If you’ve been looking for custom-frame worthy art but have not had any luck, maybe you’re looking in the wrong place. You may be thinking of expensive prints, fancy galleries, or original paintings. But there are likely to be many frame-worthy pieces all around you. And they are closer than you think.
Finding art books, vintage magazine covers, and other treasures tucked into thrift store bins is a sustainable way to decorate spaces. Let’s take a look at all the magical places to find custom frame-worthy art that can give you a million-dollar look.
Secondhand Art Prints – Sustainable Decorating
Finding art and repurposing it puts less of a demand on art supplies and materials. When you give life to an old item, you keep it out of the landfill and give it a second chance to shine. It also means you don’t have to settle for décor that has been mass-produced. Artwork that is mass-produced is often hazardous to the environment. Repurposing art is a win-win for you and the planet.
Unexpected Places to Find Frame-Worthy Art
Check out these great places to find great pieces without costing you an arm and a leg.
- Flea Markets and Thrift Stores. These can be gold mines for great artwork, but you may need to dig through some dusty stacks and old bins. You may be able to find amazing prints, vintage paintings, or illustrations to repurpose.
- Used Bookstores. Atlases, botanical guides, old art books, and children’s books are often full of pages that can become custom-frame-worthy pieces of art.
- Magazines. Retro publications and high-end fashion magazines contain great photographs and illustrations perfect for custom framing. These are also available at most thrift stores.
- Newspapers. From comic strips to vintage ads and feature illustrations, old newspapers can provide you with plenty of conversation-starting art.
- Estate Sales and Yard Sales. Check out estate or yard sales in Atlanta, and you may discover forgotten prints, rolled-up posters, or other hidden gems at very cheap prices.
- Library Sales. Libraries hold sales regularly where you can find old or damaged books. The art inside of them can be perfect for framing.
Framing Your Favorite Finds
Once you’ve found your hidden treasure, your next step is getting it framed. You’ll want to choose a complementary frame that accentuates your artwork. Choose a material that fits the artwork’s aesthetic. Give Suburban Frames a call, and we can help you choose the best frame for your great find. We’ll help you create a gallery-worthy piece that you can enjoy and prize for years to come.
More Ideas of Custom Frame-Worthy Finds
Digging through bins at thrift stores and checking out garage sales may offer you so many choices you’re not sure what is frame-worthy. Here are a few more ideas to help stir up those creative juices.
- Vintage postcards
- Sheet music
- Old maps
- Book illustrations of pages
- Pressed flowers or leaves
- Magazine clippings/ads
- Fabric swatches or textiles
- Handwritten recipes or letters
- Movie, concert, or event tickets
- Board game art
- Puzzles or puzzle pieces
Ways to Display Your Found Frame-worthy Art Finds
Need a few ideas for displaying your frame-worthy treasures? Here are some ideas for what you can create from your custom-framed art finds.
- Gallery Wall. Create a curated, layered look by mixing and matching different sizes of custom-framed pieces.
- Statement Piece. Take a single piece and choose a bold frame design to make it a focal point.
- Themed Collections. Group custom-framed art by different themes to create an intentional feel. Ideas: botanical, architectural, or vintage ads.
- Shelf Styling. Use shelves or mantels for your custom-framed pieces. They can be leaned or stood up for a casual, stylish look.
Budget-Friendly Decorating
Found or thrifted art is great for sustainability. But it’s also super affordable. You can score unique and beautiful pieces at great prices, and sometimes you can find them for free. Old books, newspapers, and magazines can be super cheap, especially in thrift stores. Even a funky page from a calendar or a vintage postcard can be transformed into a frame-worthy piece.
Your Source for Custom Framing in Atlanta
Finding art can be a lot of fun. It doesn’t have to be expensive or even new to become a meaningful piece. You may find your personal favorite pieces in the most surprising places. You can preserve them with a custom frame from Suburban Frames in Atlanta, GA. Next time you see a pile of old books or magazines, stop and take another look at them. You may find a brand new (to you) piece of art.