03.01.07
Vintage Window Photo Display
My new favorite craft is turning old windows into art. I recently did one for Addison’s room and it was so easy and fun that I decided to do another one for our family. I bought this full size window at a yard sale for $5. The picture can be deceiving as this is a standard size window.
The window was originally brown, but to make it more antiqued I painted it white. It doesn’t matter if it’s evenly covered as I distressed it with sandpaper. I printed the pictures off at Walmart and the center family picture is an 8 X 10 that was trimmed down to make the picture centered.
I printed off the other photos so they were all 5 X 7. The photos are attached with “Hermafix Vario tabs” from Joanns. The embellishments are Making Memories flowers attached with Zots adhesive from Hobby Lobby.
Metal signs “Love” and “Cherish” are Pressed Petals. Buttons are “Foof-a-la”. Family is cut using Sizzix machine “Serif” alphabet from “Foof-a-la Jacobean Red” paper. Wooden “M” is Making Memories painted maroon and distressed with sandpaper. Some of the Ribbons are from Michaels (Family, Gingham) and the additional ribbon is from a local scrapbook store.
The ribbon says “live long, laugh often, love much”. “M” is attached with hot glue. Total time to create 3hrs. including allowing time for paint to dry.
NOTE: Pictures can be easily changed as time goes by and you have more recent family pictures. All pictures are attached to the top, however the paper can be measured to cover the openings, embellishments and photos can be added before it’s glued in. However, this makes it more difficult to change the pictures!
My parents recently put new windows in their house. This was the window out of my childhood bedroom. This was an inexpensive and creative decoration for Addison’s nursery. I painted all the wood trim with sage green.
An artist friend painted “Addison” on the top half of the window. On the bottom half I hot glued decorative vellum to the backside and I have added some of my favorite black and white photos to the top side of the glass.
I plan to collage them all together so that I can add a lot more over time. I created the floral arrangement to match her bedding. This could easily be adapted to match any decor or theme.
AM
Tiffany said,
March 5, 2007 at 3:01 pm
This is a really cute idea. I did a similar project but enlarged the photos to fit the entire glass panes.
Amber Moody said,
March 5, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Thanks for your comments!!
vespabelle said,
March 5, 2007 at 4:33 pm
I really like this idea except for the sanding part. It’s a good bet that this window has lead paint on it and sanding releases the lead. into the air. And we all know that lead is not healthy for anyone (especially young children.)
I think painting (or if the “rustic” look is desired you can seal with polyurthane) is fine though. (just no sanding!)
admin said,
March 5, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Thanks for leaving a comment and that is definitely something to think about. I got the frame unpainted with a standard wooden frame. When I painted it the first time I used Making Memories scrapbook paint which comforms to ASTM D-4236.
I am pretty sure this means that a toxicologist has reviewed the formula of the art material for chronic hazards. I am just quoting what they say on the box and I will be careful in the future when sanding anything painted. Thanks again!
Amber
Laurel said,
March 6, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Can I ask you a question? So are the photos and embellishments attached to the front of the glass panes or are they behind the glass?
Amber Moody said,
March 7, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Yes Laurel, the photos and embellishments are attached on the front of the glass, because I really like the floating look and I intend to change out the pictures as the kids get bigger with Addi being so little she changes a lot from day to day! Although I don’t see why you couldn’t put the photos behind the glass as well, similar to a picture frame. This could be done like a scrapbook page so that you can include any embellishments. Keep in mind that some may be to thick or get squished against the glass. Let me know how it turns out if you try it this way!
Amber
Kate said,
March 24, 2007 at 10:49 pm
This is gorgeous!
sheryl said,
August 18, 2007 at 10:17 pm
I love what you did. I have an old window waiting to be worked on. I want to paint it and hang it over another high window. Any ideas how to paint. Do acrylics work OK? Just want a funky colorful look that will show the light through it. Love these old vintage window crafts!
Amber Moody said,
August 26, 2007 at 10:54 pm
Hi Sheryl,
I ended up using the Making Memories acrylic paint for this window. I am so glad you liked it! Let me know how it turns out.
Amber
Jinii said,
November 12, 2007 at 2:34 pm
I just stumbled on this idea from another blog and it is awesome!!!! Can’t wait to try it.