Another month rolls by quicky and we're ready for another round of Trashy Treasures Tuesday! Each month, I join up with three other DIY blogging gals to bring you fresh inspiration with our latest finds and transformations. You'll see their work in a bit. But first, check out the focus of my attention today. My goal is to create upcycled thrifted art that not only shows trashure potential, but also brings awareness to those who are silently suffering. Thrifted Picture Frame Before Upcycle | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces What you see here is a 1981 paperboard art by Miriam Ecker called, Springs First Kiss. What is more, I'm not so much drawn to the heavily faded art or the fact that it's extremely warped. Back of Thrifted Frame | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces However, the ornate resin frame shows potential for enhancement. Engraved Resin Frame of Thrifted Art | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces The faux woodgrain with the "carvings' in the resin are ready to be drawn out. Don't you agree?

BREAKING FREE

As you can imagine, we make assessments of folks based on what we see on the outside. Although, we can never know the baggage they are carrying emotionally inside. I feel like this thrifted art can represent those that are fighting daily to keep looking good on the outside when they truly need a refresh from within. While I fight my own battles (read more HERE and HERE) and gain knowledge of how my past has shaped me, I know that there is hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) First, I use rubbing alcohol to wipe down the frame and glass to remove any residue present. Cleaning Frame with Rubbing Alcohol for Upcycled Thrifted Art | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Meanwhile that dries, I take the art backing and cover it up with a flat white spray paint. The old story is getting a new chapter and fresh start. Spray Painting Thrifted Art | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Then, while I let that cure and add more coats, I paint the frame in this same custom color I used on a free nightstand recently. Painting Frame Blue for Upcycled Thrifted Art | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Next, I prepare the glass for a reverse layering of art finishing with a mirror effect. In order to do that, I use my software to create a design in reverse and tape it to the front of the glass I'm working on. Then, I use basic acrylic paints and artist's brush to paint them in. Hand-Painting Glass on Upcycled Thrifted Art | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces You can see how I do this process in these posts with this vintage glass tray or another thrifted frame or view the video below. DIY Upcycled Picture Frame Video Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

MIRRORING HOPE

Subsequently, as soon as that paint dries, I tear up some paper scraps and tape them on where I want it to remain clear to show the next part peeking through. Mirror Effect Spray Paint DIY | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Using this mirror effects paint takes several patient layers (of your own choosing for how solid you want the mirror to be). After that, I go back to the paperboard and apply a leftover transfer from my antique dresser makeover recently as well. Applying Rose Transfer to Art Backing | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

HEALING

Just like this upcycled thrifted art that looked as if it had hit rock bottom... there's hope. I not only find release and peace through my walk with God, but I also run and walk daily, I lift weights, I get in my garden, I dance and sing like nobody's watching, I play music on my instruments, and I create. Trauma bonds be gone! {{fist pump}} Now, to be perfectly honest, I hate staging mirrors. There... I said it. You have to get your own self out of the reflection as well as not catch unwanteds. So, why I created a mirror I'll never know. After trudging around my house to try to stage this art here and there, I last try my hallway. Repurposed Art for Those Batting Anxiety and Depression by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Not only does this not do the finished product justice, but I have all windows closed by one and the lighting stinks. With that, I lay the art down on my ottoman and find that does the trick. DIY Upcycled Art for Mental Health Awareness by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces It's still not perfect to show the beauty but does it better. The story of this art is it's revealing beauty on the outside while transforming the "inside". Side View of Upcycled Art Bringing Mental Health Awareness by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Upcycled Thrift Store Artwork for Depression Awareness by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces What's crazy is that if you look at this through the lens at a totally different angle, you get a different story. Blue Geet Through the Dark Art by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Some days we feel blue and "off", but that doesn't mean we're not heading in the right direction. Getting Through the Dark Art by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

SHARE

Now it's your turn to tell me... fill in the blank, "let ______ get you through the dark." My goal is to inspire you in your creative endeavors. Meanwhile, bringing light that folks like me are fighting a battle no one can see. Also, pin and share to inspire others. Upcycled Thrifted Art giving light to those fighting depression and anxiety by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter. Now it's time to see what my Trashy Treasures gals have for you below! blog signature

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Trashy Treasures Tuesday by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Trashy Treasures Tuesday August 2024 | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces
  1. Artsy Chicks Rule
  2. Salvaged Inspirations
  3. Confessions of a Serial DIYer

What is more, here are more projects like this upcycled thrifted art to inspire you:

Create an Upcycled License Plate Caddy for Gifts, a Planter, or Towel Holder. You get the idea! by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpiecesUpcycled Tin Can Video Tutorial for Creating Budget-Friendly Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com



Dawn Ziccardi

Shared publicly - 2024-08-13 08:06:02

What a great makeover! I love your talent!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2024-08-13 08:41:24

You are such a sweetheart, Dawn. Thank you!

Christy James

Shared publicly - 2024-08-13 09:06:22

Creating is so good for the soul!! Great rescue of this piece, my friend! XOXO

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2024-08-13 11:57:10

It is and so are all the ways I find relief. Now to not need them! :D

p

Shared publicly - 2024-08-13 14:38:38

Such a pretty color. The shape of the frame wasn't visible untill you painted it. I love the saying...

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2024-08-13 17:43:31

That makes my day, p. Thank you. I saw the frame and the art took me back... :)

Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule

Shared publicly - 2024-08-13 19:22:54

I love the saying and the pretty frame looks so much better painted! xo

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2024-08-16 05:47:03

Thank you. It's fun to make mirrors from boring art. Problem is staging them! :D

Naomi Shelton

Shared publicly - 2024-08-20 21:28:53

I don't think I 've received an email from you in a long time, Larissa. I used to receive them several times a week. Anyway, it's so nice to be back in touch and I love what you did with that old mirror. I love picture frames and am always looking for unique old ones. You did a good job with this project! Looking forward to hearing more from you!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2024-08-21 05:07:08

I send out an email every time I post, which is once or twice a week, so if you're not getting them maybe check spam? Plus, you can always see my latest posts on my blog to check if you've missed anything. Feel free to reach out via email. Thanks for the love, Naomi. :)

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