Create Magazine: Vintage Makeovers

I remember thinking that people over 20 were ancient. It's true. At 8 years old the thought of having a real life past my teens seemed beyond impossible. What could possibly be interesting at that age? Well, I'm obviously well past my 20's, and good riddance, as I've come so far and learned so much in that time. I will welcome the (cough, cough) 40's later this year.

My kids are not that different from I, and think my friends and I are already just as ancient as I once perceived this age group to be. While from this standpoint, I can hardly agree, I do understand their perspective.

While I may not be old, many of the clothing pieces that I wore would now be considered vintage. Does that make me vintage as well?

For one of my last assignments for Northridge Publishing, I wrote and contributed the projects for the article within the "Vintage" Idea Book called "Flea Market Chic."

I thoroughly enjoy shopping at antique and second hand stores looking for treasures that can be altered and displayed in my own home. Under the guise of my "assignment," I was able to collect a few new pieces and give them a "vintage vibe" to share within the pages of this article.

One my very favorite projects was the discovery of this rather dated brass frame with a floral poster glued inside.

To give it just the vibe I wanted:
1. I removed the poster and frame backing.
2. I spray painted the frame with matte black spray paint.
3. I covered the wooden backing with poly-fill.
4. I stretched burlap fabric over the poly-fill and stapled it onto the back of the wooden piece.
5. I screwed the wooden piece with the poly-fill and burlap back onto the frame with slightly longer screws than came with the frame (it was obviously a little thicker now).
6. I cut my initials from black vinyl with my electronic die cutting machine and placed them on the fabric.
7. I cut several banner shapes from leftover fabric and hung them from the twine strung across the frame and attached to the frame with buttons. The fabric banner is held in place with small natural wooden clothespins.
8. I added photos or memorabilia to the frame with stick pins.

This is going in a special place in my home and is one of my most favorite pieces I've ever altered. But this is just one of five projects I altered within this article. Be sure to purchase or download the issue here to discover the other items I gave some "Flea Market Chic."