DIY Display Frame With Thrift Store Materials

Date

This simple DIY display frame project cost me under $5 and is such a sweet way to display an heirloom or other special treasure! And it only took me about 5 minutes to make! Read on to learn how to make your own!

Last year, I turned an old metal frame into a display for my grandmothers’ costume jewelry. I have it hanging in my office directly across the room from my desk (which is where I’m sitting right now). I love looking up at it and thinking of them while I’m working.

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Recently I have seen people framing mini statuettes and I LOVE this trend! The statuettes are flat on the back making them easy to adhere to the back of a frame. This trend inspired me to look at my grandmother’s cameo in a new way and transform it into our for our built in bookshelves!

When I found this small ornate frame at the thrift store for $3.99 I knew it was the perfect frame for this project! You can use any frame you’re like, but I’m partial to a rounded opening!

Don’t miss my tips for how to update thrift store frames!

I wanted the rich look of black velvet like the inside of a jewelry box to make my cameo pop in the gold frame. I thrifted a black velvet shirt for $0.99 and only needed a small piece of fabric for this DIY display frame. I could probably make 20 more of these display frames with the fabric left! Here’s how I put it all together:

DIY Display Frame

Materials

  • frame
  • black velvet or your choice of backing (preferably thrifted!)
  • spray adhesive for fabric. I used this
  • scissors
  • special piece to display
  • hot glue

How to make it

1. Start by removing the glass from your frame and thoroughly cleaning the frame. Save the glass for another project or toss.

2. Cut a piece of fabric to the size of the back of your frame.

3. Spray your adhesive on the frame backing and lay out your fabric over top, making sure to smooth out any wrinkles!

4. Reassemble your frame.

5. Using hot glue or super glue, attach your special piece to the center of your frame making sure it is secure. NOTE: hot glue can be easily peeled off if you warm it with a hair dryer so you can remove your piece and use or wear it again!

This DIY display frame craft would also make a very sweet and sentimental gift for a loved one! Once I find another frame that’s perfect for this craft, I want to frame the brooch I wore on my wedding dress and hang it in our bedroom!

If you’re on the hunt for more thrift store upcycling and makeovers, start here!

xoxo, L