DIY Shabby Chic Frame

We recently had family portraits done,

{by the lovely Sara Driscoll Photography}

and I wanted to display some of our photographs in Landyn's room.

I love the look of a distressed white frame against a wall.

So instead of paying an arm and a leg for a couple shabby chic frames,

I decided to make my own.

Here is my step by step tutorial oh how to make your very own

 Shabby Chic Distressed Picture Frame

unfinished frame (Michaels, on clearance for $5.99)

off white paint (I went with BM Navajo White)

paint brush

medium grit sand paper

Because your frame is unfinished,
begin by sanding light over the entire surface.
 Paint seems to adhere better this way too.

Once smooth, begin painting your entire frame white.

Let sit until completely dry.

Sand your entire frame down. Concentrate more on areas that will wear easily, edges, corners, etc.

This will give it an AGED look. You can even take a hammer or screw driver at it for a more intense look.

Notice how the original wood color shows thru on the edges and corners.

Now it's time for more distressing.

Using a black stamp pad and old rag, dab your rag and blot ink onto your edges and corners. 

Sand over the ink

You can continue sanding if your frame still appears to polished.

THAT'S IT!

Now want to see what I did in Landyn's room with my distressed frames?

TADA! 

I am linking up to these parties...