using old window frames

An alternate title for this post could be “what snow days are good for”.  

Yesterday we had our 550th snow day.  Okay, not really, but kind of.  And guess what?  Today is 551.  Yep, my kids are home from school………..again.  Seriously, this has been the longest winter ever, like in the history of ever.  I’m doing my best to see the bright side and really enjoy these lazy-stuck-in-the-house days, but deep down the California girl in me has a bad case of cabin fever.  
What keeps me sane?  Wine.  I’m kidding. kind of.  But in all seriousness, what is truly holding me together is that I’m finally completing all of those little projects that have been on my to-do list for what feels like an eternity.  You know those projects that will maybe take you all of 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and yet somehow never get done because you can’t ever find the time?  Please tell me I’m not alone on this.  Please tell me you have a list of things that you want to get done, and that will probably not take too much time to do, that you for some odd reason just can’t seem to ever get done. 
Well, for all my mom friends that live in snow filled states, guess what?  Snow days are really good for forcing you to finally get “those” projects done.  So at least there’s that, right?  
old window frame map
Yesterday, I took 20 minutes to frame the Kauai map I brought home as a souvenir from our vacation.  I used an old window.  I know, you’re like, who hasn’t used an old window to frame something?  This is nothing new, but I do love the look.  I’m also pretty thrilled to cross this off the to-do list because it’s been on my list since we got back from our vacation…………..which was last summer.   
I found the window at Restore for $5.  I kind of fell in love with the chippiness and then there’s the hardware.  It’s totally normal to love a pusher upper thingy right, what on earth do you call this thing?!  
old window hardware
Literally, it was love at first sight.  I’m aware of how weird that sounds, but the truth is what the truth is.  
So, I had to cut the map to make it flush.  I used clear packing tape to attach it to the back of the window.  Then I added a couple of screw eyes and wire for hanging.  
old window frame
I put that bad boy up on the wall above the towel hooks in the kid’s bathroom.  I added a couple of command strips at the bottom to keep it from sliding around.  
using an old window frame as a picture frame
You really can’t beat this look for $5?  I’d never be able to find a frame large enough for less than that price.  Even though I’m done with winter, I’m glad to be making the most of being stuck inside. 
using an old window frame as a picture frame
 
Do you have any little projects on your to-do list?  What is it about the little ones that seem to take forever to finally get crossed off the list?!  

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  • I've had a DIY Instagram frame on my list for a few weeks now. I had every intention of painting it last night, but then my honey came home with Thor: Dark World and all plans went out the window. Hopefully I can get it done tonight…after I get off work, pick up my son from the sitter, pick the other kids up, go to my daughter's eye doctor appointment, make dinner, clean up the house, get the kids ready for bed… There's always tomorrow, right?

  • You are so creative Carmel! I have several old windows that have been sitting in my garage for over a year. I could not figure out what to do with them, I love this idea to finally use them in our home. Also wanted to say I love your blog, it has always been one of my favorites, your home is so beautiful!

  • Carmel,
    I know exactly the kind of project you are talking about! I have a large armoire in bedroom that is, to be honest, very plain and homely. And, unfortunately, at this time I cannot afford a new one. My one conciliation is that the armoire is completely flat on top and therefore, I am able to decorate it as I please. Lately (as in like the last several months) I've been gazing at the top of it thinking, "That could look a whole lot better with a little effort". But then I never got around to doing anything about it. Hopefully soon I will take the necessary 20 minutes and spruce that thing up! 🙂

    Love the old window pane! Thanks for sharing!

  • Yay for getting things crossed off your list! We had a snow day yesterday as well, though I still had to work 🙁 I actually have 3 window panes that I need to figure out what to do with, and an empty wall in my kids bathroom…

    Kelly from Lifeonbirchst.com

  • ooh I love it! I picked up an old window frame at an outdoor flea a couple months ago and I'm dying to find the perfect place for it. Its awesome that you hung your family memento in it. And I think pusher upper thingy is totally appropriate:)

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