How-To Decorate a Frame with a Vintage Necklace

At work today ( I am a display designer in a department store) I put up Mother’s Day decor.   One of my co-workers asked-

“ Why are you putting all that up so early, Mother’s Day is a long way off”.  

My answer was because I got a directive from corporate to do it today, April 7,  almost one month away from Mother’s Day this year.  In the retail world Christmas starts in September, so why should anybody be surprised that they are promoting Mother’s Day 4 weeks before Sunday May 9th.

 It got me thinking about what I was going to give my mom for Mother’s Day.  4 weeks in my crazy busy life will be here before I know it and I don’t want to rush around right before buying her anything so I have something to give her.  If I start the creative process now I will be able to give her something with a lot more meaning than just something ordinary that I picked up at the mall.  4 weeks to gather supplies, create, wrap , make card, write note… might take some effort,  I better get going. 

The materials I used for this frame came from old junk. An old photo frame that had lost its luster, pearls I found for a few dollars at a flea market and hot glue were all I needed.  I used a pearl necklace since it is very feminine.  This frame would also be great as a bridal gift or to use as place card holders for an elegant dinner party.  Try other styles of beaded necklaces to create truly unique frames to give - a colorful necklace into a child’s frame, a crystal necklace for a trendy modern look.  Your options are wide open.

Gather:

1.  Remove glass and back of frame.

2.  Put a thick line of hot glue on the front of the frame.  Lay one opened end of necklace on the hot glue.  Press gently. Continue gluing necklace onto front of frame, then sides, then back of frame.  If second necklace is needed, start where first one ends.

3.  After frame has been covered, start overlapping necklace by putting hot glue on top of the first layer of pearls until desired thickness is achieved. Make sure clasps of necklace are covered ot cut them off once necklace is securely glued to frame.  Trim excess.

4.  In random spots or a space, hot glue individual beads to cover or as accents.

 5. Reassemble frame and add photo.  I found an old snapshot of my mother holding my twin sister, Carol and I when we were infants.  My brother was also in the picture, but he didn’t quite fit, so I cut him off, sorry  Greg.  

What are you giving your mom this year?  We all need ideas and love handmade gift ideas, so please share any creative ideas you are going to do this year or have done in the past to help your Mom celebrate Mother’s Day.

Tagged as: Picture Frame Art, RE-uses for old necklaces, Thrift Store Transformations