Tuesday, November 30, 2010

altered window frame tutorial and scotch tape giveaway!




Thanks to Scotch(R) Double Sided Tape for sponsoring my writing about crafts. Add your comment below to be entered for a chance to win free sample rolls to help with your upcoming holiday needs!

And yes, this project does use Scotch tape. It's one of my favorite projects. In fact, I don't have little girls, but i loved this Dear Lizzy paper by Elizabeth Kartchner so much that I decided to use it anyway (have you seen her new Enchanted and Christmas lines, too? Adorable!). So if you do have a little girl and want this for her room, contact me--it's for sale!

Altered Window Frame Tutorial


Supplies:

*Wood window frame with glass panes in tact
*Coordinating patterned paper
*Paper trimmer or scissors
*Bone folder or similar tool
*Scotch tape
*Optional: drawer pulls, hand drill, and heavy-duty glue (like E6000 or Gorilla Glue)

First, find an old, wooden window frame. You can find these at flea markets, antique stores, and even garage sales. Prices can range from a few dollars to $35+. For this project you'll want it to have glass panes. We'll show you a few other uses for window frames in the future, so if you find a great frame that you love, by all means, buy it! You'll regret it later if you don't (believe me).


Next, chip loose paint off. Old paint often contains lead, which can be dangerous for children if ingested, so you want to get as much off as possible. Then use an electric sander (or a piece of sandpaper and some elbow grease) to sand it smooth. If you don't like the shabby chic look, you could tape off the windows at this point and paint the frame. I left this one as is.



Arrange your papers under the windows until you have an arrangement you like.


Cut your papers to the size of the wood frame for each window pane (this will make them slightly larger than your glass). This is a good thing.


Take a bone folder and crease each edge so the paper is flush with the glass. This will create a little lip of paper around the edge of the pane.


Now tape each lip to the wood frame with some good ole' Scotch tape. You could glue it, but I liked this option because I can easily remove the paper if I ever want to update it down the road.


Use your bone folder to smooth out the tape and make sure all your papers are secure.


Repeat with remaining panes.


Isn't it looking pretty?




If you want to have knobs for hanging, position your drawer pulls evenly across the bottom side of the frame. I found my pretty, vintage knobs at Anthropologie. They were pricey, but so worth it. They really make it. To attach knobs, mark the spot and drill a hole the same size as your knob. Squeeze a little glue inside the hole and stick the screw end of your drawer pull inside. Allow to dry before using your new hook.


Lastly, I added a couple of window hanging attachments to the back so I could hang it on the wall.


I thought it needed one more little touch, so I added a simple paper flower wreath hanging from the front. (See the amazing inspiration wreath here.) I simplified it a lot, but basically, I cut four-petaled flowers in several sizes with my Slice machine from coordinating/matching papers. Then I curled the petals with a pencil and stacked them up. I sewed a button in the middle to secure all the layers. Then I hot glued them to a wreath form. Easy, but time consuming. And worth it. I love the way it turned out!






Okay, thanks for reading all the way to the end of that long tutorial, even if it was just to find out about the Scotch tape giveaway! We will choose 10 random winners to receive 10 rolls of Scotch double-sided tape courtesy of 3M, just in time for holiday crafting! Just leave us a comment on this post--it can be about anything: what you'd use the tape for, how much you love my window, or what you're cooking for Christmas dinner. Just leave us some comment love by Friday, December 3 at 11:59pm PT and we'll pick 10 lucky winners! Good luck!

Please learn more about Scotch(R) Double Sided Tape and other Scotch(R) Products, and join the conversation on the Scotch(R) Brand Facebook Pageand via Twitter. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

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144 Comments

144 Responses to “altered window frame tutorial and scotch tape giveaway!”

CourtneysMommy said...

well with christmas coming up I would def use it for wrapping. scotch tape is a must have in my house. my youngest also loves to make things and use tape to hang what she has made on the refrigerator. :)

Mike and Shayla said...

That window is very pretty.

I hope I win the tape! We go through lots of tape around here, although I've never bought double sided.

Danelle said...

This is so lovely. I admire that you can change a old window frame into something so gorgeous. Thanks for this great tutorial. :)

Lora said...

I have the perfect project for double sided tape. I think it was in Family Fun magazine. Anyway, it's paper cone Christmas trees for the table. Thanks so much for the giveaway!

Paper Paradise said...

I was AMAZED to see the size of the frame!!!!!! I expected it to be tiny, not an actual window frame. What a fantastic piece of wall art, I just really love it, and the idea too!

Unknown said...

i am in LOVE LOVE LOVE with this adorable window! i must make this! i think it would look great in my little girls room!! thanks for sharing such a cute little craft....and as for the scotch tape...oh the christmas presents i could wrap.
fingers crossed:)))

Country Mouse said...

I love tape...double stick, regular, decorative!!! LOL Thanks for the chance to win!
I also love this frame! I think I will look out for old frames and hopefully try this myself someday! Thanks for the inspiration!:)

Donna VW said...

What a beautiful project. Thanks for the details.

shana said...

your window is adorable, great work! i live in minnesota, so naturally am a 3m fan (do you know what the 3 m's are? minnesota mining and manufacturing . . . in case you care.)
double sided tape is a splendid invention, i must say!
thanks,
shana

Cheri said...

I think that looks amazing!!! I have a wonderful friend who makes windows also, and does an amazing job! I have never tried it, but between this tutorial and her wonderful windows I just might have to try it!!!

Wilma Lee said...

I have a bathroom that is in the center of the house and has no windows. I have always wanted to do e fake window for it. Hopefully I can find one!! I use tape for everything, never tried double sided scotch tape though.

Anonymous said...

We are having homemade orange danish for breakfast Christmas morning.... I don't really get an old window as decoration, but it turned out really cute :-)

Elena said...

What a fabulous idea! Now I just need to find an equally fabulous old window...hmm....

Terry said...

What a pretty project! I've been on the look out for a window and so far no luck! Great job!

Emily and Dallas said...

Great tutorial! Can't wait to find some old windows to refashion!

Cheryl said...

I Just love this ! I am also a window collector but never thought to use paper and in this way , I paint on my windows ,in fact I have one started that needs to be finished, but probably not for christmas ,,I also use alot of scotch tape .
I can't wait to see what else you do with windows .

CADC Blog said...

Love the window! Can't wait to find one, so I can do this.

And thanks to you and 3m for the giveaway.

Vanessa at Rescued Goods said...

I would love to win this! Love your window too-beautiful!!! My son just got a tape dispenser and six rolls of tape for his fourth birthday-you would have thought he won the lottery! So sweet!

ruth said...

I love what you did with the window!!!

JunqueMagnet said...

Love that wreath.Simply adore it.Thanks so much for sharing and man oh man could I use that tape!

Anonymous said...

Like most people, I'll be using it for gift wrapping. It's so nice to use double-sided tape; it gives the package such a "finished" look!

Ghislaine said...

Considering how close it is to Christmas the first thing I'd be using it for is wrapping! Should the day come when I get to cook Christmas dinner, I'm going to cook a goose!

Natasha Johnson said...

This is such a cute project. I wish I knew somewhere where I could get an old window frame. Seems I can never find double sided tape when I need it

Rebekah said...

Double-sided tape makes wrapping a breeze. We sure could use some around our house.

rebekahricker at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Who doesn't need scotch tape around the holidays? I know we go through loads of it!

Unknown said...

Who doesn't need scotch tape at this time of year? We go through loads of it!

kalliejenn81 said...

i would use it for wrapping presents! we ran out of it a few days ago, as well as wrapping paper...yay. you can NEVER have enough tape around the holidays!

Stuart and Kimber said...

Of course your window is darling! Super cute.

(As for the tape...well, it would get a lot of use here. :) )

Love all your great ideas!

Brad and Meagan said...

love the window- it very pretty

Avalon said...

Very cute tutorial. As a teacher, I use double sided tape all of the time!

Erin said...

That is a cute window, and there is no such thing as too much Scotch tape!

Jennifer said...

I really love this window! So cute.

monkeyseemonkeydo-jennifer.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

That window is SO cute!! Great idea!! I might just have to try this after Christmas......

Lindsay Knauff said...

You can never have too much scotch tape! Thanks for the giveaway :-)

Judy said...

Thanks for taking the time to blog the tutorial - I love the idea. And, thanks for the giveaway.

Unknown said...

I always seem to need double sided tape (okay, tape in general) and never have any on hand. So winning a stash would be great!

emerzim said...

Double sided tape is one of my favorite crafting supplies. I'm always losing my roll. It would be great to have so many to leave around the house so I wasn't always wasting time searching!

Ashley Davidson said...

This was a great tutorial. I quite like all the ideas you post on this blog. This window idea is way fun!

Becky R said...

I love this frame. Ane we can always use tape.

Shana Putnam said...

I love the window!! I want to try something like this soon.

Mad About Pink said...

What a pretty tutorial! I have so many old windows...I might give it a go when it stops snowing.
Thanks for the giveaway!

Unknown said...

I do love your window. I haven't been able to locate an old one yet, but I'd sure love to give your idea a try!

Mindy said...

I love this window, so pretty. My daughter would love it, I think I may head over to the thrift store later today.

Scotch tape is a must, it's the best tape ever!

Mrs. Buckingham said...

I just love this window!!! It's ADORABLE!!! I wish I had a ton of window frames just waiting to be used, but I don't and will definitely be on the look out now! LOVE all of your tutorials!!! You're an inspiration!!! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Woohoo Scotch tape! Thanks so much. The window is so lovely too.

Rachel said...

I use Scotch double sided tape constantly to make greeting cards! It is the easiest thing to work with and really holds. Love it.
rdoran1(at)gmail(dot)com

Kelli said...

I love this, I think I will make one for myself! We have a bunch of old window and I think one would look perfect in our master bedroom! Thanks for sharing!

xoxo
Kelli @
loveoursimplelife.blogspot.com

Ashley said...

I must say I probably am a tape-o-holic! The first step is to admit the problem, right? Also, I love the tutorial...I have a little girl who is definitely girly so this is right up our alley.

Thanks for the giveaway!

paperpapier said...

i love the soft pastel colour of the flower embellishment...!
the double-sided scor tape will be for my card-making project, adhering the paper and embellishment too.
thank you for the chance to win this awesome giveaway.

Seanswife said...

What a beautiful project! I wish I had a little girl in my life to make one for!

Sarah Schwartz said...

This is such a FAB idea! With the tape, you could change it up for different seasons/holidays. I LOVE it. A must on my list of projects to make!

LM said...

That wreathe was darling! What a great idea. Must try!

Kiwi said...

I have several of these window frames sitting around waiting to be used, what a great idea! I love and use it for everything, thanks for a great project idea!

Carrie L said...

I'd love to win the tape--it always seems like rolls disappear around my house! Your window frame really is cute!

AubreyB said...

I'd use the tape for wrapping presents! :)

Mrs. Lay said...

SOOO Cute! This ALMOST makes me want to redecorate my daughters room so this would match! Thanks for the tape offer!

Julie M. said...

What a fun idea! Thanks for the tutorial!

Lee said...

I would love to win tape! i use it for many paper crafts!
Thanks for the tutorial and I am making veggie chili and cornbread for dinner!

Staci J said...

I am in LOVE with this project!! Can't wait to try it out!!

Tanya said...

I love what you've done with the window. Bookmarking it, maybe one day I can try to make me one :)

phenis2031 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Absolutely love the window, truly an inspiration. I can't wait to get started on this project. Definitely would love to win some scotch tape to make the project easier :)

pixiechar said...

This is one of loveliest and most original projects i've seen in a long time. i'm inspired to make a custom photo window frame with knobs for hanging!! i love it!

Jessica :) said...

This window is so so pretty! I love it!

I could really use some tape. I was just thinking I need to start wrapping presents {we have a party on Saturday} but I can't find any tape!

wilcoxdesigns said...

I going out to find a window today! Love it.

Midwest Elle said...

Scotch Tape has a lot of meaning in my family! My grandma would give a couple dispensers to everyone for Christmas every year. She had LOTS of it all over the house. {You can never have enough.} After she died, my mom carried on the tradition and now I am trying to do the same.

If anyone knows where I could find a scotch tape charm I would greatly appreciate it!!!

EFY said...

I love this idea! I have an assortment of windows just waiting for something like this!

Rebecca said...

This is absolutely gorgeous! I would love to win the tape so I can use it for Christmas projects!

adamanderin said...

This is such a cute idea! I can't wait to try it!

Alea said...

Tape, scissors & socks. Three things you can never have enough of (or at least can never find when you need it!) I loved this project! I've had some window frames just waiting for me to find the motivation to do something with them. I was going to paint the back of the glass but I love the tape & paper idea! Thanks!

petealea (at) isu (dot) edu

Sarah said...

I have gone through more Scotch tape making cards and crafts than I would like to admit to anyone.

Abby said...

Super cute project! Double stick tape is a MUST for any of my craft projects I do!

JenMarie said...

LOVE your window!
I've had a window frame in the garage for THREE years that I plan to do something with, LOL!
LOVE this tape, I use it in cardmaking!
email in profile.

Unknown said...

love the window!!

Anonymous said...

1. I LOVE that window idea! I sent this to a friend that just acquired 3 new old windows and didn't know what to do with.

2. I'd love some double sided tape to get me started with my gift wrapping for the season! :)

3. I'm probably going to make a pumpkin puree dip and ginger snaps for at least 1 Christmas party. Crap, that reminds me I need to start making my list!

4. Love your site! I have told all my friends to come check you out! Some have an follow you like I do!

5. I don't know what else to talk about. Hm. OH! I applied for my first passport today! fun! :)

6. Ok, I'll quit rambling. This was kinda fun though!

Alexa said...

Not sure if this has already been said, but World Market has some awesome vintage-y knobs for like 3 bucks a piece (:

tamikay said...

Tape...you mean the stuff my kids go through a roll-a-day in the craft room? We could definitely use more tape in our craft supplies, not to mention wrapping gifts!

Julie L. Light said...

I adore the window, the paper you used is really cute!

kyle and robin said...

we LOVE scotch tape...it is an amazing way to entertain kids during church too :) they will spend forever sticking and unsticking tiny little pieces.

Grace Ann said...

I love your window! I never thought of putting scrapbooking paper in the window panes! And those flowers? BEAUTIFUL! I hope I win that tape! It would be great for the holidays AND for scrapbooking! We always run out of tape.... :)

Contact me at:
decksavergrillpads@yahoo.com

Jen said...

I would love scotch tape - for some reason mine keeps disappearing . . .

Thanks for this cute idea, I am on the lookout for old windows now!

Leanne said...

I use scotch double sided sticky tape on all the cards I make for my neices, nephews and siblings etc. birthdays! I love that stuff!

Sara said...

It would be fun to replace the glass with chalk board.

Anonymous said...

As soon as we move and my I get to redecorate, this is definitely on my list of projects to do. Thanks!

Heidi said...

Oh my goodness, I have been wanting to make a window frame just like that for my living room! I even have a window from my parents barn

Linh C. said...

I have two windows that I've repainted and I think I will use your idea of using the tape so that I can change out the scrapbook papers later.

EmpressQueenB said...

This was a great project. I especially like that the papers were taped so it can be changed out in the future!

Robyn said...

Love this idea! I'm doing the same thing in my Hallways and using the scrapbook paper as matting for my pictures!

pippirose said...

The window is beautiful!
I'd love to win the Scotch tape, because it comes in so handy...for card-making, ornament-making...
:o)
pippirose59 at gmail dot com

GLOANN said...

Oh, I love your window. We had a bunch of those from an old house my son tore down, but sold all of them. Now I wish I had kept one for myself.

Emily Marie said...

I use double sided tape all the time! I love it!

thestampinglady said...

I have seen some wonderful handpainted window frames but knew I could not do those. Thanks for giving me inspiration to complete my own frames--I love the idea and the papers you used. Thanks for the chance to win.

Precious said...

I'm dying that you used scotch tape to complete this project! This really lowers my stress levels while contemplating the finality of my paper/design choices. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity

Unknown said...

Your frame turned out beautiful! I'd love a chance into the scotch tape giveaway, I use double sided tape for making greeting cards, it works so much better then glue! Thanks.

unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail.com

Becky J. said...

can you really have to much tape? I am always on the hunt for it--- those darn kids and their own projects!

ctemommy said...

Great project! I've got an old window that I just might do this to. I love and use Scotch double sided tape all the time in my projects and would love to win a few rolls :)

Hayley said...

Love the window frame idea. I've never thought of using drawer pulls on them for hanging.

Lucy said...

I love the window and I want to win the tape so that I can make a whole bunch of them!!!
hypersky5@hotmail.com

Jennifer said...

I love your window - I think I'm inspired to make one for Christmas!

Thanks for the giveaway!

Brianne said...

I love double-sided tape. I'd use it for something crafty of course.

Jenette said...

I love your site. You're so taleted!

Yours Truly said...

You never realize how handy double-sided tape is until you have it & 'need' it often!

Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

Day before Michelle said...

I ADORE this project! I just received some windows so I'm definitely putting this on my list of new projects!

Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine State said...

Love Scotch brand!

The Kastens said...

I love it and it's so pretty. Where do you find your old windows. I wish we had a place in my town to find these. It's a wonderful project.

Deb said...

I have one of these windows just sitting because I didn't know what to do with it. Now I do...thanks so much. Your window is really attractive now!

Erin said...

Tape is our number one must have! And better yet it is Scotch brand. I've tried the off brand tapes and they just don't work well at all. Loved the tutorial and will keep in mind using tape for "temporary" decorating ideas so that future updates can be made.
erinevans995@gmail.com

photojournalist said...

That is so beautiful! Thanks for showing us how to make one. I see old window frames all the time when I'm at flea markets/antique stores.

HollyWood said...

I love, love, love double sided tape! I use it for crafting, scrapbooking, wrapping, etc...

Michelle Evans said...

everyone at my house loves tape! i just bought a silhouette machine too, so i'm excited to try these cool paper flowers. thanks for the fun tutorials and the deal info and giveaways :)

michelle
michellecoleman24 at hotmail dot com

Rebekah Jennings said...

Very cute window! Tape flies in our house, we could always use more!

Brittany said...

I love your frame! I'm already begging my husband to let me go thrifting this weekend for a window!!

Heidi said...

love this new project!

barneyn said...

this is just to cute! would love to make something like this for my daughter!


nelly.barney@yahoo.com

Triplet Mami said...

Way cool, I'll have to try this one!

Monica said...

Just came across your blog from the 2009 sew, mama, sew tutorials (chalkboard placemat). Needless to say, I'll be spending the rest of my day reading all of your great ideas!

Warne Family said...

Love your window! Hope I win!

-Sydney- said...

I love tape! And I double love that window!!!

Josh, Melissa and Brynn said...

What a great tutorial! Love it!

Debbie said...

here is my comment:
winning tape would be pretty cool- useful even :)

Michelle said...

I love the window. I wish I had more wall space in my house- I would love to make one.

Ali said...

I love this idea! I will probably try to do something of this nature in my bedroom or as a gift for the holidays!

Jennifer Prescott said...

Ok seriously, double sided Scott tape would be AWESOME! I'm always doing crafts and am in need of it! Also, I adore your window and want to make one SO bad!!!

Lynn said...

I have some windows that came out of our 1940's house when we put in new ones. Been hanging on to them for something just like this! Thanks for the inspiration!

Tammy said...

I love it!!! Great tutorial too.
Smiles...Tammy

Robin/ alarmrx2/ RMR said...

OMGosh- I really like this & actually have some frames. Maybe I'll do one w/ Christmas paper & add a photo in the middle! Too Cute.

Brett said...

I had some double sided tape and I lost it when we moved :( I've thought of a bazillion things to use it for since then but keep forgetting to buy some! Winning some would be great! I love love love that window you made!!! Good job!

Unknown said...

I use 3M double stick for all my scrapbooking! I love that stuff and would really like to win some!!

Amy said...

I love this stuff for scrapbooking! Thank you!

Tamara said...

I love the window frame. I have one sitting around just waiting for some love. Now all I need is double-sided scotch tape to help me out. Thanks for sharing!

sarah said...

I just realized today I am out of tape!! not a good time beacuse I use it for EVERYTHING! and I am trying to do more home-made/thoughtful gifts this year. thanks for all your ideas.

Marguerite said...

I actually do love your window - and think the wreath is a really pretty touch. I would use the double sided tape for wrapping, crafting and always, always, always, for the boys' school projects. No idea what or if I'm cooking on Christmas for dinner. For first time in many years we are not having big party on Christmas Eve (temporarily living in apartment), so something simple just for us for sure!
Happy Holidays.
marguerito at comcast dot net

Faith Pray said...

What a clever window! I don't think I've seen one cuter, ever! And I love tape, or rather, my five year old twins doubly love tape! My walls and kids' art are growing with tape. My kids make shoes out of tape. They tape the garbage can shut. They make tape belts. They tape their clothes on. I am a fan of the clever window, and I am a fan of tape.

Allison said...

Love the wreath and LOVE scotch tape!! ;)

Cook in a Bar said...

How lovely! I did something similar for my husband using old road maps and cast iron hooks. But, I like your idea of using double-sided tape...I used glue. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

N Godown said...

I love little birdie secrets and I love scotch tape. What could be better??!!

Jenny said...

this is so lovely. have a pile of old windows that i have used for different things and I have been meaning to jazz up one with paper on the back side of the window panes. I use mine as a message board in the kitchen. I love the knobs. LOVE them. Keep up the inspiration! I thrive on it.

Anonymous said...

FYI World Market sells knobs exactly like Anthropologie for a fraction of the price. They don't have a huge selection, but they have some good ones.

JH said...

Very cool! Thanks.

Darci said...

I live in Woodinville and was wondering if there is anything place close by where I can find those windows.

You can reply to:
icrad(at)hotmail(dot)com

Lynn said...

hi i love how your window turned out! just wondering what did you use to hang the window? I have a window pane I want to hang up but it's pretty heavy. l

Little Birdie Secrets said...

I hang my window panes with picture frame hangers. They are sturdy and keep the frame in place!

Anonymous said...

Love this. The flower paper wreath is adorable. Can't wait to make one myself. Thank you for the great idea!

Teri said...

So darn cute!

Beth said...

What size window did you use for this? I love it and I'm going to try to make one for my daughter's room. Thanks!

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