In Case You Missed it: Pottery Barn Cottage Frame KNOCK-OFF | Occasionally Crafty: In Case You Missed it: Pottery Barn Cottage Frame KNOCK-OFF

Friday, April 29

In Case You Missed it: Pottery Barn Cottage Frame KNOCK-OFF

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*This was originally my guest post at Funky Polkdot Giraffe- but since we've grown since then, I thought I'd share it again here.

 I was browsing the Pottery Barn online catalog for some ideas.  I love their stuff, but I am way too cheap frugal to pay for it.  When I saw the "Cottage Frames", I figured I could make a version of my own.

Here's a picture of theirs:
Cottage Frames
Photo:  Pottery Barn Website

And here's mine:


I made mine a little more 3-D, and I have more little pieces in mine than in the original.  That's just personal preference.  I like how it has kind of a driftwood, beach-y feel.  It would look great in a room with that kind of theme.  

Want to make one of your own?  Here's how:

Supplies Needed:
Frame
Wooden Shims or other scrap wood
Sandpaper
White or off-white paint and paintbrush
Brown/Black paint or distressing gel
Wood glue
Fine-tipped marker (like a Sharpie pen)

1.  Gather your supplies.  I used a document frame from the dollar store.  You need something fairly narrow, and if you want to match the original, it needs to be flat and square.  I'm not patient enough to scour the racks of thrift stores and yard sales, so I just went with this one.

For the wood pieces, I used wooden shims we had from constructing  a doorway.  These come in a bundle at the hardware store and are very rough. 


I only used six or seven pieces from a bundle. You could use all sorts of scrap wood to create this.  You're just going to have to cut it, so make sure the wood you choose won't splinter and break when cut.

2.  Take the back off the frame and take out any thing inside, leaving only the glass and the frame.  Secure your glass  (temporarily- you need to remove it later) to the frame so it won't move around.  Mine was already pretty still, but some cheap frames move around a lot when taken apart.
3.  Measure your opening.  I used the fake "document" in the frame to mark where I wanted my photo opening to be.  I made mine to fit a 4x6, down from the 8x10 frame.  That means I had to measure 2 inches from the top and bottom, and 2 inches in from each side.  I taped my 4x6 paper to the backside of the glass so I could build around it on the front.


4.  Lay out your wood pieces to fit around your photo opening, cutting as necessary.  I found that with standard wooden shims, if I cut them in half lengthwise, I needed three pieces on each long side of the frame.  I then measured the length I would need on the short sides, and just cut a bunch of pieces to fit.  Then I cut THOSE smaller pieces into the acutal assorted pieces I wanted on the frame.  Use the picture as your guide, and adjust as desired.


5.  Sand and paint your wooden pieces.  If you want them to lie flush with the frame, you'll have to sand them quite a bit.  This is another reason mine are more 3-D- I do tend towards the "lazy" crafting.

6.  Remove the glass from your frame and paint the frame.  Allow frame and wood to dry.


7.  Distress frame and wood pieces as desired.  I used a squirt each of black and brown paint in a cup of water to form sort of a wash.  I then used a sponge brush to wash all my pieces and frame, then used a paper towel to blot most of it off.  Allow to dry again.


8.  Put the glass back into your frame and secure it again.  Using wood glue, adhere your wooden pieces directly to the glass and let set a few hours or overnight.



9.  Remove your "photo opening guide", print out your favorite photo, attach it to the back side of the glass, and replace the frame back.  Congratulations-- you have a striking new frame!


Oh- I almost forgot!  The original has "real nails" in the small pieces of wood.  I could not manage this without splitting the wood, so I simply put small black dots in random pieces of wood with a marker.  If you try this and have success with the nails, let me know how you did it!

Cost of original:  $29 for this version.
Cost of mine:  $1 !!!!
(I had everything but the frame)


If you give it a try, let me know.  I'd love to see your version!  Have a great weekend, all!

I am linking up to some of my favorite parties here- go check them out!



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*Update*- thanks for featuring me!  

 UndertheTableandDreaming

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16 comments:

  1. Cute, cute!!! I love it and I love that you made it for only $1 That is so awesome:) Great job and FABULOUS blog!! Have a great weekend.

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  2. Great frame. Totally love your blog too!
    Happy Friday!

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  3. I REALLY love this! I even have some shims and I think I know what I am gonna do with them now! I am a new follower. :)

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  4. This is great! I love decorating picture frames, and you found a beautiful way to do it.

    indieinventions.blogspot.com

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  5. Fantastic! I love replicating name brand items on a DIY budget. I'll be keeping this in mind!

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  6. Ohhh I love this! I LOVE Pottery Barn..and anything inspired by it!
    Very cute

    -Lindsay
    Delighted Momma

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  7. You go, girl! That's a FABULOUS knock-off. Only $1! Wow!

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  8. great knock-off! and for only a$1! i would love you to link it up at our Sister Sunday Link Party.
    Amy
    www.Sistersofthewildwest.blogspot.com

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  9. Wow - this is great! Thanks for posting the tutorial!

    - Jenn @ Social Salutations

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  10. Valerie - your frame looks fantastic. I love the texture and look of the shims - so clever. Thanks so much for linking up to the Sunday Showcase Party - I greatly appreciate it. I have featured this today.
    Hope you are enjoying your week
    ~ Stephanie Lynn
    www.bystephanielynn.com

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  11. To make nail holes or to insert small nails without splitting the wood you could use a drill and very small drill bit to make the holes. I use a hammer and nail and gently tap a "dent" into the wood where I want the hole so that my drill bit stays put when I start to drill. I would do this before painting for more authenticity.

    What a great idea. Love your frame!

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  12. This is so awesome! Definitely pinning this to make later. Thanks for the awesome tute!

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  13. I like yours better! Thanks for sharing your tutorial.

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  14. Decorating with hand crafted pieces is a great way to create a cozy home. Thanks for sharing!

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Thanks so much for stopping by! I try to answer all valid comments as soon as possible, but you can also email info@occasionallycrafty.com with an urgent question. Have a great day!