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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Accordion Name Frame


I have been planning this project for a lot longer than was necessary. I needed 7 frames and would search the frame section every time we were at the store. (I must say I have one patient husband...) When I would finally find frames on sale, at least one of the three things would happen: there were only 5 left (why five? I have no idea), they weren't what I was looking for, or they were too expensive, even on sale (I'm cheap thrifty, okay?). It got very frustrating.


Then a couple weeks ago, we headed over to Michael's and a miracle happened... I found more than enough frames that would work perfectly, and they were on clearance for 60 cents a piece!! It was meant to be.

I already had the paint, brush & the images I wanted to use. Like I said, the frames were on clearance. I also found the hinges I needed on sale and spent a total of about $8 for this entire project! That's right. Awesome.

First, I unwrapped (obviously) and painted all the frames in black paint. Easy enough.

Next, I sanded all the edges, and then sanded around the rest of the frame to make it have the extra distressed look going on. Love it! Watch out for all the sawdust though... I put them over a plastic bag with the intentions of making the clean-up a little easier...

Didn't exactly work that way, but hey, it's the thought that counts, right? After wiping the frames down with a damp cloth to get rid of the extra dust, I covered it in a thin layer of Mod Podge to help protect it and let it dry overnight.

I feel lucky that I have a husband who will volunteer to help me with projects! Maybe he knows what will happen if the project doesn't turn out... either way - thanks, hubs! :) We measured out where the hinges needed to go and figured out the best way to put them together to fold up accordion-style.

Last, but not least, I printed out my last name in letter-shaped-nature photos and put them in the frames. I am in looove with this project. It turned out even better than I had imagined! The price, the look, and it's something that I have wanted in my home for a long time.


Would you like to comment?

  1. great idea. I need to make one for my mom with all the grandkids for Christmas.

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  2. I have been wanting to do these words with pictures for a while now, too. I love the frames you used though. You have some serious talent, honey! Im jelous. lol

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  3. that is so awesome! And it was kismet with the frame prices! Turned out so adorable! And I love your new logo btw! :-)

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  4. What a good hubbs!! This is such a great idea and project Linds! Love it!

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  5. I love, love, love this idea! I just took some pictures of letters to spell our last name, but didn't have any great way to display them yet. This is so cool! I think it would be a great wedding present, too. I'll have to take pictures of every letter of the alphabet and have frames on hand. lol

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  6. Following from Boost My Blog Friday, I am so glad I found your blog...it's amazing! Please follow back at www.EcoCrazyMom.com and feel free to add your link to my Blog Directory under the "Bloggers" tab on my blog :)

    Smiles,
    Terri

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  7. This is such a great idea! I think it would make the coolest wedding gift idea. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  8. This looks so cool. I wanna do it now! I'm a new follower from the hop.
    http://www.kristy-s-place.blogspot.com/

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  9. That is a great project. I love the idea. New follower from the Show and Tell Saturday Hop. Hope you stop by for a visit. http://grandmabonniesweeclassroom.blogspot.com/

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  10. Wow this is awesome! I totally thought you bought and painted that. I wouldn't have guess you made them from scratch. Great job!

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  11. Super idea - great show of patience too! Looks great. After posting I'll be your newest follower and eagerly await more cool ideas.

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  12. how very cute love how they all go together
    shopannies@yahoo.com

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  13. I really like this! Might have to try it myself... however there are 10 letters in our name... thats going to make for a long frame! :)

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  14. Thanks for posting this. I've been looking for a folding frame and haven't been able to find the size I needed. Thanks to you, I can make my own!

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  15. Great project! Thanks for linking up to scrappy saturdays I hope to see you back each week to share more of your fab ideas!

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  16. Love the accordian style! So fun! Thanks for linking up with DIY under $15!

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  17. 60 cents! What a great find! I love the project! Great idea. I found your blog on the link party at A Little Tipsy.

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  18. I love, love, love your name frame, AFM! Thank you so much for sharing your post at Savvy HomeMade Monday.

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  19. Great deal! This is so great! I love it! Thanks for sharing it with {Re}creation Into Something New Wednesdays at Not So Simple Housewife! Hope to see more from you this upcoming Wednesday!

    Kaitlin-The Not So Simple Housewife
    http://notsosimplehousewife.blogspot.com/

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  20. So cool!! Your waiting paid off!!
    Thanks for linking up to Southern Lovely's Show & Share!!

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  21. I used to make my students do this for photography class until they cut the program. All the good stuff gets cut but this is an awesome project with a digital camera!

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  22. So many possibilities! Holiday sayings, kid's names, wedding/baby shower gifts... love it!

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  23. LOVE LOVE LOVE this project! Did you take the pictures yourself? If not, may I ask where you printed them from? I would love to make one of these for our family! Thanks so much...I am now your newest follower!

    Kelly
    www.delcodealdiva.com

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  24. Lacey Cross-Lobner · Lewellen, Nebraska
    I LOVE your ideas and have been working on a couple of them for a craft show. I am curious as to what you did for the glass/ plastic in these frames. I got the same frames at Micheals to do this but without the glass I'm just not sure how to do this, or I am wondering if I just need to print the pictures on something special? Thanks for all the great ideas!
    lobner.4@hotmail.com

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  25. Lacey Cross-Lobner · Lewellen, Nebraska
    I LOVE your ideas and have been working on a couple of them for a craft show. I am curious as to what you did for the glass/ plastic in these frames. I got the same frames at Micheals to do this but without the glass I'm just not sure how to do this, or I am wondering if I just need to print the pictures on something special? Thanks for all the great ideas!
    lobner.4@hotmail.com

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