Vintage Bird and Flowers Frame

I am kicking myself that I didn't take a "before" photo of this frame, so you could see exactly how it was transformed in the space of two hours in my craft room yesterday. I bought a distressed wooden frame at Hobby Lobby last weekend in a pretty Baja Breeze color that is my accent in the living room. It had a metal bird and branch, partially covered with truly hideous YELLOW "antique handwriting" paper that just had to go.

I covered the bird first so I wouldn't have to look at the poor thing any longer. I used my last precious scraps of Newsprint Designer Series Paper, which is now retired. I am making do with First Edition papers on my cards, but Stampin' Up, if you're reading this–bring back my vintage newspaper, please! And if anyone has a pack and really loves me, I'd sure be willing to buy it off ya!

I also used up another "last" on this frame–the very last scrap of Blushing Bride cardstock. No other pink would do–I needed that antique-y, grayed-out pink that looks so awesome when sponged. I'm crossing my fingers that sweet peachy pink comes back the next time we have a Color Renovation. I layered the new mini Scallop Circle punch from the Holiday 2012 Catalog with the Boho Blossoms punches and some rhinestone brads to add just a dab of bling.

Then I stamped, sponged, splattered, smeared, splattered some more, sprayed, Mod-Podged, Big-Shotted, texturized, tore, wrinkled and crumpled to my heart's content…. what say you? Good results? I love it. I adore that I can make art for my home with my own two hands. I love that I can take someone else's indifferent canvas and squandered talent and turn it unto something that makes me happy when I see it, that matches my stuff, that means something to me.

I know you all don't have my dream job (although you could–we should chat about that!) and can't sit around crafting all day every day, but I would like to challenge you to make one home decor item for our house per season, this year. Just one piece–maybe an altered frame, maybe a banner, maybe some ornaments for a little tree, or a wreath or maybe even something really fun like stamping on the walls. The rules are all changed. We CAN decorate our homes with things we made ourselves, things we found and repainted, stuff we upcycled or combined or ripped pieces off of.

It doesn't have to be overwhelming or feel like pressure–just one small project you worked on by yourself (or hey, with the kids!) and can display with pride. I remember the first thing I made to display permanently in my house. I was so nervous! People just didn't decorate with things they'd made themselves. But people loved it, and it STILL makes me happy. Take a chance and make some art! After all, as Stampin' Up's latest advertising campaign says, 'EARTH without "ART" is just "EH."'