.
What a great (and thrifty) update:>)
Can’t wait to see it finished!
Great makeover. Perfect for the arrival of spring. I love that you let the wood peek though the creamy white.
I love it! You paint matt too! lol I started when I used an old picture for the babies room. Now come tell what color to paint my iron table with a wood top and 3 drawers. I going to use as a buffet, until the right one comes along. Yes I am serious!
very pretty makeover!
Such simple changes and it looks so much better! What a great eye you have Manuela!
Love,
Tracey
What a transformation with just a little paint….you have great ideas Manuela! I am looking forward to seeing the rest!
xo
Penny
Ok, I am loving that look. I’ll be back on Monday for sure!
Manuela, that looks so fresh and pretty! I can’t wait to see the finished mantel!
Amazing what a little bit of paint and creativity can do. Looks amazing!
Oh, I love the sweet birds! You did a wonderful job with the makeover!
~Kelli
You NEVER cease to amaze me…… well….. of course the birds are sweet ….I never would have thought to paint the things I didn’t like …. now… the little sweeties are perfect…. you and I are on the same wave link ….I re did my mantel today…… I’ll do pictures next week….
HUgs
Linda
Pretty makeover to that photo that cost less than four dollars. It will look very nice on your mantle.
You are so good at that stuff!!!! Looks good!
It is so pretty but I would have to work up a lot of courage before I tackled something like that on my own. Then again, if you got the picture at Goodwill I guess you didn’t have much to lose.
What a great idea! I have a picture that needs a different color mat…I’m going to paint it now!
Yes, it does look better. Some fine day, I may get brave like you!
Thanks for the head’s up on the sodium. You may be interested in the addendum that I added to today’s recipe.
Looks very cute!
Nice transformation! It turned out well.
Brenda
Amazing what some paint can do. Clarice
I would never have thought you could paint a picture mat. What a great idea. That looks so pretty. Thanks for the tips. laurie
I love your picture re-do. I would have never thought of doing that to a “found” picture. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for those nice pictures when I’m out thrifting.
So cute! I need to find some Springy type pictures like this one.
You are so clever to give this piece your special touches and make it your own ~ such creativity. ThanX for the inspiration.
Glad you had a nice birthday. Your perky little garden cart looks like a really helpful tool.
What clever ideas, Manuela! I would never have thought to add the white paint to the roses and birds.
It turned out lovely.
Thanks for stopping by to see me the other day. It is so nice to meet another GA girl:-)
Rhonda
I have been loving your blog for a few weeks now.
The glazed corned beef is really good, especially with the marmalade but the real reason I make it is to make corned beef hash, mmm.
I think you have a much better Good Will than we have here, though I go and come home with things mostly they are more simple. Except for an Amber colored platter, cut underneath and around the edges and with 3 divided sections, for $3. It is gorgeous and I probably would have hit someone if they tried to get it first.
I making more things from used pieces and am considering it as a small business in a few years. One of the best reasons besides cost is it means less in the trash heap. And you are a nice reminder for me.
Oh it’s turning out great. I’ll be back to see the finished mantel, for sure!
I have to admit it takes me a lot of courage to get out a can of paint and I am not sure why. Bad choices in the past has something to do with it.
I’ll keep visiting my blogging friends to help me grab the courage 🙂
It looks beautiful! You did a fantastic job! I would never have thought to paint the picture and mat! You are VERY creative! 🙂
Great idea!
I did once touch up a brunette on the beach to turn her into a red head. 🙂
That looks great! You did an awesome job. 🙂
Thanks for the great tips! I never thought of touching up the print itself! It looks so much better!
What a sweet picture! And I love your redo. It looks great on your mantel. I’d love to find something similar at my Goodwill sometime soon. Time to go back and find some new treasures. ~Adrienne~
I have seen this picture but like you thought it not “exactly to my liking”…..THANKS for the idea! I think of painting the mat but forget I can tone down the colors and such. Sometimes I have things I don’t want and my husband says if I am just going to give them away what can I save and reuse..or repurpose…like something I had in the house and now we use it outside. I mean I wouldn’t buy it for full price then take it right outside to get messed up using it there…but if it is going to be Given away for free why not use it myself differently… You have inspired me sooo many times. You give me so many new thoughts. Using up what we have is of course the way to go too! TNANKS AGAIN! Jody