Pages

January 3, 2012

Old Window, Big Picture



Yes, I have finished yet another old window project.  I just LOVE them!
This window was another side-of-the-road find...and it is in EXCELLENT condition.  The paint isn't even peeling!  (At least, not like some of the others I have...)



I have seen a bunch of windows like this used as picture frames, but they always have a small picture in each section.  I wasn't too big on that idea - but when I saw this pin on Pinterest - I loved the idea of a large picture covering the whole thing.
And do you want to know something great?!  This project cost me a total of $2.11 (!!!)



At Staples - they will make a black and white poster, on regular printer type paper, for $2.11!
I emailed my picture over to the copy center, indicated the dimensions that I wanted it to be enlarged to, and picked it up a day later.  So easy! (Wait, isn't that their slogan? :) )

I made a "template" for each section with scratch paper - because each section had its own slightly unique shape.  I marked them "upper left", "upper middle", "upper right", etc. and then took them all off. 

Then I positioned my poster where I wanted it, to get a sense of where to cut out my sections.  I had to put it slightly off center so that the separations weren't right down their noses.  For this reason, I had the poster made a little wider than I needed it, so I had the option to move it left or right. 

Here is the back side of the step from the picture above.  As you can see, the poster is just set on the back and barley taped to hold it in position. 
While it was taped this way, I carfully marked the location of each section (just little dashes where each pane of glass started and ended), so I would know where to trace my "templates" from above.


Here you can see it all traced out.  The rectangles that go in the window panes are NOT exactly side by side.  It would not look correct without accounting for the wood that separates each pane of glass. 

Here is one small section ready to install in the window.  If I had been really smart, I would have taken a picture of this section, the next section, and the small strip between them that gets thrown away...but hopefully you get the idea :)

Each section was just taped to the window along the back with scotch tape at intervals along the edge.  Here it is half way done...


And all taped in!

I hung it on the wall in my daughters' bedroom.  It is SO adorable!!


And a major bonus is that for 2 bucks I can change the picture anytime I want! 
Have you done any fun repurposing projects lately??  Let me know, I would love to see them!
 

57 comments:

  1. This a great idea and it's a fresh idea. I've never seen it before. I'll bet it's a focal point in your house!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love it! Had to Pin it :)
    Thanks for the step by step!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very cool. I was walking in Arlington last week and saw 3 windows on the curb. I meant to go right back after my walk to get them but forgot. I went back the next night and they were gone. Maybe you got them...!

    ReplyDelete
  4. So beautiful! I just made over a window and have one left will have to try this thanks for the step by steps :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I came over from Mod Podge Rocks blog... I love this window idea. Your girls are adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I can't believe they do that for about $2 !!! Great repurpose, love this!
    gail

    ReplyDelete
  7. I just saw this on pinterest, and it's definitely the best use I've seen of an old window! I never really liked all the small pics either, but this is awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I absolutely ADORE this.. SOOO cute.. Very creative.. THANKS SO MUCH for linking via Pin'Inspirational Thursday today.. This ROCKS and its one of my fav's of the day.. Thanks again.. Wishing you an amazing evening.. xoxo.. Marilyn...

    ReplyDelete
  9. I LOVE what you did here! I have an old window that I used on my mantle at Christmas time. Now I know how I am going to do it next! Thanks for sharing!

    I am your newest follower!

    ♥charlotte

    ReplyDelete
  10. oh my... just what i was looking for!!! i have many old windows and love photos.
    Sheree

    ReplyDelete
  11. LOVE this! I wish I could get my little hands on an old window! I can't seem to find one anywhere (that someone doesn't want a fortune that is!)<3 From your newest follower and a newbie blogger!Please check out my blog www.413sparrowlane.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. LOVE this! I have an old window sitting around waiting for me to do something to it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Would love to make this for my Niece and her two Daughters <3 Thanks so much

    ReplyDelete
  14. This is really a great idea!! You did a good job..really a nice piece for your daughters room.
    Marie

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Lindsay, HAPPILY featuring YOU tonight for TOP FAVS!! You where one of the MOST viewed for your amazing window frame turned BEAUTIFUL photo frame.. And how adorable are the two lovely littles in the photo!!.. Hope you can stop in and enjoy the love/snag a button.. THANKS SO MUCH for joining in on Pin'Inspirational Thursday.. Hope you are back again starting tonight..xoxox.. ~Marilyn

    ReplyDelete
  16. Love this idea - and also love the lampshade in the picture! Did you make it as well? Love the fabric on it. ~Melanie

    ReplyDelete
  17. Beautiful, I have started a similar project, but I have a concern about lead paint in the old window. Did you paint over it or should it not be a concern? THanks!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thank you for sharing this wonderful project!! I have some old windows that I have been wondering what to do with. I have some great pictures of my grandson and my husband that will look great in those old windows! I know that my windows do not have lead paint but I am going to scrape them down and repaint them and distress them before putting my pic in.

    Again, Thank you for the great idea!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. This is such a sweet project, Staples rocks! Thanks for sharing this. Makes me want to find an old window. :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I was wondering what hooks did you put on the picture frame for hanging? and did you just hang on a reg nail? i am making a picture frame and not really sure what hooks i should use for hanging it what would hold..

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love this !!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!! Can't wait to get the grandkids all together for a photo shoot!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Love this! This just may be my next project!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks so much for the tutorial for this project!I searched staples' site for black & white posters, but didn't come up w/ anything:(So are there options available for you to choose from or do you get it custom printed??

    ReplyDelete
  25. I also tried a bit of a project with a reclaimed window frame, but I worked on much smaller pictures, just about the size of the single frames. I mixed picture and text within the frames though, making the whole assemblage into a sort of comic strip.

    ReplyDelete
  26. To anonymous up above:
    I have never searched Staples.com for the black and white poster I am referring to. If you call them, and describe what you want, I am sure they will verify that they can do it, and tell you exactly what it is called.
    You can also ask them for their copy center email adress so that you can simply email your picture, along with the dimensions, and describe that it is to be done in black and white, on regular paper, for only a few dollars. Include your contact info - but check back in a few hours or next day. It is usually that fast. And then check it before you pay for it. If you were very specific in your email as to what you wanted, it will be their mistake if it is not correct. Really though, I have not had any problems, and have done this many times! Good luck!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I made my window today using your awesome tutorial. I will soon post it on my blog with a link to your post if that's okay. Thanks so much for such an effective tutorial. I wasn't able to get my picture printed at Staples for the price you got. I chose a larger color poster and had it printed through Vista Print. I'm so happy with the way it turned out. Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I am impressed with this internet site , really I am a big fan .

    ReplyDelete
  29. Staples in Freeport Il will NOT do this..they told me today that it ruins their printer..soooo i went to the copier and blew each frame up 200 percent..a little different but sometime one becomes even more crafty when i needed to look elswhere. Thanks a bunch for your post and blog...love you..jackie

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi Kimberly,
    Yes there is glass in the window. I tape the paper right to the glass - it would be hard to get it to stay in place otherwise, I think.
    Thanks,
    Lindsay

    ReplyDelete
  31. OK....I am totally in awe of your blog !!! I had a ''day off'' today, and have spent HOURS on your posts.so I can give you credit for all of this amazing pics. Thanks SO much
    photo poster frames

    ReplyDelete
  32. I think I have the same size (or close) window that you used above. Is it about a 24x24 window? If so, what size did you have the picture printed? Most places are now only showing 24x36, and I'm afraid that would be too wide. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi J. Smith!
      So, all you need to do is tell the print center what size you want it - it does not HAVE to be 24x36 - it can be smaller - and you'd still get the industrial print or whatever it's called. I think they would print it to the size you want and you'd cut the excess away.
      But you do want it proportional. So, for example, you'd ask them to print it 24" on one side (either wide or tall depending on what type of picture you were using) and then the other side would be however long it needed to be in order to be proportional.
      Or, a better option might be for you to crop it perfectly square if your window is perfectly square. Then, ask them to print it an inch or two larger than your window, in order to give yourself some wiggle room.
      Email me if this doesn't make sense, or if you have more questions. Typically, I have had really good luck at the print shop if you describe to them what you want to do. They should be able to help you figure out size/proportions/etc.
      Good luck!
      Lindsay

      Delete
  33. I love your "picture window" and also like the one picture rather than individual pictures in each section. I have a room with no windows but a beautiful view outside so want to take a photo of the view to create the illusion of a real window. I'd like to add some back lighting and sheer curtains to enhance the illusion. Any ideas on how to created the lighting and how to attach the curtains?

    ReplyDelete
  34. So many times I read articles and cannot find any useful facts. Thank you for providing such useful facts. There is another place i found useful information https://conservationconstructionofdallas.com/services/servicesentry-doors/ and i think people could also get some useful information here. I can’t wait to read more. I’ll definitely be back daily to see what new info I can learn from your website.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Really worthy to read this blog and contain more information to gather thanks for sharing the content. We are cash for used cars sunshine coast looking to serve you with our service to assistance you in regard with selling your scrap cars. Visit us to know the worth of cars.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Very informative post ! There is a lot of information here that can help any business get started with a successful way! We are a leading Semi Automatic Non Woven Bag Making Machine Manufacturers in India offering all types of machines at lowest price.

    ReplyDelete
  37. This is an interesting and informative piece of article. More self drive car rental services in Chennai, We at Onroadz Car Rentals offer well maintained self driven car rentals in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Theni, Salem, Tirunelveli, Vizag, Vijayawada, Mysore and famous cities. Book your car for rent and explore unlimited kilometers!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Amazing content you shared I’m glad to read this keep rock thankyou! If you are in search of scrap car removal company and want cash for cars gold coast then you are on right place. Here you can find solutions to your every problem

    ReplyDelete
  39. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Ready to cash in on your car? Look no further than the Brisbane's best and most reliable provider of "cash for cars". No matter what type or condition, they offer competitive prices - from vans and 4x4s to sports cars – whatever you’ve got, these professionals will make sure you get top dollar! Just provide them with a description of your vehicle, receive an instant quote online then sit back while they take care everything else. Get ready for that extra cash for junk cars in sunshine coast today!

    ReplyDelete
  41. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  42. This piece of content has a lot of value. It is possible that some car owners would also find your services useful. Dealers accept only certain makes and models on the Australian market, but there is a wide range of cars available. Adrian's, too, accepts the same type of vehicle, but Cash for Cars Gold Coast accepts a wider variety of vehicles.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Your attention to detail, writer, is admirable! You've accomplished something impressive. Our aim is to emphasize the unique features of Sell My Junk Car in Melbourne as well as their uniqueness by emphasizing the free evaluations, instant cash transfers, and reliable money transfers they offer.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Incorporating creative and informative aspects leads to win-win situations. Throughout the presentation, professionalism was evident. Cash For Cars Canberra is a company that removes cars across Canberra and offers free towing and removal for cars.

    ReplyDelete
  45. If you want to write engaging content, you must know how to engage your readers. Many people are already familiar with Metal Biz Recyclers. Providing cash for cars in Brisbane is made easy by Metalbiz Australia's friendly and knowledgeable staff. Due to its ability to provide cash for cars in Brisbane, it is also called Cash For Cars Brisbane.

    ReplyDelete
  46. While he uses straightforward language and sentence structures, I find his style intriguing. To provide the audience with information on how to cash for scrap cars and non-running cars, we will explain how Cash For Cars Brisbane offers fair prices for scrap cars and non-running cars.

    ReplyDelete
  47. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Ready to turn your car into cash? Well, look no further than the finest Cash For Cars Brisbane. They've got you covered, offering competitive prices for all types and conditions – whether it's a van, 4x4, or a sporty ride. Just describe your vehicle, grab your instant online quote, and let them handle the rest. Get set for some extra cash for your Junk Car in Ipswich today!

    ReplyDelete
  49. I'm interested by the idea of incorporating vintage family pictures into the artwork. It gives a personal touch and a nostalgic atmosphere. Have you explored using other sorts of memories or objects in your projects? I'd like to learn more about the thought process behind your artistic decisions. One of my friends recommended this firm, and they perform excellent work. You may also check - Photo Frames Melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  50. I am very thankful to you for providing such a great information. It is simple but very accurate information. buy-norditropin-simplexx-online

    ReplyDelete