How-to Make Photo Frames Match

Perhaps you're looking to make a photo wall, or you have a handful of old frames that don't all match one another -- or both. Four words -- Spray paint. Thrift Store.

When my husband and I got married between the two of us we had a number of mismatched frames. I wanted to make a photo wall in our hallway using classic black frames. So I purchased a can of flat black spray paint, took a drop cloth and headed outside. Now what was once about 15 mismatched frames that I wouldn't have dreamed of arranging together all match nicely.

If you're wanting to make a photo wall but do not have the plethora of frames necessary, head to some second hand shops and see what frames they have. Most second hand stores have plenty to pick from. Then pick up some spray paint and viola.

Generally frames are a bit pricey, especially the ones that have nice secure means of holding the photos in. If you're looking for just one or two frames, the cost might not put much of a dent in the wallet. But if you are looking to do an entire wall, the price can add up quickly.

A can of spray paint generally will not cost more than $5, and the cost of a second hand frame is along the lines of $.50 - $1.

How-to Update Your Comforter

Duvet covers are great. They come in all kinds of beautiful fabrics and are a great way to change the look of your bedroom. The problem that I always seemed to run into with them -- they are so darn expensive! A nice duvet will run you in the neighborhood of $80-$150! Granted a couple of pillow shams are included in the set, but honestly how expensive can it be to make a sham? My solution -- make your own! It's very easy so long as you know the basics of using a sewing machine.

In the pictures below I used a couple of flat bedsheets and some ribbon to accent as well as tie up the bottom. But you can get creative and, depending on your level of skill in sewing, use different fabrics and patterns. Additionally sheets can come in an array of patterns.

In my example I simply sewed together a couple of flat bedsheets (sheet size should match the bed size) leaving a foot or so in the middle of the bottom to insert the comforter. I then sewed ribbon ties on the sides of the hole and then used decorative ribbon to accent the duvet. I adhered the ribbon using iron on fabric adhesive which seemed to work rather well, however sewing it in place will hold it in place for quite a while longer I'm sure.

This duvet was for a full size bed. Total cost -- about $20. Total time -- about 3 hours.