Make Your Monday: Freeze Frames!

No, I'm not having an 80's music flashback! I'm really talking about frames for your freezer and fridge. I've had this idea rolling around in my head for awhile...actually, it's not an original idea as I'm sure if you look hard enough, you can purchase something similar...but I thought, why not make it myself? So here's an easy "Make Your Monday" project that will have the front of your fridge spruced up in no time!

For this project, you'll need some picture frames (with or without glass), super glue, some strong rare earth disc magnets, and photo mats if you like. I buy my magnets on Ebay, by the way. I've been collecting those old vintage and vintage style metal picture frames from Goodwill for a little while now and I like them because they are lightweight. You can use just about any frame but remember, the heavier the frame, the stronger the magnets need to be.

Here is my pile o' frames before I altered them:



I also found a good sized wooden frame...



I pulled off all the frame "stands". This is so that the frames will lie flush against the fridge.



Then I removed the backs and all the glass and painted the frames. I used my favorite brown that you see on so many of my projects like my studio ceiling fan, gumball machine, and other accessories - Rustoleum's camouflage brown spray paint. I did not prime the frames but I would recommend it for durability.



Next, I flipped the frames over and superglued the magnets to the corners of the frames. It's important to let the glue fully cure for a day or so before using. Notice that I used bigger magnets for the bigger, heavier frame.



Now the frames are ready to adorn your fridge! For the larger frames that I used for my kids' art, I did not use the glass. I'll be changing out the art frequently so it makes it so much easier to just be able to pop a new piece of art behind the frame. For the smaller "word" frames, I did use the glass as I won't be changing those out as much. Either way works so long as you use stronger magnets to support the added weight of the glass. But if you have young children that like to bang on large appliances, maybe you shouldn't use the glass:)

I used photo mats in a few of my frames for a nice clean look. You can use these "freeze frames" for art, frequently used recipes, poetry...oh, and photos! The possibilities are endless!








It thrills the kids to see their artwork displayed so beautifully - the frames make them appear even more special than they already are!

Now, for all the paperwork that usually goes on the side of my fridge...do you think they make magnets strong enough for me to stick a filing cabinet there? Just keeping it real folks...just keeping it real:)



___________________________________________

If you would like to read more information about the 2009 Cottage Charm Giveaway event taking place during the entire month of May and see the list of current cottage style giveaways, just click the banner below!