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.
living with lindsay says
Those look great on your blue wall!
Sarah @ Thriftydecorchick says
LOVE them! You did great!
allison walker says
Hi. what color of blue is that??? (sorry if i missed the post where you have already mentioned it)
Tracy says
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!
grannyann says
Neat ideas in the bath. Love everything against that beautiful blue.
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
Oh, yes! That blue has been mentioned before, but here is is again: Magellan by Kilz paint from Walmart
Kelli says
Another beautiful transformation!!!
Barbara Jean says
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
Nishi says
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.
Southern Fried Gal says
They look great! I love how you styled your bathroom and basically everything you do over here!
Alissa says
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.
santamaker says
Just love them and perfect for my coastal bedroom retreat. That white washed look on the frames make them look fantastic.
Gina says
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!
laura @ the shore house says
NICE work!! They look perfect and really pop against that gorgeous blue wall.