Hi there, dear friends! Today I’m back with some more holiday art using decoupage paper and thrift store frames! You may remember that I recently shared two sweet bunny art pieces.
Here is the one I kept for myself:
It’s now decorating our guest bathroom. The other was purchased by a sweet local reader who bought it from my booth. You can see that one HERE if you missed it.
Well, they were so simple to do, and I had several more pieces of that Bunny Wonderland decoupage paper, so I decided to go grab a few more frames at a couple of thrift stores near me.
Except, I ended up with eight more frames! (One I already had.)
Redesign’s papers are limited run, so these may not be available if you are viewing long after the posting date, but you can see all the decoupage papers I currently have available in my Etsy shop HERE.
Here they all are (minus one):
I didn’t have enough of the Bunny designs, so I pulled out this Festive Cardinal set from my Etsy shop:
This set has the most jolly Santas, and the colors are so much more vibrant in real life than they are on the packaging!
Prep the Frames
I started by removing all the backs, the current artwork, and the glass.
I enlisted the help of a couple of tools to help me, but most of them were held together something like this:
Once I had the frames free, I started matching up designs to each one:
Those dancing bunnies in the middle were one of my favorites, but they disappeared on me at some point. It was pretty windy in our garage with the window and the garage door open, so it has blown somewhere unknown lol.
Anyway, I had to swap that one out for one a little less whimsical, but that’s okay!
Clean
These frames got a quick wipe down with a damp cloth to clean away any dust.
Paint
I wanted to stick with two main colors to make it easy, so I chose Fluff for most of them, applying it to the detailed pieces with my Belle Brush:
The mop head on that brush is great for getting into all those details easily.
I painted a couple others in Barn Red:
Once they were all painted, I sanded to smooth and distress a few.
Seal
Most were sealed with Best Dang Wax in clear, applying it with the Best Dang Brush:
Then I buffed away any excess with a clean, soft cloth:
Adding the Decoupage Paper
Now for the fun part!
It is best to give the paper a white background. I usually do that by painting the original backing, but for this round, I chose to cut foam core for each one. (Be sure you have enough space in your frame if you choose to use foam core.)
You can see how the white background really makes the colors pop:
I used a hair dryer on the WARM setting on the pieces that had been folded like this one to remove the crease:
Then, I used what was left of my Redesign Decoupage Gel in the matte finish, spreading it onto my foam core using a 2″ Foam n Dandy brush which works perfectly:
This gel is available with a sheen also.
I then laid the paper on top and smoothed it out with my hand.
Once I had that done, I applied another layer of decoupage gel over the top:
The gel goes on milky but dries clear. If I were framing this image without the glass, I would go back over it with a coat of Satin Clear Coat to give it some sheen or opt for the shine version of the gel instead. This makes it appear more like a painting.
All that was left to do once the gel dried was to reassemble all the frames!
Let’s see how this holiday art using decoupage paper and thrift store frames turned out!
New Decoupage Holiday Art #1
Here is the first one before:
This one was quite boring before, but I liked that it had a matting in it. I paid $3.98 for it at the thrift store.
And here it is now!
I kept the glass out for photos of these new pieces to remove the glare, but they will all be sold with the glass.
This bunny family decorating the tree is so sweet!
New Decoupage Holiday Art #2
Next up is this chunky frame that was $4.98 and started out like this:
This one got one of the jolly Santas…
Jolly, right?? He almost has a vintage vibe which I love!
New Decoupage Holiday Art #3
How about this large one I found for $3.98?
This is one that I decided to paint red…
I love him! He might be a keeper!
New Decoupage Holiday Art #4
At number four is this frame I got for only $1.99 that started out like this:
I had planned to use the cute dancing bunnies in this one, but they disappeared on me, so this sweet bunny couple got their spot!
The matting had a bit of blue on it and I wasn’t able to separate it, so this worked out just fine.
New Decoupage Holiday Art #5
Next up is this square artwork I picked up for $1.99 also:
This one was painted in red to match one of the cardinals in this set:
This could easily stay up all year if you like red, definitley better than what was in there before!
The colors are so vibrant!
And of course, these will all look more finished once I add the glass back.
New Decoupage Holiday Art #6
Number six is the only frame that I decided not to paint. It started like this:
I found this one at a yard sale this summer for $2.
Adding another cardinal image is all it needed…
I’m not sure why I chose not to paint this one. I guess I liked the gold…
New Decoupage Holiday Art #7
This next one started out like this and also cost $1.99 (All smallish frames at the Goodwill were $1.99):
To make some of these work, I needed mats, so I bought some clearance frames just for the mats:
I only ended up using the green one on the bottom there, but it was perfect with this Santa:
He was a cutie and might be my favorite!
New Decoupage Holiday Art #8
And finally, at number eight is this super chunky frame that cost me $4.98:
It was perfect for this cute bunny!
This feels like a Painting the Smalls post, doesn’t it??
I hope you enjoyed these fun new holiday art pieces!
And here’s a before and after!
I better get them to my booth soon if I hope to sell them this season!
See all the holiday items I have available in my Etsy shop HERE!
I’ll be back on Tuesday with this table I scored for $5 at a yard sale:
UPDATE: See what magic I worked on this dated piece HERE now!
Have an amazing weekend, dear friends!
XOXO,
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Michele M. says
Oh my goodness, how cute are they!!!? SO adorable, Christy!!
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! They were fun to put together! XOXO
Lesley says
I love these so much!!
I just purchased some of the decoupage papers during your sale, and can’t wait to try the bunnies!
Christy says
Thank you, Lesley! The bunnies are the cutest!! Have fun creating! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
So cute, I love all of them. I especially love the cardinals! It is amazing how they look so great with better art in them! They will sell quickly in your booth because they are beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mary! I love the cardinals too! My booth isn’t too busy at the holidays, but here’s hoping! XOXO
Kathy W says
Good morning, Christy!!
I love all the frames with their new decoupage paper artwork. My two favorites are the Santa in the red frame and the Cardinal in the red frame. I guess I must like red. Lol. However, they all are very cute and pretty and would put anyone in the Christmas spirit. Happy Holidays!!
Kathy W
????
Christy says
Good morning, Kathy and thank you! I love the red too! These were so fun to put together! XOXO
Janet Huey says
Two MAJORLY good things inspired me from from this great post.
1-“I don’t know why I didn’t paint this one.”
SO many times I have wondered how you unerringly decided which paint to use or not paint. This is a huge relief for me. You have terrific instincts.
2-I have a stash of frames, yet somehow more show up. This post has provided the impetus to work on that pile.
Thank you from Texas.
Christy says
Aww I love this, Janet! Thank you! That gold frame was just so pretty already and I’m glad I chose not to paint it. And yay for inspiration for your frame stash! Enjoy! XOXO
Janice Redden says
Oh, my gosh, Christy! I love them all but I just want to hug that adorable lone bunny – the last one. Now I wish I had ordered that series ???? Maybe they will do some more bunnies for spring…
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I have already seen a sneak peek of what’s coming at the end of January, and I cannot wait! There are definitely more bunnies coming! XOXO
Jeanne says
I have a friend who changes out her home pics at Christmas time and I know she would love all of these, as do I. Inspiring. Who doesn’t love cardinals?!
Christy says
That is such a great idea, and this would be the perfect way to accomplish that! Cardinals are always classic. Thank you, Jeanne! XOXO
Sue says
Your redesigned Christmas frames are charming. Who knew the possibilities of the these thrifted frames could be so enchanting!
Christy says
Thank you, Sue! I had so much fun with them! XOXO
susan says
Those are some great frames! Love the old world Santas!????????????. Merry Christmas!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Susan! I really had fun with these! XOXO
Cindy says
These are so sweet! I’m thinking you could also use saved old Christmas Card fronts for the smaller frames!
Christy says
Thank you, Cindy! Oh yes…that would work as well. There are so many pretty cards out there! XOXO
Sherry says
I just fell in love with the picture with the bunnies wearing scarves, the one displayed in a frame on chicken wire. Do you know if this is available as a print to frame? I have collected bunnies for over 50 years and would love to have this one framed to display at Christmas.
Thank you!
Christy says
Hi Sherry! That was part of that bunny decoupage paper set that I linked to in the post. I did sell out this weekend, but I have more on the way! XOXO
Celia says
These are all wonderful, whimsical pictures and I think the Santa’s are perfect they have that vintage sweet look I love. Happy holidays!
Christy says
Thank you, Celia! They were so fun to put together! XOXO
Rebecca Payne says
They are all gorgeous. I love the Santa and Cardnial in the red frames. Thank you for sharing and inspiring.
Christy says
Thank you, Rebecca! The red is so festive for the holidays and really stands out. It is always a pleasure to share! XOXO
Cecilia says
Wow, I love these! It’s hard to pick a favorite but the bunny family decorating the tree might win. They’re all fantastic!
????Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cecelia! The bunnies are so whimsical and fun! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
They are all stunning/sweet my friend! The cardinals are my fave, looks so upscale! XOXO
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, my dear friend! The colors on these papers are just so vibrant, especially on the cardinals! XOXO
Cyndi says
I love ALL of these! They are each special in their own way. So beautiful! I love decorating my house with art like this at Christmas. Thanks for the good ideas!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cyndi! These are sure to add some whimsey to anyone’s holiday decor! Glad you enjoyed them! XOXO
Kim Wollmer says
Your creativity amazes me! All of these turned out so cute. Happy holidays to you!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Kim, thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Happy holidays! XOXO
Roberta Menconi says
I especially love the cardinal in the red frame and the first Santa. Sooo pretty!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Roberta! The red is really pretty for Christmas, and the first Santa already found a home! XOXO
Debbie in TX says
All of these are just beautiful. I love the number 2 textured frame with Santa, and the little bunny in number 8 is so cute! These are a wonderful way to add charm to your home displays with such simple makeovers. Your vignettes with the finished projects are gorgeous. You have great style! Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Christy says
Thank you, Debbie! That Santa found a home this weekend woohoo! And the bunnies really are my favorites… so much whimsy! Thank you so much, I really enjoy the staging part. Happy holidays, my friend! XOXO
Caye says
Geez Christy, I can’t pick a favorite! They are all so gosh darn cute. Good job, ma’am.
Christy says
Aww yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Caye, thank you! XOXO
Lorri says
Christy they are beautiful. I love them all but my favorites are the Cardinals!❤️ Whoever buy these prints are going to be very lucky indeed!
Merry Christmas to you and your Family.
..
Christy says
Thank you, Lorri One of the cardinals sold in my booth this weekend…got it in there just in time ha ha! Merry Christmas! XOXO
Anita says
I love them all, but my favourite might be the last little bunny with the gift. He is adorable and that chunky frame is perfect. I saw that you bought some clearance frames for their mats and I wondered if you ever tried cutting your own mats. I asked for a mat cutter a number of years ago for Christmas and I find it so handy when I need to customize a mat size. Sometimes, I recut existing mats to fit a different image and sometimes I buy mat paper if I need a completely custom size. It is a great tool! Love your posts! Thank you for creating some holiday cheer to inspire us.
Christy says
Thank you, Anita! He is a cutie! I did try cutting my own mats many many years ago, and I didn’t do a great job lol. The tool I used was probably cheap though since it was so long ago, so I should try it again. I am so glad you enjoy my posts…I appreciate you guys so much! XOXO
Kimmylouwho says
These are just adorable! I love buying Thrifted frames and just like you sometimes I only want the mat! If the frame isn’t to my liking, I will donate it back to the store. A win for all.
Christy says
Thank you so much! They were really fun to put together! And yes, I totally just did that ha ha…it’s a win win! XOXO
p says
This IS a cute batch of smalls.
I made a pinterest board – painting smalls – which the vast majority are yours. 🙂 They really are inspiring.
The vintage Santa’s are my fav, but the bunnies are pretty darn cute.
Have a Wonderful Holiday season !!
Christy says
Thank you, P! I had so much fun with these! I think the Santas are my favorite as well, but yes, those bunnies are so darn cute! Have a wonderful holiday, my friend! XOXO
Pam Emma says
Christy, Each one is so precious and I love them in repurposed frames. I have been doing the same thing with vintage Christmas cards I have picked up along my thrifting journeys. These would be wonderful for the larger frames I have. They are on my list for my next order. Just received my recent order and looking forward to making some wonderful Christmas decor with them. Thank you for your inspiration.
Pam
Christy says
There are so many lovely papers in this group! What a great idea to save your Christmas cards for that purpose. In fact, I have one Christmas card of my own that I did frame because it was just so pretty! Happy creating with your goodies! XOXO