Custom details layered throughout a petite space distracts the eye away from a small, compact floor plan. A DIY picture frame mat cut from vintage wallpaper elevates a pair of humble oil paintings.
I have been a collector of vintage wallpaper, mostly from the 40s and 50s, for many years. Some paper remnants have become too delicate to install on a wall but are ideal for custom picture frame mats and smaller decoupage projects. I found these two original, vintage paintings (circa 1940) from HawkArtCo and because of their odd sizes, I ordered white custom cut mats online from ArtToFrame.
Cut paper carefully to fit the mat. Then use spray adhesive mount to adhere the paper to the front of the mat board. I refurbished gold flea market picture frames with a vibrant coat of green Annie Sloan chalk paint in the color called Antibes. Once the paint is dry, use a fine paper (grade 400+) and sand off the paint in a few key spots to let the gold peek through. Finish by rubbing on a thin layer of dark wax for added depth and the look of an aged patina.
Click here for more creative ways to frame art for a small space.
