Unexpected Framed Art
Have you ever had one of those “aha” shopping moments? You know, the ones where you spot something absolutely perfect and you didn’t even know you were looking for it? The other day I was wandering through the home goods department at T.J. Maxx when I came across this:
As soon as I saw it, I knew it had to be mine. I hurried to the checkout, guarding my new find as if someone was going to try to snag it out of my cart. {Don’t worry…no one tried. ;)} As I went to pay, the cashier said, “Oooh pretty! Is it a table cloth or napkins or what?” At that moment I realized that I wasn’t even sure what it was. The packaging just said “table linen,” so I went with it. Oops. “I don’t know,” I told her. “I’m going to frame them.” I’m sure she probably thought I was crazy, but I didn’t care. I had a vision.
I had already purchased some Virserum frames in various sizes on my last IKEA trip, knowing that I would would need some kind of art in our bedroom. I thought my beautiful “table linen” {They were napkins, by the way.} would compliment the frames perfectly.
In addition to being extremely affordable, this was also the easiest project ever. Because I wanted to know exactly what my “art” was going to look like, I took the glass out of the frame and laid it over the section I wanted to cut, putting the mat over top so I could see exactly which part of the napkin was going to show through.
Then I simply traced around it in pencil, cut it out, and popped it into the frame! So incredibly simple–LOVE!
I love how they look like they’re part of a collection–they clearly all go together, but each one is a little unique and different. I also love that it only took one of the napkins to get all of the fabric I needed, so I still have three more to use for future projects! Yyyaaaayyyyy!!! Who ever would have guessed that napkins could make such beautiful art?!
Makes me want to rummage around my house to see what other cool things I can find to frame!! So many possibilities! The bedroom is definitely coming together. I have a few more projects to tackle, and then it’s on to the reveal! Yay!
Have you ever framed something unique to use as art in your home?
I love when things like this happen. They look so good. Love it!
Thank you so much, Emma! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Love it!!!! You are so talented, I am really enjoying following your blog! Have a blessed day 😉
Aw, thank you so much Deena! You just made my day! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Hee hee I love that you didn’t even stop to check what they were you just knew you had to have them!! And they look awesome – I would never have thought of doing that 🙂
Martina
Yes, I really should start paying closer attention to what I’m actually buying, right?! Lol. At least it all worked out! Thanks so much for stopping by, Martina! Have a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Great idea, Abby! They look fabulous!!~~Angela
Thank you, Angela! I love it when a plan comes together! 😉 Hope you had a wonderful day!
~Abby =)
Very pretty. I can’t wait to see the bedroom reveal!
Thanks so much, friend! Hope you’re doing well!
~Abby =)
haha your too funny! and this Idea!!! is Grrrrrreat! Thanks for the tip!
Lol. Thanks, Arlena! Sometimes I think it’s more “ditzy” than anything, but I’ll take funny too! 😉 Hope you’re having a great week!
~Abby =)
I love it!! The pictures are so pretty! Great idea!!
Thank you, Crystal! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Cute Abby! What a great idea!!
Thank you so much, Krista! Have a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Such a genius idea! I love it!
Thanks so much, Trish! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Wonderful!! Love that you used napkins, too. Best wishes, Linda
https://www.craftsalamode.com/2013/06/what-to-do-weekends-25.html
Thank you, Linda! Who knew napkins could be art?! 😉 Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
so pretty and what a great idea you had! not expensive and it looks great in a framed collection Abby! 🙂 you are always so creative! 🙂
Thank you so much, Ingrid! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
What a creative idea! I love how it looks like a collection. I’ll need to be on the lookout now for frame-able napkins!
Thank you, Amy! I hope you’re having a great weekend!
~Abby =)
I love it that you thought out of the box and made art work that is uniquely your own! Bet lots of us are going to start staring at napkins now. 🙂
Lol! Maybe it will be the new “thing”…as long as we don’t start framing stained and used ones! 😉 Have a great weekend, Ashley!
~Abby =)
Ooooh, I saw those Vera napkins and held them but couldn’t think of any reason to buy them! Great vision and they turned out lovely!!
Thanks, Ellen! At least someone knew they were napkins, lol! Hope you’re having a wonderful Sunday!
~Abby =)
You really hit jackpot with those napkins. So pretty as napkins but as framed art they’re gorgeous. You have a great eye for what’s one thing but can be something else. Great deal on the frames from IKEA.
Wish we had an IKEA where I live doggone it. I love so many things they sell but not to have to pay s&h to get them. Glad you shared this great project, your new art will look very pretty no matter where you hang it. Happy Summer
Thanks, Jane Ellen! I hear you about IKEA! Ours is 45 minutes away, but I happened to be dropping my parents off at the airport, which is close by, so I stopped in and stocked up! 😉 Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Love these, but then yellow is my favorite color! Such a neat idea to get some cheap, beautiful art! I found you via Let’s Get Social Blog hop!
Blessings, Heather
Thanks for popping over to my blog, Heather! Hope you’re having a wonderful day!
~Abby =)
This turned out so awesome! And it is so cute! Thanks for sharing the great idea.
Thank you, Heidi! I’m so glad you stopped by! Have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
What a great idea! I picked up a few picture frames today. I might look for a few sheets of scrapbook paper.
Ooh scrapbook paper would be great too! I’m all about DIY art! Thanks for stopping by, Leslie! Have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
How creative and clever you are! I love your vision and how great the frames came out. Visiting from Let’s Get Social Sunday and following you now via Bloglovin!
Thanks so much, Ann Marie! Popping over to check out your page now!
~Abby =)
Thanks for joining us at Sunday Social at Call Me PMc ~Paula
Thank you so much for hosting, Paula! Have a great week!
~Abby =)
Wow! You really got a lot out of that one table cloth! Your grouping looks great, and it’s amazing how many different patterns and colors are in each frame. Great job! (I love TJM!)
His blessings,
Kim
I <3 TJM too! Thanks so much for your sweet words, Kim! Have a great week!
~Abby =)
Awesome ideas! I’ve been wanting to frame some fabric but haven’t found the right one…yet!
Thanks for sharing!
Selene @ Restoration Beauty
I think the key is to not be looking for it and then it will pop out at you when you least expect it, lol! Isn’t that how it always happens?! Thanks so much for stopping by, Selene! Have a great week!
~Abby =)
Wow, you have quite a vision! I would never think of that. It’s gorgeous!! Amazing work, Abby 😉
Hugs,
Jamie @ Better With Age
Thanks so much, Jamie! They were so simple to put together–my kind of project! 😉 Thank you for stopping by! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
I saw a pin once that someone had used fabric…loved the idea!! Yours look fabulous!! And I can so relate to the whole checkout thing. Can’t tell you how many times people have asked me about something I’m buying and I’m like…on no, not using it for that, I’m painting that and then blah blah…eyes glaze and I’m sure they think I’m some crazy person. So funny.
Thanks so much for sharing on Project Inspire{d}! Pinned!!
Nancy
I’m sure–you are the queen of creativity when it comes to that kind of stuff! I just checked out your revamped coffee bar–cutest thing ever. I need one in my house! Hope you’re having a great week, friend!
~Abby =)
That fabric is gorgeous, and it’s PERFECT in those white frames! I’m pinning this, and thanks so much for linking it up to my party!
Thank you, Jessi! I couldn’t have asked for simpler “art”! Lol. Thank YOU for hosting such a fun party!
~Abby =)
What a great find of “table linen.” haha. 🙂 LOOOVE the color and pattern and they do look like a collection that’s related but not identical. So pretty!
Oh, yes, the infamous, ambiguous “table linen.” Lol. Thank you so much for hosting such a fun challenge to help us think outside the box! It was fun!
~Abby =)
Great idea. I have a vintage wooden card table hanging on the wall. It is covered with vintage matchbook covers. When I saw it at an auction my husband could not quite figure out what I wanted to do with it. One of the matchbooks is dated 1939. I love it and get many comments from people visiting my home.
That sounds beautiful, Jody! I know what you mean–sometimes my hubby thinks I’m crazy, but when I have a vision, I just have to go for it! 😉 Thanks so much for stopping by!
~Abby =)