About 2 months ago, I started doing a small gallery wall. And boy is this taking a while to complete. Although it is a small gallery with only about 5 pieces, getting the correct frames and photos and time to just finish it is truly a process. Maybe it is because I did not have everything I needed on hand when I started. But I think we are almost there. Photos on the gallery wall to appear on the blog later.
Anyway, these art-work you see in this post are going up on the wall. So I am going to explain how I got them (as if it’s not already clear in the title of the post)! Let’s just pretend you had not seen the title:)
After sorting through a range of photo frames I had on hand for the gallery wall, I finally gave in and bought two new 8 x 10 ones from Kohls. I needed a white and a black but the frames I had just were not working right for the look I was trying to achieve. I love the weathered look of these new frames. They sort of go along with some other ones I bought from Home Goods a few years ago.
They were originally $21.99 a piece. I don’t know about you, but I never buy regular frames for that amount, especially 8 x 10 frames. I want my frames to look good and not fall apart as soon as I bring them home. It has happened to me a lot in the past. So now I look for great sturdy frames from good stores at sale prices.
But the good news about these frames? They were on sale for half off making them $10.99 a piece. Even better, I had a free $10 Kohl’s coupon so I only paid for the price of one at $10.99 or $5.99 each. I love a good deal from a good store! We frequently get those coupons in the mail so you know I would be putting them to good use for other stuff at Kohl’s!!
Choosing photos to use on the gallery wall is another story. As I was going back on forth on what art or photo pieces I wanted to include in the gallery, I thought that I would put two art pieces on the wall instead of family photos (I have elsewhere). Originally, I decided on making two printables for the frames: one that reads Home Sweet Home with a small picture in the middle or something to that extent and another with a beautiful still life flower in a vase. But it seemed like I just could not find the time to create them.
BTW: I do have a little painting skills – I have taken a class in the past but I just do not have the time to paint pieces right now.
So while I was at the Dollar Tree shopping for a few things one day and was checking the photo isle, I spotted art paintings and immediately got the bright idea to use Dollar Tree paintings instead of creating some (at least for right now). I did not get them that same day, though, because I had already kept the kids out long enough and we still had to swing by Walmart. In addition, I did not want to just get any random paintings that did not go well with our home decor so I figured I would go back another day and carefully seek through the paintings. And I did! I am very much pleased with the pieces I picked out.
Note: I only buy selected items from the Dollar tree because of the quality. My hubby always teases me that I get stuff from the Dollar Tree and two months later, I seem to not like them anymore. But I think that is different with these paintings. I love them so!
I was about to pick something blue-ish (painted branches) that I had seen previously but could not find the one. So while digging through the stack with a baby in one hand and a toddler and a preschooler at my feet, I spotted these two pieces. I knew immediately that they would work perfectly for the wall!!
Six things I love about the paintings:
- They are beautiful and are in line with my home decor. Well maybe not the pink so much but I love the rustic, yet girly look from that painting.
- I needed both a horizontal and a vertical 8 x 10 frame. I found them both.
- Each piece of painting matches each color of frame so perfectly.
- The rustic look of the paintings go so well with the weathered look of the frames.
- They do not look cheap and Dollar Tree-ish at all in these upscaled frames!
- I couldn’t have spotted any more perfect paintings!
This is how the back of the paintings look in a thin frame. They were glued but I totally reaped them apart to remove the paintings.
Then I removed the paper from the good frames and put in the painting from the Dollar tree.
Look at that and how beautiful it turned out!
And here is the rustic one with some pretty flowers and lovely decor. So beautiful!!!!
All in all, I think this little project was such a success and I did not have to spend a lot of money to do it!!
Although my intent is to use them for a small gallery wall, they can also be used on tables or mantles because they have that standing support at the back.
This cute little red flower in the cute vase was given to the moms who dedicated their little babies during our morning worship service on Mother’s Day.
I am so very pleased with how well they turned out! Now to put them on the wall and I think we are good to go!!
What do you think of these? Am I the only one who thinks they are beautiful!! Have you done something like this before with stuff from the Dollar Tree? I would love to know your thoughts in the comments below!
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27, KJV).
I’ve always passed right by Dollar Tree paintings because of those gaudy frames! I’ve never thought to buy better frames (on sale – yes!) for those paintings. Yours look so much better than the originals. Who knew that a great frame could change the entire look of a painting?
The good frames really make the paintings look great! Hopefully, I have inspired you to do something different!
This is awesome! I love the dollar tree but have never looked at the prints there! Great Idea! Also great deal on the frames!
I never thought of the idea until this project…Thanks a bunches:)
So fun Zan – thanks for sharing your project. I love finding cheap(er) craft/decorating ideas.
ou are so welcome Lindsey! The decor tuned out really well!
Very clever Zan! I LOVE Kohl’s coupons and deals! I got my hubby a pair of p.j.’s at Christmas for .48cent using my Kohl’s cash….I have some now. Maybe I’ll check out the frames.
.48 cents sounds like a steal to me! I love Kohl’s!! Hope you find some frames:
Wow! These look great!
Thank you Rosemond!!
I never thought to change the frames out on Dollar Tree prints! You are brilliant, my friend!
Thank you Kristen! I guess inspiration hit me!
This is such a cute (and amazingly cheap) idea! I have TONS of old picture frames that I’ve been dying to put to use–I think I’ll look into the Dollar Tree down the road to see what they have.
Thanks for sharing this, doll!
So funny – “the Dollar down the road”…Yep, there is one right down the road from me, too. Hope you find the right pictures.
Yay for Dollar Tree. They turned out so fantastic and what a deal on the frames. I too am working on a gallery wall… Why is it so difficult. Ok Zan, you have inspired me
LOL….Gallery walls are a process to complete! Happy to inspire you!
Love the paintings in their new frames! I rarely go to the Dollar Store but they do have some good deals!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup
I pick and choose my Dollar Tree items, too, and this is one I’d definitely pick!
You’re definitely not the only one who thinks they turned out amazingly well!! They’re so pretty! I wish I was creative like this, but not at all! LOL!!
Ahhh thanks so much! I truly love how they turned out – and super easy to create!
You can get the best deals at Kohls! These look great!
I know right. Love Kohl’s..And thanks!
Love this idea! I’ll have to try it out. The photos look so nice! So glad I found this through #homemattersparty
Thank yo Kristi! They are so simple to put together, too:)
What a great idea and they look beautiful. Happy to be co-hosting with you at #HomeMattersParty
Fantastic idea! I love the dollar store. It’s great being a co-host with you at the #HomeMattersParty.
I really like those frames and the paintings! What a clever idea! Thanks for sharing it at bloggers brags pinterest party. I’m pinning this!
You are welcome! I love easy decor!