We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Looking for a frame for some artwork or project you have? Keep an eye out for clearance artwork, because it may be cheaper than just buying a frame outright.
I picked up this artwork on clearance for $4.98, it was regularly $39.99. Â I wasn’t interested in the artwork on the inside, but I knew that I could re-use the frame. Â This frame is a shadow box, and I thought that $4.99 was cheaper than I would probably find a shadow box for. Â Â So, I picked it up!
There are so many ways that you can actually make your own artwork. Using paper cut-outs is a simple one, because it is cheap and you can customize the colors and designs to whatever you need.
Since this will be going in my daughter’s room, I cut some butterflies out in colors that matched her bedding. I used the Silhouette Machine to cut out the butterflies. Don’t Forget! You have the opportunity to win a Silhouette Machine here on the blog this week. Plus, Silhouette is also offering a discount package to Thrifty & Thriving readers. Check it out!
I folded the wings, because I wanted them to be three dimensional inside the shadow box.
I added some “bling”, because my daughter loves all things sparkly. Plus, it gave the butterflies even more dimension.
Here is how the final piece turned out. I am very pleased, the colors are perfect and my daughter loves it! That’s what really counts, because it’s going in her room, right?
The final cost of this project was around $7!! I would love to hear how you decorate your home in frugal ways, just leave a comment and let me know.
British American says
I framed scrapbook paper in cheap Walmart frames for my son’s room when he was a baby. Added a couple of scrapbook stickers too. The colour of the paper matched the colour of the paint on his walls, so it looked fancy and matchy, when really it was very cheap and simple. 🙂
Christina says
That’s a really great idea! Thanks.
Amy B. says
That is really cute!
Tracy says
I cut a 2X4 into blocks and painted them…then added some “flare” with ribbons and scrapbook paper and glued wood letters to spell out my sons name for his room. I use the blocks in his pictures too. I just use things I already have around the house so for me its free =)
Kristi says
I just redid our room on a budget for my husbands birthday. I was able to find a lot of material at target (large cream table clothes that were put down to 75% off) with my mom’s help we used that material (along with some scraps) to make fancy pillows, bed skirt, and curtains. I also found a comforter bed set and an inside curtain for 75% off. My mother in law bought new sheets and my parents bought a double curtain rod with hold backs. It turned out great. I just wish I would have kept all the prices.
Janine says
Love the butterflies! Adorable.
Lori N. says
Adorable, Christy!
Robin N. says
Christy, this type of post is what sets your blog apart from all the others–you are sooooooo creative, and I can tell that you have such a nice spirit about you. Your artwork looks great!! (and I’m picky–I majored in art in college!)
Wish you lived closer to Georgia!!
Traci says
I used scrapbook paper in a square frame (50% off and then a 25% off coupon off all frames) and then added one of the wood cut outs shapes (one of my daughters was a butterfly at Hobby Lobby and the other was a ladybug). They turned out adorable and cost about $7-8 a piece.
Lori says
Adorable! I have a question about the frame? What is the square measurement? I have been looking all over for a 10×10 photo frame. Did you pick this up at Target or some place else? Thank you so much for your help.
Anna Galanos says
That looks really neat! Congratulations on such a great piece of art!
Kristi says
Super Cute idea Christy!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing!
Christy says
Thanks for the sweet compliments everyone!
@Robin You are very kind! I have a sister-in-law that lives in Georgia, who knows maybe we will get out there someday. 🙂
Christy says
@Lori The frame itself is just over 12.5 x 12.5. The inset portion is 7.5 x 7.5. I actually picked this up several years ago, so it wasn’t a recent purchase. I bought it at Mervyns (which we no longer have here in WA).
Christy says
@Kristi Your room sounds wonderful (and frugal too!) We really need to do something with our bedroom, it always seems to be last on the list of things to do. We will get to it someday!
Leanne says
I love butterflies. Especially the beautiful colors you chose. Thanks for linking to the Home Decor and Organizing Link Party. I’ll be featuring this.
Carters code says
In between me and my husband we’ve owned extra MP3 players over the years than I am able to rely, such as Sansas, iRivers, iPods (basic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few decades I’ve settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are.