In the exciting world of home decor, where styles evolve and personal tastes shift, I recently found myself on an unexpected journey back to a former decorating identity—not once, but twice! It all happened during my monthly “Trash to Treasure Tuesdays” challenge, an event that truly ignites my passion for upcycling and creative makeovers. Each month, I team up with a group of incredibly talented blogger friends, and together, we transform discarded items found at thrift stores, yard sales, or even our own forgotten corners into beautiful, functional pieces.
This particular month, instead of heading out to hunt for treasures, I decided to delve into my own “donation pile.” You know, that collection of items we keep meaning to get rid of but haven’t quite managed yet? It was there I rediscovered an old pair of wine-themed art pieces, framed beautifully, that Robert and I acquired shortly after we got married. They held sentimental value, but their aesthetic no longer resonated with my current style, patiently waiting for a second life.
Funnily enough, this wasn’t the first time recently that I’d revisited my past decor choices. Just last month, I made over a thrift store tray, which, coincidentally, also featured a very similar burgundy wine theme. While there’s absolutely nothing inherently wrong with decorating with rich burgundy tones and elegant wine graphics, I’ve realized over time that this particular style isn’t truly “me” anymore. Our homes should be reflections of our present selves, and for me, that means a shift towards a more rustic, personalized, and, dare I say, typography-centric aesthetic.
With my evolving taste in mind, and having nothing to lose from these pieces destined for donation, I decided to embrace my current obsession: typography signs. Everywhere I look, I find myself drawn to inspiring quotes, clever sayings, and beautifully rendered words adorning walls and shelves. It’s a versatile trend that adds character, a personal touch, and often a dash of motivation to any space. Turning these outdated wine art frames into something new and meaningful felt like the perfect “Trash to Treasure” project.
Essential Supplies for Your Typography Art Makeover
Gathering the right materials is the first step to any successful DIY project. For this transformation, I focused on a few key items that would allow me to achieve a rustic, weathered look for the frames and a clean, crisp finish for the typography. Please note: some affiliate links are provided below to help you find the exact products I used. As always, thank you for supporting my creative endeavors!
- Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Coco: This incredible paint requires minimal prep, making it perfect for quick makeovers. You can find your closest retailer who carries it here. I sourced mine from a wonderful nearby antique shop, supporting local businesses.
- Annie Sloan Dark Soft Wax: Essential for creating that aged, weathered wood effect that adds so much character.
- Chip Brush: An inexpensive brush, ideal for applying both chalk paint and wax. Its bristles help create texture.
- Clean, Lint-Free Rag: Crucial for buffing and wiping back the wax to achieve the desired finish.
- Computer & Inkjet Printer: For designing and printing your custom typography.
- 4 Sheets of Parchment Printer Paper: This special paper gives the printables a unique, slightly translucent, and wonderfully rustic texture.
- Scissors: For neatly cutting out your printed typography.
- Mod Podge in Matte: The ultimate decoupage medium for adhering and sealing your paper designs. The matte finish helps maintain a natural, non-glossy look.
- Sponge Applicator Brush: For smooth and even application of Mod Podge, minimizing brush strokes.
The Transformation Journey: Step-by-Step DIY Typography Art
Step 1: Preparing and Painting the Frames for a Rustic Base
The first order of business was to give the frames a thorough dusting. After years of hanging, they were, let’s just say, quite dusty! With that taken care of, I moved on to painting. Using my trusty chip brush, I applied two coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in “Coco” to both frames. Chalk paint is a dream to work with because it adheres beautifully to almost any surface without the need for extensive sanding or priming. The “Coco” shade provides a wonderful warm, earthy base that instantly lends a more grounded and rustic feel, a perfect foundation for our new typography art.
Step 2: Creating a Weathered Wood Look with Dark Wax
Once the chalk paint was completely dry to the touch, it was time to introduce that coveted weathered, aged appearance. I worked in sections, tackling one side of each frame at a time. With another chip brush, I swiped on the Annie Sloan Dark Soft Wax, ensuring it settled into all the intricate details and crevices of the frame. Immediately after applying, I used a clean, lint-free rag to wipe back the excess wax. This technique is fantastic for creating a subtle, antique patina, giving the frames an authentic, time-worn character.
This method is a personal favorite of mine and has proven incredibly versatile for achieving a distressed wood look on numerous projects. I’ve successfully employed it on my industrial hamper, my office supply organizer, and even a charming pumpkin terrarium. It’s a technique that always comes in handy, adding depth and history to any piece.
Step 3: Designing and Printing Your Custom Typography
With the frames beautifully distressed and waxed, the focus shifted to the heart of the project: the typography. Once the wax had completely dried and cured, I printed my chosen wording onto parchment printer paper. The unique texture and slight translucency of parchment paper are key to achieving that wonderfully rustic and slightly aged look for the signs. If you’re inspired to create your own, you’re in luck! You can download the exact printables I used here to recreate this look for yourself:
- Start Each Day Printable
- Today is a Good Day Printable
Choosing inspiring phrases or meaningful quotes is a fantastic way to personalize your home decor. Think about words that resonate with you, offer daily encouragement, or simply make you smile. Experiment with different fonts on your computer to find a style that perfectly complements your home’s aesthetic. The beauty of DIY typography is the endless possibilities for customization.
Step 4: Adhering and Sealing Your Artwork with Mod Podge
The final step in bringing these signs to life involved careful application of the printables. I started by applying a generous, even coat of Mod Podge to the picture area of the frames using a sponge applicator brush. This ensures good adhesion and prevents air bubbles. I then carefully positioned my printed typography onto the wet Mod Podge, taking care to align it just right. To achieve a smooth, professional finish, I gently pressed out any air bubbles with the edge of a credit card, working from the center outwards. For the still-exposed edges of the original frame backing, I cut a few strips of blank parchment paper and Mod Podged them into place as well, creating a seamless, unified look that blends perfectly with the main typography piece.
Once the initial layer of Mod Podge and the printables were completely dry, I applied another coat of Mod Podge over the entire surface. This crucial step acts as a sealant, protecting the paper from moisture and wear, and locking in that beautiful, rustic matte finish. Patience is key during the drying process to ensure a flawless result, free from tackiness.
The Rustic Charm Revealed: A New Chapter for Old Frames
I’m absolutely thrilled with how these DIY typography signs turned out! They possess a charming, rustic quality that I adore, perfectly aligning with my current decor preferences. Interestingly, I had actually created similar printables with the same wording earlier this summer for some glass frames. However, I must confess, I find myself liking these new versions even more. There’s something about the distressed frames and the parchment paper that gives them an undeniable character and warmth, a touch more rustic than their glass counterparts. And as you know, rustic is always a winner in my book – it brings a sense of comfort, history, and authenticity to a space.
What do you think of the transformation? The best part? This entire project cost me absolutely nothing, as all the materials were either on hand or repurposed from items I already owned. That’s the true spirit of “Trash to Treasure” – turning something old and unwanted into something beautiful and new without breaking the bank. Woo to the hoo!
On a side note, can you spot a little glimpse of those gorgeous wooden shelves on the far right in the image below? Eek! We are so incredibly close to a full reveal of that space! Lately, between bouts of bad weather, several pesky colds making their way through our family, and numerous family events, our house progress has seen a few setbacks. But we’re finally getting back into the swing of things, and I can’t wait to share more of our ongoing home journey with you all soon!
Join the Upcycling Movement: Pin It for Later!
If you’re feeling inspired to recreate some unique typography art for yourself using a few cast-off art frames of your own, be sure to save this idea! Pin it to your favorite DIY or home decor boards below so you can easily find it later. Projects like these are not only budget-friendly but also incredibly rewarding, allowing you to personalize your space with items that tell a story. From now on, I’ll definitely be on the lookout for any similar frames I spot at the thrift store, knowing the amazing potential they hold for a creative makeover!
More “Trash to Treasure” Inspiration from My Talented Friends!
And speaking of inspiration, don’t forget to stop by and check out all the other incredible makeovers from my fellow “Trash to Treasure” gal pals! We love seeing how everyone transforms their finds into something truly special. There’s a wealth of creativity and ingenuity to discover, proving that one person’s trash truly can be another’s treasure. Click through their links below to explore their amazing projects:
Prodigal Pieces: Discover innovative transformations that breathe new life into forgotten items. You won’t believe what they’ve done with a curbside rocker! Prodigal Pieces – Curbside Rocker Turned Black Beauty
Confessions of a Serial Do-It-Yourselfer: Dive into a world of endless DIY projects and creative solutions for every corner of your home.
Girl in the Garage: Get inspired by her latest yard sale art makeover and learn how to infuse vintage charm into modern spaces. Girl in the Garage – Upcycled Yard Sale Art Makeover
Artsy Chicks Rule: Explore her thrifty mirror to chalkboard transformation – a functional and stylish update for any home! Artsy Chicks Rule – Thrifty Mirror to Chalkboard
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