Old Frame Revived with Burlap

Not long ago, I got that galvanized stock tank for my water lilies and was asking here if there was a way to dull the finish. Jane suggested rubbing it with burlap.
So off I went to the fabric store. I was only going to get a little bit, but it was on sale... half price. And it was the end of the "roll" so I was offered another discount if I'd take it all. Okay! Sounds good to me! Guess I'll have a supply of burlap for awhile!
Not knowing what to do with it all, I looked online for any ideas. Found a couple sites that told how to make mats/frames with it. Hmmmmm....

I had taken a photo of a sunset a few months ago. And it was shown on a couple of TV stations. Aunts, cousins, old classmates, co-workers all have been telling me to get it printed and framed.
So I finally ordered an 11x14 print. But to go out and pay someone to frame it? Not me!

Found an old framed print tucked away (16x20) waiting for that garage sale. Decided to rescue it.



old framed print ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

I decided to use the print as the mat.

Here's what I did...
Made my measurements so the 11x14 print would be centered in the mat and leaving a half-inch overlay.
I cut that out with a utility knife.
There was my mat. It's not all perfectly straight, because I want it rustic looking.
(But it would also be easy to make perfectly straight... just have to take your time and be a little more precise. Or... just buy a mat that way you know it will be perfect.)


mat ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )


Next, I laid the mat down on the burlap and cut around it leaving about a 2 inch border all the way around the outside of it.
I then marked an inch border around the inside of the mat (the red box) and cut out the center.







cut out ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )


Once the center was cut out, I lightly sprayed the burlap with contact adhesive.
Next, center the mat on the burlap. Cut out the corners of the burlap and make diagonal slits in the burlap on the inside.



making corners ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )


I then sprayed a bit more adhesive on the burlap and proceeded to stretch it over the mat pressing firmly until it was completely covered.



burlap mat ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )



I then placed the photo on the mat, secured it with a little bit of tape. I now needed a backing. Took another old print out of a frame and used it.
And then placed in the frame.

Here's the outcome.




completed project ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

Very easy to do. And hardly costs a thing!
Just have to figure out a place to hang it now.

 

Excellent job and a beautiful photo to enjoy now for a long time. , no really -

 

Thanks Toni and Carolyn...
Once Hubby gets back in town, I think I'd like for him to make a frame out of some old barn lumber. But in the meantime, this will do.
Now I just have to figure out some other stuff to do with all the burlap!

 

Well done. I love to reuse items and be crafty.

 

Thanks Cuatro.... any crafty ideas that utilize burlap?
:-D

 

Clever lady, you always seem to come up with great ideas. Nice picture!

Jerry

 

Love it Cheryl! The picture and the presentation. I think your idea to have hubby make a frame of barnwood is inspired too! I like the texture of the burlap... what to do with the rest of it... hmmm... I can't wait to see what you do!

 

Great idea cherylad. Crafty as they come!

 

Thanks Daniel... but I can't take credit for the idea.
Saw similar things while doing an internet search for "burlap craft ideas".