Sometimes I forget to take my own advice. Or your advice. I found this regular, weirdly cut up piece of copy paper the other week. Only it had one redeeming quality. It had writing on it written by the boy in our family who supposedly hates to read and write more than anyone else. And he would much rather be shooting his gun at the birds in the neighbor’s yard than loving his neighbor and such. I have no idea how this paper came to be, only that it is.
So, you now understand that this paper is a priceless work of art. But I had no idea how to preserve it. Then I remembered that framed fork. It’s true, with a frame and scrapbook paper, you can frame just about anything. If what you want to frame has dimension–simply take the glass out. You can frame old coins, ticket stubs, Polaroid photos, baby toys, game pieces…you don’t need a fancy mat, just a precious memory and some scrapbook paper, wallpaper, page from a book–whatever.
What have you framed lately?
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I love that idea! I am decorating on a non-budget at the moment, and am constantly finding good ideas with your inspiration, thanks! I recently framed a photo that was the wrong size for the frame (in a ghetto frame I got at a charity shop when I lived in Scotland) and I used a nicely coloured sort of matchy envelope as the “matting” to make up the difference. Yay that one more patch of the white walls in our rented flat has been covered!
. . . my neighbor.
Sorry! Couldn’t resist. (Too much Law and Order, I guess!)
I love this new artwork! And I’m with ya — I’ll frame any anything and everything! (I once found an old offering envelope in my Bible that read in the very uneven handwriting of a seven-year-old, “Mom, you are the best mom in the world! Can Cassie spend the night?” I still have it, and it makes me smile every time I get it out and reread it — maybe I’ll frame it!)
Grins!
Pamm
totally precious.
And I am 87 years old and don’t get the …my neighbor joke. Is it a joke? Did I spell it wrong? Somebody help me!
I don’t get it either. Please enlighten me, too. ;0)
Thanks, Suzanne. Haha, after reading it ten more times, I finally got it. Somedays… ;0)
How sweet! The best art is the things that touch our heart – photos or writing… as long as it pulls at my heartstrings, I’m apt to use it. As I write this, my eye (eyes if you have two :) is drawn towards a license plate that hangs on our kitchen wall. Yep, I’ll use anything!
Such an adorable idea, I love it :)
what timing.. i was just over at Centsational Girl’s blog… she had posted the first page of her five-year old’s journal. So sweet… it has to be framed! I love framing kids’ artwork and writing!
A year or so ago I found a handwritten index card for homemade wine from my late great grandmother. I bought an unfinished frame from Michaels for a buck, backed it with some fancy shimmery red tissue paper that I had around the house, and distressed the frame with a hammer before I stained it a nice Walnut brown. It is currently hanging over our wet bar (that is wine-themed) and is potentially my favorite item in the kitchen. Love it!
I framed a “Mommy’s to do list” that my kids wrote for me years ago. It says:
1. Kiss the kids.
2. Help the kids.
It is one of my most favorite things in the whole wide world!
I’m guessing she meant by the neighbor comment, that she FRAMED the neighbor as in set him up to look like he committed a crime? I need to get some framing going of fun stuff like that; great idea!
Suzanne
OHHHHH, yes, she “framed the neighbor” funny!
Definitely worth framing! That is so unbelievably precious! Even more so coming from another mom who has a boy who does NOT like to read or write. Thanks for the sharing & the hope. : )
What a sweet idea! I have been trying to frame artwork that our children have made to decorate our new basement…but this has me thinking about framing some of their writings! And of course you know the post that I shared with you that I framed nothing on our bedroom walls…LOL!
This is so sweet. What a great way to preserve it! I have been MEANING to frame my daughter’s rendition of a Starry Night for the longest time. She did it a couple years ago when she was about 7 with pastels.
oh HOW I love this… love this… thanks for the reminder to frame things like this… it’s precious. ~ kim
THAT is a beautiful thing!!!
thank you for this.
i have been boxing up baby stuff to give away as our little one outgrows it. I had this little spoon of his that I don’t know what to do with but can’t bear to part with b/c i fed each of my boys their first cereal with it. so many memories wrapped up in that little spoon.
thank you. now i know what i’ll do with it. :)
Now that is a priceless decoration for your home.
I am also considering framing the boys coming home outfits. I have passed down all the other clothes, but just can’t part with those!
OH! I never thought of framing clothing!! My two girls were both premies, and their first little outfits were so precious, I kept them. I gave them a few for their dolls, but didnt’ know what to do with the others. Tada!! They will go beautifully in their pink and white room too! Thanks!
I framed their Halloween Costumes and hung them in their toy room.
http://amomandtwoboys.blogspot.com/2010/01/toy-room-reveal-overdue-part-2.html
So cute–you must check this out!
You found a treasure and have a perfect way to keep it special.
Nester, I love this idea. With all the things of my kids that I have kept over the years why have I not done this yet. I think I will have to do this soon. It will surprise my kids and touch my heart at the same time.
Hugs,
Cindy
precious!
So precious!!! :) I framed a fleur de lys recently. I have not been “framing” much since it is sooooo not spray paint weather. I need to paint some frames for use! :)
I love this idea! We recently framed a table place card with both of our names on it from some close friends’ wedding in a small frame in our bedroom. (You can see it here:http://yankeebellehome.blogspot.com/2010/01/mastering-master-bedroom.html)
I have also framed some of my son’s finer paintings for our home and my office and I love them!
Love it!! Priceless and precious. How sweet!
…I do believe this could cut down on my paper pile, too. :-)
Uh-Oh Angie said it’s not spray painting weather. So, that’s what’s been wrong with my projects-and I thought it was just the $ .97 paint from Wal-Mart I was using!
Cute idea Nester!
Love this post!! Last week I worked on framing some pictures that my kids have drawn that I really loved. One of my faves was something my son (now 6 1/2) made about 1 1/2 years ago. My dad died three years ago and my son made a list of things (illegible scribble scrabble list) that he’ll need for his Papa’s birthday when he (my son) gets to heaven. I’ve had it on the fridge for the last 1 1/2 years and finally framed it to give it the recognition it deserves.
It’ll be hanging next to two pictures my daughter (3 at the time) made- a family portrait and a picture of my husband and I getting married. She was in the stage where people are a circle- head- on top of 2 sticks (legs??body??). I love those kinds of pictures.
I love the idea of framing the written words!
I just framed my daughter’s painting.
http://txtanya.blogspot.com/2010/01/grace-loves-eric-carle.html
I let my son tape scraps of scrapbooking paper to a poster board and then framed it.
You know what else you could do is copy that onto a piece of fabric and stitch it. I would love to do that for you if you want to copy it and send it to me. You could make a pillow or anything out of it. Email me if you’re interested, I’d do it for you for free.
What a great idea! I am definitely going to use that one. Thanks!
I love this! What a precious keepsake, looks fabulous too!
My (now) husband put a penny in a machine that pressed it to make it say “I love you.” I keep it framed and it is one of my favorite things.
Yes, I framed a sketch of a snowman that my oldest son did and also framed a drawing of Noah’s Ark that my youngest did.
Of course, I got the idea from you so you get the credit even if you sometimes forget to take your own advice. :-)
I need to be better about this, but I have to add that I love the fabric behind the paper, too! That add a lot and really makes it stand out.
One of my sorority advisors in college had the cutest house and updated her 3 boys paintings in her kitchen all the time. Adorable! I always said I was going to do that…
But then again, I also said I was going to do laundry today… :) Oy vay.
I framed a picture that my daughter made of me washing the dishes in the kitchen. All the detail in it is so funny! The fridge had little drawings of her drawings, the curtains, the kitchen table with her drawing. Love, love, love it! It’s right in my kitchen window where I can admire it while I am washing dishes.
I love this idea. I have a card from my mom to my 4 boys that I am putting in a frame today. She passed away in September, and this card captures all of her “goodness” and love for my boys. I will treasure it forever.
BTW, I’m going to Blissdom, and I hope I “bump” into you! :)
Traci
Oh …that touched my heart (I have a 9 year old like that.. reading and writing are NOT his favorite). Thank you for sharing that gem.
you are darling. your boys are darling. the end.
You know, this is a great idea……I have a basketball poem my daughter wrote, and it’s in the shape of a basketball – this would be so cute framed! Thanks for the idea!
What a sweet post (and note)! You have inspired me to think outside the box and frame things other than photos. Thank you for always being so inspirational for us with little creativity or design sense!
My oldest made a picture for me over the weekend that says (in very crooked, oddly spaced handwriting) “Dear Mom Thank You for All u do Ford Me”. I didn’t think about framing it. Refrigerator? Yes. Framing? No. But NOW… I will. Already have the perfect frame, too. Thanks, Nester!
Lately I’ve framed a homemade photo art project of the hubby and I, mostly I tend to stick things up on the wall with pushpins and move on.
I totally took your advice and framed a fork. And spoon, too. LOVE it. It’s SO darling in my kitchen. Now I’ll fram anything. You’re awesome, Nester! :)
Hi nester,
i like you, will frame anything. sometimes i will even hang up pretty frames without the glass and just put my kids artwork in the space. it’s neat for them cause they see their artwork on the walls and its neat for me cause i like change so i can swap out pictures fairly easy and often.
but that is not my favorite framed item in my house. In June i met my birthmother after 31 years of searching for her (well, not that long cause i am 31 years old, but you get my point) i searched all day for something to wear i was so nervous. I never did find anything to wear but i walked past these brilliant red flowers and bought those instead. my good luck flowers. once they EVERY day. it’s the special, normal day to day “things” that make the best decorations in my space i call home.
i love your warm cozy blog by the way. so inspiring and refreshing.
Love this post. So sweet!
And my level of respect for you was significantly raised when I saw the burt’s bees peeking from the bottom of that picture. That stuff is addicting! :)
My latest framing was from my 2 grandson’s, who sent me their pictures for my b-day. They live in Minneapolis and I live in Montana, so I do not see them as often as I would like (everyday!). I love picture frames, because they hold the ones I love when I cannot hold them in my arms. My next framing project will be to frame our 3 grandchildren’s artwork to hang in our kitchen and rotate as new masterpieces come our way.
I love that you framed your son’s writing, and such a beautiful verse to save!
i framed an angel my daughter made in a yard sale frame and we loved it at christmas. it’s still up though.
http://www.afamiliarpath.com/2009/12/angel.html
Amen to that ! I have a stack of momentos to frame and you’ve just reminded what precious art little scraps really make.
I love framing kids’ art, but you’ve taken it one step further. What a great idea! Thanks!
Thank you so much for this wonderful reminder! My kids love to make me little notes & pictures & they are so sweet, but after a while I am up to my eyeballs in odd scraps of paper…I’m going to definitely give this idea a whirl! My kids also collect random objects & put them in their “treasure boxes”, so I’d also like to let them choose a few items from their box, mat them up & frame them…you know like a rock, an acorn & a jewel.
Nester, that really is priceless. Worthy of framing. Thanks for the reminder to preserve what’s worth preserving.
Are boys great or what?
So sweet. I love personal art.
This is such a sweet post! I love it!
I framed a piece of copy paper with my babies first pen scribbles. I need to do more of these type things. Baby art is invaluable.
I made a framed fork for a friend’s birthday. I couldn’t think why I thought that looked so nice and gave a big caveat before she opened it. She loved it. Only later did I re-run across your framed cutie. Nesting has found it’s way to my subconscious!
This is so precious! I love the idea of framing anything with scrpabook paper and a lovely frame. But, the minute I saw this photo, my heart was warm! It trully si awork of art and speaks so much louder than expensive pieces!
LOVE, LOVE that idea. It’s more beautiful than the most expensive piece of art in a gallery!!
I love framing everything,….I am a picture frame lover and love unusual things in frames….
Sooooo sweet. :) I need to be better about framing my girls’ “art.” Right now, the best of the best preschool crafts get taped up on the end of the kitchen cabinets, where I can smile at them as I walk by. But I haven’t framed any of their drawings, which usually consist of lots of black and pink squiggles that are supposed to be fireworks. ;)
My daughter is 18, but when she was about 4, she wrote a note (that I saved and now have the great idea to frame – thank you) that says, “Can Taylr spid a nit?” Even after all these years, we still say, when she wants someone to “spend the night” , can so-and-so spid a nit?
I framed a page from the mini-hymnal my husband carried with him while he was deployed. My son got a hold of the book and decimated it — but the page with my favorite hymn was mostly intact. I hot glued some fabric to some cardboard then hot glued the page right on it. It’s been hanging in the hall for ages now.
I framed a picture one of my nieces drew of our dog when she was four. My husband and I love how she took every brown crayon and marker she had to color the dog’s fur. It’s very accurate!
Such a great little treasure to frame!
I have my favorite scriptures framed in my home office for inspiration. They are all 10 and older now, but when my nieces and nephew were little, they were always making little works of art for me and were thrilled that I would frame them and hang them in very visible places of honor in my home and at my (old) office.
Precious! Wonder if he was making a Valentine for someone? That is my favorite Valentine verse, because no love could be greater than those words!!!
For God so loVed the world,
That He gAve
His onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whosoever
Believeth In Him
Should Not perish,
But have Everlasting life”. John 3:16
(see how you can spell Valentine with the letters in the words?)
This is a wonderful idea.
That story brings tears to my eyes. Definitely a scrap worth hanging on to! Just a few days ago I found a sliver baby spoon tucked in the back of our junky silverware drawer. It’s so sweet and I immediately thought of your framed fork. I’m warming up the hot glue gun as we speak. : )
I was digging through some boxes & found a 4 x 4 piece of paper with just a simple note saying “good morning” and love mom. Why I kept it? I haven’t any clue but it made me cry. My mom’s been gone almost 20 yrs. I kept this simple piece of paper since I was probably 14 or 15 yrs old. It was in perfect condition, no tears, rips or anything! I bought a frame with a heart on the side & put matting around it. I framed it and put it on my dresser so I can read it every morning.
I was totally inspired by Darcy Miller’s scrapboxes in the Feb. MS Living magazine…..I dug into the old wedding box and got to work…..I framed 4 black and white photos of us on the night of our rehearsal, a small photo of the view from the top of our hotel and one of the silk flowers I carried in my rehearsal bouquet. Next up, I want to frame a collage from our honeymoon to Italy, similar to this one:
http://kristygussio.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-love-this-stuff.html
Hello…just found you today through BooMama. You. Are. A. Genius.
The end.
I love this. Simply love it.
Oooh…food for thought. I love it. I DO need to frame some of my favorite papers…just for a splash of color or pattern. You’ve got me thinking!
I was totally inspired by you, linked from my blog to this post, and then went and spent Saturday afternoon in a framing mania–until I ran out of frames. I love the result. Thanks so much for reminding me to just get it done! I’ve had empty frames sitting around in bags in my spare room since October.
Results: http://scrimpalicious.blogspot.com/2010/02/project-frame-it.html