7 Tips for Upcycling Frames for Your Art Collection
Clearly, I’m a fan of “the assortment.” It’s not for everybody, and you can certainly be a bit more discerning in your frame hunt.
I am cheap. I come from a long line of proud cheapskates. My mother had us bring home Ziploc bags from our lunchboxes so she could wash and reuse them. I am incapable of throwing cardboard boxes away, and I make my own damn chicken broth. I try to trick myself into believing I’m some kind of misplaced pioneer or a diehard environmentalist, but really, I am cheap.
So no surprise that when I absolutely must frame something, you better believe I am going to find a “vintage” option. Here’s a list of tips that I use to find perfectly good frames to upcycle. If you’re someone who loves a project, doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty, and loves the thrill of the proverbial hunt, you may also want to scour these kinds of places.
This will require a bit more time and certainly more of your labor, but it can result in a less expensive option and a more personal and creative outcome.
Perfectly good frame from Goodwill.
Jennifer Drinkwater, Rathbun Lake limited edition print, 11" H x 14", 2020.
7 Tips for Upcycling Frames for Your Art Collection
Tip 1:
First off, do not be afraid to buy a used piece of art just for the frame. I do this all the time. Toss the crappy art, keep the frame, mat (if it’s in good shape), and glass. It’s not sacrilege. I grant you permission.
Tip 2:
Advertise to your friends and family that you’re hunting from frames. You never know which relative is looking for an excuse to toss a mass-produced, inspirational quote poster revamp their living room.
Case in point.
Tip 3:
Keep tabs on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist (with caution!). We bought our teardrop trailer, a flat file, and furniture off Facebook Marketplace. FB Haters: it may be worth it just to have a phantom account, I’m just sayin.
Tip 4:
Frequent estate or garage sales. Estate sales will likely have more options, but garage sales are worth a shot too.
Frame from a relative.
A little bit better shot. ;)
Jennifer Drinkwater, Stained Glass, digital print, 4” x 4”, 2021.
Tip 5:
Flea markets and antique shops are your friend. More $$ maybe, but cool options.
Tip 6:
Goodwill or high-end thrift shops are goldmines. TONS of old kids room framed print. I walked out of a thrift store in Ankeny, Iowa, with 15 framed prints for 60 bucks. Some still in their original packaging. Tossed ALL the art. If the matboard was ratty, I bought a new piece cut to size at a local craft store. Done and done.
Tip 7:
Do you live near a college or university? Here in Ames, Iowa State University opens to the public a weekly surplus sale of unused equipment and supplies, where I’ve found framed prints for a buck.
Where else have y’all found cool frames? Lemme know!
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