Juxtaposition. . .

Have you ever noticed how many things can be done with an old frame?  A lot.  Over the years I have framed artwork, framed other objects with an empty frame, created three dimensional artwork within a frame, put mirrors in frames, framed fabric, stacked empty frames on my mantel, made chalkboards, made magnetic message boards (made magnetic chalkboards!), and actually put pictures in frames--a lot of pictures.

But I have come up with a few more ideas of things to put in frames. . . and by come up with, I mean I saw the idea somewhere and put my spin on it (though a few I thought I had imagined up I have since seen elsewhere)! This frame idea I actually saw at a wedding.  The frame was displayed with note cards for guests to write congratulatory notes and words of advice that they then clipped onto the chicken wire.

I happened to have a frame just lying around, waiting for me to do something with it (a few frames actually).  I chose this one because I liked the size and I liked the contrast of the more ornate, silvery blue frame with the bare chicken wire.

And because spring and the revamping of my yard and garden have been on my mind of late (I would will it be spring already if I could), I decked this message board out with fun botanical prints and a few sprigs of dried thyme.  I hung them with the tiniest clothes pin clips.

When spring finally makes an appearance around here I will definitely by ready.

I have another frame of similar size and style in the works, and two other ideas for fun message boards I will be working on as soon as I pick up a few supplies.

Chalk It Up to High Expectations

I tend to expect a lot out of my decor, or my functional pieces for that matter.  Either way, I want functional items to look good and beautiful items to have a useful function as well.  Add to that my compulsive need to make lists and it's a short jaunt to. . . the lovely framed chalkboards we have been creating recently.

I picked up some fun frames here and there on the cheap, because everybody loves a great frame.  Really, they have so many uses.  I like to hang them around things like the wreath in my daughter's room (also available in our Estsy shop).

Or layer them on my mantel.

Not to mention actually putting pictures in them.

But as I stared at the huge wooden frame I picked up at the Good Will for a song, it suddenly spoke to me. . .

"Make me a chalkboard!" is what it was saying. So I, of course, complied, after we painted it white, naturally.  But a beautiful frame and a useful chalkboard, while a great combination, could only be bettered by the addition of ONE more function. . . so we made it magnetic.  Then I forgot to take a good picture of it before we sold it at the market--so I snapped a quick one before the new owner hauled it off.

That large chalkboard garnered so much interest, we quickly set to work making more.  And since several people expressed interest in a smaller version, we made several smaller sizes.

This lovely little gilt frame became so much more attractive in its second life:

I particularly like the added trim of blue on this double framed chalkboard.

And in case you need to leave tickets or schedules or any number of things along with your message on the board,  do so in style with one of our felt flower magnetic clips (coming soon to the shop).

I can just picture these lovelies guiding the way at a party, listing the menu at brunch, welcoming guests, or, as is the case with at least two chalkboards in my house, filled with to do lists.

Now that is my idea of marrying lovely form and useful function.