ALL DIY Projects

Distressing Granny (How to Distress Frames)

Design + Build

Crafty Projects

Business + Life

Holidays

The Weekender Series

As Seen on TV

Room Makeovers

All DIY Projects

Search...

blog Categories

hey there! I'm monica 

I pride myself on making amazing style and design accessible for everyone, regardless of location, budget, or ability! My design philosophy is rooted in authenticity + attainability - If I can do it, you can too! My work has been featured in countless publications, but I take the most pride in homeowners that have been personally inspired by my DIY ideas and have tried something in their own homes!

learn more about ME + MY BIZ

I feel like this post title sorta sounds like Un-dressing Granny.  Ha…well, no worries, this post has nothing to do with grandmothers, and everything to do with making ornate frames insanely awesome.
If you missed my decision to “Go Green” with my frames, you can catch up here.  I loved the green color, but it was a tad St. Patty’s Day for me.  We needed to tone it down a bit.
Distressing frames is a total piece of cake! Here’s what you’ll need…
Frames, dark glaze, a rag, and a cheapo brush.  I chose Martha’s Metallic Glaze in Black Coffee (and yea, Martha and I are still on first name basis… we’re tight like that).  I also really recommend using a cheapo brush because you’ll be really pressing the glaze down into the cracks and I wouldn’t want to do that with my awesome (yet pricey) Purdy brushes.
If you paint your frames, make sure they’re really dry before you try to distress.  I’m the queen of impatience, but even I waited 2 whole days! (Seriously impressive)
All you need to do is bush the glaze on.  Work in one, semi-small-ish area at a time.
You really want to jam your brush into all the nooks and crannies (this is where the cheapo brush comes in).
Let it sit for about a minute or so and then use a rag (or in my case an old baby wash cloth) to wipe the stain off. It’s up to you how much you leave on.
The difference is awesome.  It’s like going from Peter Pan to… umm… Robin Hood Men in Tights?? Okay, perhaps that didn’t help any, so I’ll just show you.
I love how it tones down the shine and brings out all the rich character of the detailing.
You know that moment when you couldn’t be any happier with how a project is looking?  That’s how I felt about these frames.  If you need a super simple project to lift your DIY spirits, distressing frames is for you!
Later this week I’ll be revealing the entire gallery collage.  It’s almost finished!
I actually had a little bit of extra DIY help this weekend.  One of my life long bffs came down for my 30th birthday weekend.  Seth is one of my favorite people in the whole world.  We’ve been friends since we were 13 years old and I was so happy he made the 5 hour trip to help me hang curtains! Ha! Seriously, I totally love having friends that enjoy a good DIY… He hung my new dining room curtains, helped figure out the layout of my wall collage, and even took a trip to IKEA (The shopping might have gotten a slight protest!).  Don’t worry, I didn’t torture him all weekend, I included lots of good food, movies, and a night of snowboarding.  All kidding aside, one of the things I’m most aware of as I’m turning 30 this week, is just how blessed I’ve been by so many friendships in my life.
So, are you going to distress any frames and
 what do you think of my green ones so far?  
P.S.  Do you have any BFFs that have made your life that much more awesome?  Do tell!
***************
We interrupt this post to let you in on something AMAZING! 
Red Letter Words just launched a new Hymns Collection and we’re loving it! 
I don’t know about you, but I grew up in a small church, singing some old school hymns and those words have stuck with me throughout my life.
This morning, I was kind of a crappy mom and wife (I really was grouchy and not so nice) and I would have benefitted from this reminder.
I’m so thankful to have a faithful God and one that forgives my crappy attitude… now I just need to say sorry to the hubs and kids as well.  🙂
Dee’s products are fabulously cool, but this collection takes it a step further and makes art something that can really change the outlook on your day.
Go check it out and tell her The (not cranky anymore) Real Housewives of Bucks County sent you! 
www.redletterwords.com
and of course LIKE her on Facebook, because we all love a good LIKE! http://www.facebook.com/redletterwordsLinking up to: TT&J

The comments +

  1. Suesan says:

    Love the green. It’s going to be such a fun pop of color in your room!

  2. beth says:

    love the frames…….and one of my BFF’s that I love dearly is Jess’s MIL…..Bonnie!! she’s the best and another BFF that is a treasure and I love to pieces is a RHBC follower…Terrie!

  3. OHHHH I so swiping that idea!!! love your little analogies! ( is that even how you spell it? gosh its to late at night and I have had toooo little sleep!) my BFF I couldnt live without is my business partner!!! The Owl and the Elephant would be but a dream where it not for her!!! she keeps me on track as my “organised” side whilst I am a little more “aloof” for want of a better word!!!

  4. Lindsay says:

    Beautiful distressing – where do you get Martha’s Metallic Glaze at? I’ve purchased her glazing medium before but never in a color, which seems much simpler than mixing a medium with a color!

  5. Anonymous says:

    Love the distressing. Looks like it might even be easy enough for a rookie DIY’er like myself 🙂

  6. Anonymous says:

    I was going to do this to a bathroom vanity. But might have found a white with a gray glaze. If not…will get plain white and a soft gray and do it. Was a bit nervous about doing it…but you were my guinea pig! lol Thanks!

  7. Savannah says:

    I know this post is from 2012 but I am really trying to replicate this look. I cannot find this glaze anywhere and am assuming it not longer exists. Do you happen to know a product available now that I can try?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Make a Kid's Mud Kitchen and Produce Stand

DIY PROJECT

Work From Home Corner Office Makeover

VIDEO MAKEOVER

Yard Game Ideas ASO Live! with Kelly + Ryan

DIY IDEAS ON TV

Today Show Nursery Makeover

MAKEOVER

Outdoor Living Space Makeover : Home Becomes

VIDEO MAKEOVER

Must Reads

Get updated on what we're working on

Follow along!