(Ep. 5 – ADAPTABLE PIECE)
It’s the second week of September! I know normally I do these monthly decor episodes on the first week of each month, but I had to dedicate last week’s blog to a tough topic. If you haven’t seen it already, you can check it out here. There’s no video – writing it was hard enough as is. But it’s only a 10 minute read and I think anyone and everyone can benefit reading from it whether it’s for personal reasons or to share with a loved one. Otherwise, on to our new episode!
This month, I want to talk about adaptable pieces. Decor that is versatile and/or can adapt to different functions, spaces, and preferences. And the best part, the same decor can change and become a fresh, new look for no or minimal cost! And the real best part is, you can use this idea in any space! From your living room to Little One’s nursery, adaptable pieces are here to stay! And if you don’t like the project I’m about to share, which is a frame for artwork and photos, there’s plenty of other ways to incorporate this idea into your home!
And this time, feel free to click on the photo to watch the video for better understanding!
Related: Ep. 4
Otherwise, let’s get into it!
Supplies
Wood, saw, stain, and wood glue or screws and a drill. Those are all the supplies you need. *And when I list measurements throughout this article, it’s the measurements I used. Feel free to make your frame whatever dimensions you want!*
Easy As 1, 2, 3
1
First, you’re going to want to focus on the inner part of the frame. (The part that will be decorated with art and photos when it’s done.) Make sure to cut to whatever size you want for your project, but for my frame, I cut pieces of 1×8 pine into 16″ lengths. I made 4. Make as many as you want, remembering that these will be placed side by side to eventually create the width of your frame. Set those aside.
Next, you’re going to create the border of the frame. Make sure to cut whatever size fits the amount of pieces you created. Since I created 4 inner pieces, when laid next to each other, they measure 29.5″ wide (due to already off-set dimensions in the wood). So I needed to make 2 borders that were longer than that-The top and the bottom. Since I made the inner pieces into 16″ lengths, I also needed to make 2 borders that were longer than that-The 2 sides.
I cut 2 pieces of 1×3 pine into 20 3/4″ length before cutting a 45° into them making the shorter ends 28.5″ in length. These are my 2 side pieces. I cut 2 more pieces of 1×3 pine into 33 3/8″ length before cutting a 45° into them making the shorter ends 28.5″ in length. These are my top and bottom pieces.
2
Once all my wood was cut, I stained the inner pieces a light gray color and the borders a dark gray color. To be specific, I used ‘Weathered Gray’ for the inner and ‘Carbon Gray’ for the borders. Let them all dry and finish with a clear coat if you want. (I did not do a clear coat.)
3
This is the stage where different results come into play. If you’re using wood glue, simply attach the pieces making sure they are flush and that the borders meet properly. Then make sure to clamp them together to ensure a strong bond and let dry. Voila-You’re all done! If you decide to use screws instead, I used a method where I didn’t have to find certain screws to attach the pieces together. Instead, I cut 2 more pieces of 1×4 pine into 32″ lengths and attached those to the back of everything to hold together. Voila-All done!
*It’s totally up to you which method you want to use for putting the frame together!* Once it was all done, I attached postcard art using corner adhesives that I can switch out and reassemble whenever I want! One of my favorite projects I’ve done so far! Plus, it’s great decor for your own space, your Little One’s space, or just about anywhere in the home!
Do you think this sounds like a fun project to make for your home? If so, give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments! And don’t forget to tag @earth_to_momma on IG or @earthtomomma on FB so I can see how unique and creative yours is!
And if this doesn’t sound like your jam, try a pegboard wall where the arrangements are never-ending! Or look up ‘adaptable decor pieces’ and try one of the other amazing ideas out there! As always, thank you so very much for being a part of ETM’s community! I encourage you to join discussions, interact with others alike, and be unapologetically yourself! Until next time, I hope I’m able to help make your life as simple as could be. (:
With all my love, Brandolyn – Earth To Momma
