Frame Images from Calendars

Never throw away unique calendars that have beautiful pictures suitable for framing that you can use. You can take a calendar page, frame it and end up with a piece of art that you are proud of!

Steps

  1. Save any calendar pages that are suitable for framing in a file folder. Keep them in a file cabinet or in a carrying case until you get the supplies.
  2. Hang on to any frames that can be re-used and made to look like new, with maybe a touch-up of Antique Gold paint. Wooden frames can easily be polished up to look like new, if they are not chipped. Look at this article: How to Restore and Use an Old Picture Frame
  3. You can go to any picture framing shop, in order to have your picture matted and framed. (This can cost upwards of $75 for one picture, easily between $150 and $300). Keep this in mind when you choose your frame.
  4. Framing the calendar picture yourself isn't a bad idea; however, you may still need for the matte to be specially cut. Some art stores sell mat board, you can cut to size of the picture (the outer but not the inner cut). You can then attach the picture on top of the mat board and place it in an appropriate frame.
  5. If you find the hole in the calendar picture to be disruptive, the easiest solution is to go to your local Home Depot or paint store, and match a paper paint sample to the color surrounding the hole. Attach the colour square behind the hole.
  6. Another technique is to cut a sheet of poster board to the size of the frame you are using. Depending on the style of the picture, you can design your own mat using various colors or patterns of paper.
  7. A third technique is to cut a sheet of poster board down to size, and then glue fabric of a texture and color that complements the picture, and mount the picture on top of the poster board before framing.
  8. An alternative great idea for old images from calendars is to carefully cut them out and then laminate them. They make unique and practical place-mats! Especially great for kids, because you can find really specific images to them and write on them as well, before lamination.

Tips

  • Old English Oil works great at bringing old, wooden frames back to life.
  • A framed calendar page can also turn into a treasured gift for someone else, and not a costly one for you!
  • Frames are often very inexpensive at Thrift Shops. Take the picture to the store and look for a frame that fits your image.
  • Choose a calendar each year, and help a good cause at the same time. Donations truly help organizations such as the Paralyzed Veterans of American, or the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists. At the same time, you obtain a beautiful calendar for that year, which can later become a beautiful, framed piece of art!
  • Most calendar pages are a little off, size-wise, so you may want to go with a larger frame, such as the 11 x 14. Once the picture is applied to the frame with the matte, it will be perfect. If not, trim and shape the calendar picture to the correct size, in order to make it fit.
  • Metal frames are easy to paint; normally, one coat of spray paint will do.
  • Pages that are unique to save can range from scenic pictures, such as lakes, stream, or flowers, to collectible replicas of Norman Rockwell paintings from The Saturday Evening Post.
  • If you're going for an aesthetically pleasing arrangement, avoid gold or silver frames unless they are extremely thin, especially in white dominate or bordered pictures; stick to black or wood colors that match your existing furniture.
  • For a more coordinate wall, don't mix different colored frames if at all possible. Also try not to mix different sizes on the same wall. If you do go for the asymmetrical look, you still need to measure, and do it in good taste!
  • When you are choosing a matte, be sure that you get just the right color, in order to help accent the picture - if you are unsure, go with something subtle.
  • For a kid's room, you may want to consider pages such as Betty Boop, dogs, cats, or anything that a child may like...the choices are endless.

Warnings

  • Do not save any pages that you personally feel are duds, for the chances are that someone else will too.
  • Do not give someone else a gift that you personally wouldn't care for...keep things in good taste.
  • Keep in mind how you want all these pictures to be on your walls. Clashing colour frames, different size frames, and poor placement contribute to what most would consider a horrid looking wall.

Things You'll Need

  • Frames (8 x 10 or 11 x 14) depending on pictures.
- Gold or Wooden Frames are preferred.
- Paints can create a modern or antique look, to suit your style
  • Calendars that are out-dated but with nice pictures.
  • Photo Mattes (buy or have cut to size).
  • Scissors for trimming calendar pictures.

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