Repurposing a Vintage Swing Photo Frame
Have you heard of Swing Photo Frames? I don't know a lot about them, but I must admit, I'm quite taken with them. My first one was give to me a couple of years ago at a yard sale. That's right, the woman just handed it to me and told me to take it. Who am I to argue with an offer like that? Then I found two more at the estate sale that made me sick for 2 months. I paid $4 a piece for them. Now that I had 3, it was time to get creative!
Welcome to the 'Do It Over' Designers blog hop. We are a group of bloggers who love to recycle/upcycle/DIY. I'm happy to host this hop and I hope you'll visit everyone to see what they have to share with you. Their links will be listed at the end of this post.
This post may contain affiliate links.
This frame was first on the list:
Nice detail, but the silver wasn't doing for me. Since it still had its glass, it needed to be removed. It was held in with small nails. A pair of long-nose pliers took care of that.
Out came the red chalk paint.
After 2 coats of paint, some sandpaper was used for a little distressing. I used 400 grit.
Next some wax.
And this little frame had a whole new look!
Time for the fun part! I also bought some vintage lace armrest covers that just happened to be the perfect size for this frame. I centered the glass on the lace.
Then, with a few dabs of hot glue...
Fortunately this hot glue gun has a detail tip, making it easy to add very small dots of hot glue.
...I wrapped the lace around the edge of the glass and trimmed the excess.
When I place the entire piece back in the frame, I discovered nothing would be needed to hold it in place. It was a snug fit.
Here's the front view:
Some vintage Valentines that I found last summer were about to steal the spotlight!
I chose the one on the right since it has this little tab on the back that moved the heart.
Using a large needle, I made a hole in the tab.
Then I threaded a long piece of fishing line through it.
I tied a knot and then ran the loose end up the front of the frame and threaded it under the top edge to the back.
From there, I ran it down the back of the frame and adjusted it until the valentine was at the height I wanted and attached the fishing line to the bottom of the frame with some tape.
My little project was almost done. The only thing left was to stand up the other Valentine next to the frame!
A little vintage display just in time for Valentine's Day!
The best part of this whole project is that nothing is permanently attached, and since it's a red frame I can use it for Christmas next year.
Before you run off, don't forget this is a blog hop and the rest of the team has some amazing upcycle/recycle/did-it-over projects to share with you. The links are all listed below:
Featured at:
I've never actually seen a swing frame; it's so similar to a mirror of the same style though! Great idea to make it so it's interchangeable, though I love the lace and vintage valentine! I think I even have a similar card I got as a child; that's how vintage I am lol.
ReplyDeleteIt is very similar, just smaller and I'm looking forward to using it next Christmas. As for vintage, I think I've got you beat, my friend!
DeleteFrom the first photo I was imagining this was much bigger, like the mirror of an old fashioned dressing table, it's only when I saw the finish project with the card that the scale made sense. What lovely little frames! That lace was obviously just meant to be, such a great fit and the fact you can switch this up for Christmas decor too is just brilliant.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie. The size is perfect for sitting on a little table or shelf and I was thrilled when I realized the lace was a perfect fit!
DeleteAnn, I adore this makeover! Is it the red? The flip frame? The sweet vintage print or that lovely lace armrest? I don't know...I love each element on its own, but together they make for one heck of a wow!! Thanks for the inspiration and for hosting another fun hop!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kim. The red made me think of you. It's such a pleasure to host this hop with such talented people!
DeleteWell isn't this just the cutest? Adorable valentine decor piece, especially with the vintage valentine cards. Thanks for hosting this fun hop!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patti. I don't do a lot of Valentine's Day decorating but this little frame spoke to me. It's always a pleasure to host this hop with so much talent!
DeleteAnn, you surprise me every time! I had never heard of a swing frame, but you updated this one fabulously! And in red, no less! I love how it brings out a bit of nostalgia with the vintage card, too! What a great repurpose!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gail. I love surprising people! Now I need to come up with more ideas for them since I have 2 more!
DeleteOh my gosh, how sweet!!! I made over one of those swing picture frames a couple of years ago for Christmas but this is so cute!!
ReplyDeleteYou did? I'll have to go find yours! I just love these and I've got 2 more to play with!
DeleteThat red colour is so bright and bold, what an update! Love the lace combination.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteLove this makeover! The red is fabulous and those valentines are so sweet. I've seen swing frames in the past but have never had one myself. I'll have to be on the lookout for them now.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I think I have one in my stash!
DeleteI hope you find one!
DeleteSuch a wonderful idea - and I am so partial to red!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Carrie. I hope you'll stop by again to see more of my upcycled/repurposed projects!
DeleteI didn't know that is what you call those types of frames. I learned something new today. The color and cards are perfect together.
ReplyDeleteI didn't either, until about a year ago, but they sure are fun!
DeleteWhat a fun idea. This is darling! You did a beautiful job. Thanks for sharing this post at the Will Blog for Comments #23 linkup. Looking forward to seeing what you share at #24. :) Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jennifer!
DeleteThis is so adorable, I love the newly remade status - with the Valentine card addition, just beautiful! A really sweet way to highlight vintage Valentine's!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Marilyn. I just love it when I can give something a new purpose!
DeleteI have a mirror that looks very similar to your frame. I have always liked it.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you have - beautiful mirror! This is smaller and lighter.
DeleteAnn, this turned out adorable. I love swing frames, but actually do not have any. That lace really set the mood for this lovely valentine. You are so crafty!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Cara. I have 2 more swing frames to upcycle - I may need to send you one!
DeleteI was thinking at first that I liked how the frame looked before, but girl then you stepped up to the plate, hit a home run, and knocked it out of the park. Your vintage swing photo frame looks absolutely amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Allyson. I didn't think it had a 'vintage vibe' in silver at all. A little paint sure can make a difference!
DeleteAnn,
ReplyDeleteThis is such a cute transformation!! I love it!! So cute!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Thank you, Debbie. It's always a pleasure to stop by!
DeleteSuch a darling makeover. love the red and the sweet Valentine kids. I am happy to feature your lovely makeover at Love Your Creativity.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Linda. I'm on my way over to your party!
DeleteThis is so darling and I love all things vintage! Thank you for sharing it with us on Farmhouse Friday 332. I'm featuring it tomorrow. Hope you link up again soon. pinned
ReplyDeleteI'm a true 'vintage lover' too, Cindy. Thank you so much for the feature!
DeleteThis was a great tutorial. You're being featured on the Home Matters Party at Love My Little Cottage. I hope you can drop by! https://lovemycottage.wpengine.com/home-matters-link-party-466/
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the feature, Kristie!
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