INSIDE: How to use cheap tray for easy, fast frame for old photograph. How to add DIY color accent on vintage black and white photo.
Do you have a soft spot for discount home decor stores? I certainly do. [Un]fortunately, there just happens to be such a store conveniently located within minutes from my daughter’s elementary school.
I often justify my wasting time in this store by heading to the clearance sections first. And it was in this area that I found a pink mirrored tray heavily marked down to $4.99. I snatched it up. I had no creative vision in mind but c’mon, it’s a bargain at $5!
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How to Make Frame for Photograph from $5 Tray
There was something about this mirrored tray that spoke to me. Apart from telling me it was a better investment that a calorie-induced, fancy cup of $5 coffee!
It would make for an unconventional photo frame for a vintage black-and-white photograph.
Supplies:
– Tray
– Photograph (I purchased a vintage black-and-white photograph online)
– Paint + brush
– Detail paint brush
How to Make Easy Photo Frame from Cheap Serving Tray
As much as I liked the pink color the tray was originally, it really didn’t mesh with the colors in my home.
So did what any DIY-er does; I painted it. (Yes, I know coral is kinda related to pink!)
I located a really cool vintage photograph online, purchased it and then had it enlarged locally at a photo services center. (Source: Dreamstime)
how to add color to black and white photograph
What’s a little DIY action if you don’t get creative? I decided to add my own color spot technique to this vintage photograph. Since I had the paint out and all.
Using a fine detail paint brush, I slowly started to add some coral paint to the bathing suit.
A little tedious (and some strongly worded ‘don’t bump me’ to the kids) but I loved how it turned out.
I trimmed the photograph to fit within the tray. I was able to slip the photo under the wooden frame without needing additional adhesive.
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This is such a cute idea! The color you chose is perfect.
Thanks! I’m a big fan of coral.
Love that you painted the photo the same colour as the tray. Great idea !
Thanks so much. It makes for an interesting effect.
Love it!! Such a cool idea. I love how you painted the bathing suit!
I love that idea! Thanks for sharing it.
How inspiring! I love everything about this. The color is stunning. I’m going to have to give this a try!
Thanks so much!
What a fantastic idea. I really like the coral with the black and white photo also.
Yay for coral and Aqua together also. Love how you painted swimsuit the lovely coral of your tray. Also think you’re pretty smart gal for turning tray into frame, usually is other way around. It’s so pretty in coral compared to that pink but am not too much of pink lover. Cute idea putting blk/white photo in frame.
Have lovely Fall weekend
So clever! Love it!
That’s so cute! I love how you painted the girl’s swimsuit the same color as the frame… genius!!
Tania
I love the bit of paint you added to the bathing suit in the photograph! I never would have thought to do that. Such a cute touch. I just love this project!
Your new frame looks so pretty! Coral is such a lovely color and that’s so cool how you added color to the picture! It looks great!!
Loving this idea, and the color you chose is great. You did a beautiful job! Thanks for linking up at the DI & DI Link party. Hope you had fun.
Love this idea. Thank you for sharing at Snickerdoodle Create~Bake~Make Link Party ;
I am featuring you today at Snickerdoodle. http://www.bluewillowhouse.com/2016/10/01/snickerdoodle-createbakemake-link-party-151/
Thank you so much! I’ll stop by.
Such a clever idea and a great upcycle for an old tray #RealCraftyLinkParty
I am featuring on Vintage Charm tomorrow.
Thanks so much; totally appreciate the feature.
Your tray turned into such a pretty frame. I love how you added a little bit of color to the photo.
What a lovely upcycle! Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!
That is so cute! I love that you colored the photo as well. It’s adorable.
Love the tray frame! Love seeing things I’m able to do with pictures as I love taking photos! Love the black and white idea w the painted bathing suit. Thanks
Thanks Chris! The coral bathing suit definitely adds a fun pop of color against the black-n-white. And since I’m not overly technical, this was my shortcut to achieving the same look digitally!
That is beautiful… and adds a nice touch of color. 🙂
Thanks! I think so too.
What a fun idea! Thanks for sharing at the Pleasures of the NW’s DIY party
What a fun project – thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW’s DIY party –
What a cute idea! I love the color too!!
WHat a cute idea, I love using things in a way they were never intended!
Thanks Sophie! So do I.
So pretty. I love the upcycle and I love the way you colored the bathing suit to match the frame. Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!
Such a cute idea! I’m not sure I would have thought to use a tray as a frame but I love it. Pinned.
I’d rather spend $5.00 on this then a fancy cup of coffee. It looks great and I love how you added paint to the photo. Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story and we hope you will join us again next week.