Before I get started with today’s post I just have to say – I cannot even begin to thank you all for the lovely words of support and encouragement after my last post. That was a tough one to write and an even tougher one to hit the Publish button, but you all made it so much easier. I read each and every comment and message and it all just meant so much. I always knew I had the very best readers around – I was feeling the love for sure! Thank you.
So how about we lighten the mood a bit and get back to some decorating today?
Sound like a good plan to you?
Oh good. Me too.
I decided it was time to hang some new art in those floating frames in the bookshelves. But you all know I can be pretty lazy when it comes to any kind of DIY.
I mean, I love looking at all the things one can make on Pinterest, but when it comes to actually making all the things one can make on Pinterest? Nah…I’ll leave that to someone else.
So I did what I usually do when I want to hang something new and I started rifling through drawers and boxes until I found some things I thought I could just pop in each frame and then move on with my day.
I initially tried using an old postcard in each frame – but the postcards felt way too small in the 8 x 10 frame.
So then I grabbed this old recipe book off the shelf.
I picked it up at the flea market for a quarter. It’s written in German (I think) so I have no idea what any of it says, but the handwriting is gorgeous and the pages are perfectly yellowed and torn. And for those of you who hate the thought of me ripping up old books all the time, you will be happy to know most of the pages in this book have already come loose – no books were harmed in the making of this post! 😉
So I grabbed a couple of those loose pages and centered one in each frame (ish – I can see one is a bit off-center, but whatever) and layered the postcard on top.
Poof! Instant vintage art. Those postcards looks so pretty layered on top of that gorgeous old handwriting, don’t they?
Never underestimate the value in collecting the most random, simple things. Most of my favorite ideas have come from basic items like book pages, old boxes, or random old house parts. So if you see it and it strikes you, bring it home and tuck it away for future use if you’re not sure what to do with it right away. You’ll be glad you did. Trust me.
P.S. I often get asked where I found these frames. I found mine at World Market (here), although I’ve seen similar frames sold at Pottery Barn, Joss & Main and a few other places. The wood knobs they hang from came from Home Goods – I do still see them from time to time, but I’ve also seen the identical knobs sold at Kohl’s.
Have a great day!
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Sharing with: Finding Silver Pennies, Coastal Charm, My Soulful Home, Pocketful of Posies, Craftberry Bush, Taryn Whiteaker, Remodelaholic
The Vintage Vixen says
So pretty. I love old book pages and postcards. Great way to display them!!!
Tonya says
Thank you! I pretty much love anything old and printed too. 😉
larr says
I absolutely love these. The way that you have displayed them on your shelves is really effective as well. Thanks for sharing your lovely idea.
Tonya says
Thank you! I’m so glad you like them. 🙂
Min says
***clapping hands*** and big smile, love this!
Tonya says
Thanks Min! Glad you like it!
Karen says
(((HUG))) So glad you’re back!! I wish I had some wise words to help you through. I don’t. It will get easier is the best I can do. It’s not much, but it is true.
I LOVE what you did with your frames… also love the old dictionary DIY from an older post. I have the perfect frame just begging for some pages of yeateryear (thanks for the idea). Now, to find them… 😊
Tonya says
Thank you so much, Karen. Every day seems to be just a little bit brighter – I’m clinging to that for now. 🙂 Hope you found those frames!!
Bonnie Blackmon says
Lovely!!!!
Tonya says
Thanks Bonnie!
Pat in Chicago says
You are so talented. I just love your home. I am so happy you are posting again.
Pat in Chicago
Tonya says
Aww…thank you so much Pat!
Mom says
This is such a great idea, I love it. So happy you are back on your blog. I missed seeing your beautiful home and the story you tell and the visions you have for it.
Tonya says
Xoxo😙
Judy says
Love it Tonya! Let the healing begin!!!
Judy says
Ps. I have those wood knobs in white from Homegoods as well!
Tonya says
Thanks Judy! I have not seen them in white – I bet they’re super cute!
Julie says
I see your creative juices are flowing again. Yay! this is such a great idea to layer the two. I would not have thought of it. Love it!
Tonya says
Thanks Julie! So glad you like it!
Donnamae says
This is a great idea! Where did you get those baskets underneath those pics you created…they all look so beautiful together! 😉
Tonya says
Thanks so much Donnamae! The baskets are from Marshall’s.
Ardith says
The change out looks so effortless yet timeless, Tonya, while giving centerstage to objects that someone else only viewed as their everyday items. It’s poetic and humbling. Cheers, Ardith
Tonya says
Thank you Ardith! I love the quiet simplicity of it too.
Becky says
I love that layered look. It looks great. I love that throw pillow too!
Tonya says
Thanks Becky! The pillow is from Pottery Barn a few years back.
Deb Topper says
Love that idea. You are so talented!! I wish you well.
Tonya says
Thank you so much Deb!
Jenny says
Looks so cool!
Tonya says
Glad you like it. Thanks Jenny!
Ellen says
As I said before…you are wounded, but not broken! This post is positive proof and I am among many others that applaud your courage to move forward. Love this vintage art idea, those cookbook pages are fantastic in the perfect frame. You definitely have inspiration to share and I thank-you!
Tonya says
Thank you Ellen! It feels good to feel a bit more like me again. One day at a time, right?
Linda says
Tonya, this looks great! And yes it is written in German. I love how you layered the two in the frame. It has great depth and texture. Most of all I was thrilled to see you post again and I’m sending you a big electronic bear hug!
Tonya says
Thank you so much Linda. Hugs!