Last night I went to bed thinking for some reason of all the photographs that we take and how we store them on our smart phones and rarely do we ever get them printed to have put into a frame as we did many years ago. I believe that is why I am finding a treasure of frames at the thrift stores sitting there so sad and without purpose upon the shelves. But not to worry. No longer is the frame needed for use for just the typical use of framing a portrait of some kind. It is now it's own piece of art...it's own masterpiece. No longer a slave in bondage in being held bound for only one purpose, it has been set free!
Hmm, sounds kind of a familiar story. Am I comparing myself to a frame? Perhaps. But it is what Christ has done for us. He has set us free from bondage. We are no longer slaves. When He gave Himself for us on the Cross He did it for each and everyone of us, freely. When we accept Him, we are our own work of art, His masterpiece...fearfully and wonderfully made. WOW! Oh, how He loves us! He wants to frame all His goodness, all His righteousness, all His joy and all His love in you to be displayed in and through you. Allow Him to remove whatever is being held in place of all of that. Allow Him to dismantle the structure of what bounds the frame until it is exposed and transparent so that He can begin to reveal His Masterpiece...YOU!
It's really cool to think that Christ upcycles, recycles and repurposes us! I'm so thankful for that! Nothing is wasted when we are walking close to Him, including our mistakes, mishaps, hurts and struggles. He upcycles, recycles, and repurposes those for good by His transforming grace. Let me tell you, I am so glad that He doesn't donate to the thrift store or toss out to the garbage! He is the Ultimate Designer! He can do an amazing work in you. Praise God!
Now, I have some ideas for you for those frames that you may have stored away in the closet or perhaps boxed up and ready to donate to your local thrift store. HOLD IT! Before you do anything else, rethink things through and perhaps restore life to those frames...just sayin. If they are mix-matched, brass, oak, black with gold, floral, green, whatever, no worries.
That is what the miracle in a can is all about. Spray paint can do a world of wonders. By simply disassembling the frames taking the backs off and removing mats and glass you'll be left with a simple frame, no matter the size. I purchase my spray paint from Lowe's - Valspar brand, but you can purchase at Wal-Mart or Home Depot your preference. Lightly spray paint them a color of choice.
Once you've done all the labor, you'll be ready to display all the glory! The possibilities are endless.
What I am about to display here are things I have around my home. Things I have put to use here and there over time. Believe me when I say, they will change periodically, because I like to keep things moving. It may be the same item, just a fresh coat of paint and a different way of displaying it or moving it to another part of the house. Items in my home don't get to comfortable where they live. They make friends with everything in every room! And they are not shy of changes!
My all time favorite! It can't be done all year, but when you can display God's beautiful blossoms then do it! So easy, just hang an empty frame or frames in the tree on sturdy branches and admire the art of God's glory.
This is my guest bathroom. Top picture is a oak frame painted black placed on the center of the infamous large bathroom mirror. I used 8 - 3M double sided wall poster hanger sticky tabs to hang it. Bottom picture is two frames one wood, one metal. Sprayed unified colored and hung together.
These two pieces are recent crafts that I've made. Top picture shows a large frame that I decoupaged with scrapbook paper, placed a vinyl tree atop and sealed with clear coat spray paint. Glued with my E6000 a yellow frame and I attached a paper "JOY" banner that is removable and can be replaced with other items such as pictures or whatever.
Bottom picture is of lovebirds. I bought notecards and these lovely creatures were among them. Same process as above. Dark frame was an old Tuscan picture that I decoupaged with scrapbook paper. Found a lovely spot for the Lovebirds and framed them. An old dresser drawer handle and frame was adhered with E6000.
In my kitchen, I've stacked some open frames. Layering is good. Just to let you know, these candle sticks are on their 4th color now :) Another little tid-bit, entire arrangement is from thrift store buys including the stand it is sitting on! Floral arrangement made with paper flowers (I'll show you another time) Paint does wonders!!
Frame with twine strung across and stapled to make a Rosette hair clip holder. Hung in my daughter's room.
Frame another piece of art. This is a carved piece of whitewashed wood that looks lost on the wall by itself, but looks wonderful framed.
In my bedroom entryway, unified stacked frames of various sizes and shapes. I have ones that I've painted yellow up on the seatee and the ones on the floor are actually the wooden cloth mats that came with larger frames that I found at thrift stores.
There you have it. Frames. Didn't think there was much use for them anymore until I realized we're not much different from things that are always being thrown out and discarded, no longer wanted. There's a story to be told and I'm believe God has placed it upon my heart to share with whomever is willing to listen. It is my duty to be obedient and tell of His Great Love for us through this blessed gift He has given me. Thank you for reading, thank you for hearing.
Take care and be blessed,
Christy Krezman
