Rustic Picture Frame

I hope everyone has had a fantastic weekend.
We celebrated two of the Little Women's birthdays, so Mama is tired!

I'm finally getting around to posting this picture frame makeover/tutorial.

If you like rustic finishes, this is for you. If you like clean lines, you will wonder what in the world I was thinking.

 I took a basic picture that I bought on clearance.

While I liked the picture, the frame did nothing for me.

 First, I taped the inside edges of the picture to protect it.
Then, I diluted some Hide Glue with a little water, and brushed it on.

I let it dry completely to the touch (1.5-2 hours).

 This stuff stinks. Those who've read my blog at least a little while know that I made all kinds of faces.

 Then, I used a product called Casein to create the rough, crackled finish.

Brush on vertically, then horizontally, and don't go back over anything. Just apply it and move on.

 It will look like this (very rough) after the cracks form.
Let it dry completely for at least a day, then sand it smooth.

 Oopsie Daisy.

I forgot to rough up my frame with sandpaper before the Hide glue,
which meant the glue had nothing to grip to, so large chunks of dried casein came off.

I applied some Valspar Weathered crackle,  followed with a coat of white paint I had on hand.

 Here it is after the crackling was finished and dry.
If you cannot find Casein, weathered crackle or Hide glue with paint alone would basically achieve
the same result as with the Casein, only it will be a lot smoother.

 To glaze it, I mixed some Raw Umber Universal tint into clear glazing medium.

 

 I rubbed on multiple layers until I achieved the depth I was going for.

I am calling it good.

Although I'm not normally a crackle-loving girl, I like things to look authentically aged, so I prefer it to the smooth black frame.

Linking to:

Until next time, my friends,