See these beautiful seashell prints from Ballards?? Well, I don’t like the $179 each pricetag (and they are no longer available anyway), so what do I do??
Well, I lucked out about 3 years ago and found these 2 shell prints (the ones that match and have been hiding in the masterbath water closet all this time) at Kirklands and they were marked down to $10 each, so I grabbed them up. I would have loved to have a 3rd, but there were only these 2. The artist is Caroline Kelly, the same artist as in the Ballards prints.
See the odd frame in the middle? Well, it holds a 10×10” print, so I saved this frame to use especially for this project. I went online with Art.com and searched for additional prints and found out that there are a couple in that size, 10×10 that would fit perfectly in my old brassy gold frame, that is perfectly good wood, just doesn’t work for me anymore in its current state.
So, I ordered the 10×10” print (for about $14) that is a companion to my other prints from Kirklands and all the frames got a makeover. I love these sepia toned prints! So, this complete set of prints cost me around $34, since I already had the old frame.
And here they are after their white paint makeover. I had a can of Heirloom White (not spray, but brush on), so I used that to paint these babies and make them look all pretty to work in the master bathroom on those blue walls.
I used a little Spanish Copper Rub N Buff on the odd frame so that it would mimic the other 2, which I had sanded down to let the original bronze metallic paint show through. A little of this darker RNB and it was a good match.
And now here they are in their new home and they really look great on this wall.
Old pic of what I did have in here, a pretty watercolor that Peter’s Grandma Eleanor painted, but it didn’t show up that well in here, so Grandma’s painting got moved to the den, where it looks much better.
And we are really enjoying the new prints.
Closeup of the distressing on the frame. Just a little sanding let the old paint show through perfectly.
Yardsale shelf that I picked up and painted was $5 from long ago.
Holds hand towels, wash cloths and some shells.
And last year I added that pretty original watercolor of a beach scene that I found at a yardsale for $1.
You might remember this pretty iron tiered basket that I found last year yardsaling, for $5. It was in my kitchen, but it looks better in here and the color works well with the blues. Filled with seashells on the side of the tub.
And this plant also hangs out on the tub.
Just thought I’d share this recent project, just in case you have some old frames or prints that might need a makeover. It was fun to finally get this done, as I had envisioned it for a long while and actually got the print ordered. Happily, they turned out even better than I anticipated and since we are such beach lovers, a perfect complement to our masterbath blue.
I’m linking up with Kimba’s DIY party today too, so click over there for lots more DIY inspiration.
Also, tomorrow there is an Heirloom Party over at Marie’s blog and I’ll be participating, so if you need something to write about on Friday and want to join in, check it out.
Thanks for stopping by! I'm Rhoda, from Atlanta, GA and I love decorating and DIY projects. Decorating a home doesn't have to cost a fortune and I've spent years thrifting at antiques markets and yardsales, finding those treasures that make a home unique. I'm here to inspire and encourage other women to find their own inner creativity. Won't you join me? 
{ 54 comments… read them below or add one }
I LOVE you prints–they are so pretty. the brown and blue is a gorgeous combination.
I am so excited to see this display you have in your bathroom. I have been working on our second blog and loading in lots of pictures and am still working on it. I will try to get it finished today. I want you to go over and pick out any photograph from the Ken and Cheri photograph section, as a gift from us, for all your help and suggestions that you have offered to help me in my blogging adventure. I really appreciate everything and have been wanting to get this project done to offer to you. There are beach themes so you might find something you want for your bathroom or you may find something else you like for somewhere else in your home.
Then I wanted to also share with you that I am starting a NEW Mr. Linky party. It will begin on Aug 10th so everyone will have a week and a half to think about their first post.This one would be great but you have so many great ones. I have a poll up for votes on which button should be the new button. The “party” is called The Knock Off Knock Out-where THRIFTY meets creative sensation. Go over and learn more about the new weekly event and I would appreciate if you would cast your vote and HELP pick the new button design and its the last week for the July GIVE-A-Way, if you would like to be a part of that event..
Cheri
Thank you for letting us know about this! I have a few pieces of art that I’ve had for awhile, and I still like them. . . but I’ve come to hate the frames they’re in! You’ve given me the courage to go ahead and paint the frames.
I do love those Heirloom White frames on the dark blue walls, especially for a bathroom. And the bit of distressing is the perfect touch.
Where does one purchase Rub ‘n’ Buff? Is that something I could get at Michael’s, or do I need to go to an art supplier?
Thanks for the ongoing inspiration, Rhoda. I hope you’re enjoying your new blog home!
What a beautiful makeover! They look as great as the Ballard originals. Thanks for joining in DIY Day!
You can decorate a shelf like no one else. Your displays always look so beautiful.
Kimba
Rhoda, your new shell prints look great in those white frames. I love painting frames white, it usually really brings out what’s inside the frame.
these look nice. the smaller frame adds something special to the grouping,
So pretty Rhoda! They look perfect in that spot~
Rhoda,
So beautiful! I love the contrast of the shell prints against the lovely blue of your bathroom walls. You truly are a master at finding thrifty items and creating beauty. Love it!
Wow, you did an amazing job with those frames. This might be my favorite transformation yet. Okay, I have probably said that a million times, but yes, I really, really, really love the way the prints look, especially against the blue walls.
We were recently in Ballards, and I explained to my husband that we were there to gather IDEAS!!! He was puzzled, but that’s fine. It adds to my mysterious aura…yeah, right!
Nice work Rhoda- I much prefer the white distressed frames too, they look fab!
What gorgeous artwork!! I love how you revamped the frames, and they look perfect in your bathroom
I have been meaning to ask where you buy the Rub n’ Buff stuff. I have a project that *really* needs some – - a GW hanging metal basket that I’ve spray painted for a fall arrangement for the front door.
As always, thanks for the lovely inspiration! God bless
WOW! This bathroom looks spectacular! I love the crisp and dramatic contrast throughout the space.
Job well done Rhoda!
Hugs-
Layla
looks great!!!! it makes me feel like i am at the beach!
http://anhesty.blogspot.com
Those turned out better than the original ones from Ballard! Your bathroom is lovely…certainly inspires me to get a move on decorating mine!
OK, I am going to have to quit reading your blog, I am so jealous of how your things turn out! Mine just never seem to quite get there! Seriously, you have great ideas and this is just beautiful. I love how you show us that we don’t have to spend Ballard dollars to get a great looking house. Anxiously awaiting the next post…:)
What a great transformation!!! They look great in the bathroom.
Gorgeous prints! And so suitable above the tub for your own personal beach experience.
I’ve yet to find anything beachy. I seem to still be stuck on rustic country. I’d like some lakeside inspiration for my bathroom as that venue is prominant in our area. Thanks for the kick to get lookin’!
Oh! And Rhoda, just wanted to tell you, I’m on the lookout for the beadboard wallpaper in our area. I want to do up the inside of my travel trailer!
Donna
Great idea! And they look like they’d have been sold in a fancy catalog just as they are.
Okay- I LOVE those frames. I’ve never heard of the bronze rub- I’m going to have to get some for some upcoming project. Our bathroom is in blue and sea shells too!
What a gorgeous transformation! Gotta love heirloom white!
Those turned out beautiful! They go great in your master bath too.
Wow, that turned out gorgeous with your beautiful blue walls! Thanks for sharing!Come check out my TRANSOFORMATION end table at DIY DAY!
This is absolutely beautiful – straight out of a magazine! I love how all your small garage sale elements came together to make a trly beautiful room
Your bathroom looks divine. The pictures just well…, really pop (I don’t really like that word), but they do!
Absolutely beautiful and I’m sure you are so very proud of your newest creations! Thanks for sharing.
Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22
They look great!
Those frames look so much better! I love how they pop against the blue!
Hi, girls! Rub N Buff can be found at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or most any other craft store. My favorite color these days is the Spanish Copper, a metallic dark bronzey tone. They also have white, black, red, and several shades of gold too & are great to have around for small projects. It’s a metallic paste and a little goes a long way. It is applied with an old cloth & fingertip. I’ve used it on lamps, picture frames, anything that needs some highlights.
$179 EACH??? Girl, you done good! : ) I like yours so much better (maybe because I like the white distressed frames) than the Ballard ones. And thanks for the intro (for me, anyway) to the RNB.
**ahhhh**, I just let out the biggest exhale when I got to the photos hanging on that blue wall – looks so crisp and clean against that indigo – you’ve done a beautiful job with all the extra’s as well.
You are so resourceful! I love how you waited this one out and put your personal stamp on it.
Your prints really look striking in your bathroom! What a great shade of blue!
Fabulous!!! I want to do this now.
Rhoda, I love your “new” frames! I have just primed two U.G.L.Y. frames and plan on painting them soon to match my home’s color scheme. Thanks for posting your success!
Tana@Crafting R&R
Excellent redo Rhoda!!! Nice and graphic and fresh! Brava!
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! This is so my taste. Everyone has their own likes/dislikes; good for us all. I’m just not a gilt/scrolly/silk girl. Clean and simple is what appeals to me. I think the white distressed frames are absolutely fabulous! The entire room sings so much brighter than with the previous (and beautiful!) painting. I like the way the skylight hits them, too. Love this, Rhoda!
Oh my goodness! Those look amazing against that blue! Your bathroom is beautiful!
Great makeover! The prints look so nice framed in white.
I just got a Kirkland’s gift card a month or two ago…can’t wait to go (without children!) and spend it. 
Nice job Rhoda! The white distressed frames compliment your shell prints very nicely. This post has given me some incentive to take another look at an old frame & print that I couldn’t part with. TFS! Sheila
P.S. Grandma Eleanor’s watercolor is a beauty. What a very talented lady!
You have the best yard sale finds!
I just love the blue and white–you’ve captured the typical bathroom beach theme but with so much luxury and elegance.
Those look great on your blue wall!
LOVE them! You did great!
Hi. what color of blue is that??? (sorry if i missed the post where you have already mentioned it)
Yes, please tell us the name of the color blue you used. It is beautiful! Your blog is such an inspiration! I am not yet able to do a lot of thrift store and yard sale shopping, but I am filing away all the great ideas I find for when I am able to really start working on decorating my house!
Neat ideas in the bath. Love everything against that beautiful blue.
Oh, yes! That blue has been mentioned before, but here is is again: Magellan by Kilz paint from Walmart
Another beautiful transformation!!!
Rhoda,
Those frames look awesome white!!
Great job.
Love your bathroom!!
Hoping i can get signed up to do your Monday thrift things.
Will look for HTML for logo and post it on my blog.
blessings,
Barbara Jean
Love your blog and your style of decorating–very inspiring. Thankyou for the Thrifty party as I miss the garage sales and live thru you’ll as you you find great deals. I live in Malaysia so no Garage sales here.
They look great! I love how you styled your bathroom and basically everything you do over here!
Hello. I really like your blue bathroom paint.. What color and brand is that? I am hunting for a dark but yet bright blue color.. and yours looks great. I would appreciate the feedback. Thanks so much.
Just love them and perfect for my coastal bedroom retreat. That white washed look on the frames make them look fantastic.
Your posts are such an inspiration! I am a novice at this trash to treasure stuff but I want to do more. How do you find such great stuff at garage sales? I see junk and give up after a short time.
Thanks!
NICE work!! They look perfect and really pop against that gorgeous blue wall.