Valentines Day is right around the corner so maybe its time to start planning!!
I love frames and boy, you can do so much with them. Either as a gift, capturing a great memory with your family, or vacation highlights. Even just making over the look in your home.
I’ve collected Frames for years. Displaying them on Shelves, Mantels and Hutches.
So, I’m going to take you on the Journey of the Frame in the Bailey household.

These Frames were made from a local artisan..I just like the dimensions and put them on top of my hutch.
When Doug started getting serious about photography, I naturally wanted to display them. I really liked the Pottery Barn frames and bought a few for my larger pictures while spending a couple hundred in the process… Well that didn’t last long!

One of Doug’s first photos framed in a Pottery Barn Frame,
How can you get that Pottery Barn look on a dime? Use a Garage Sale dime.
I found All these frames at Garage Sales. Some of the frames
already had pictures in them but I bought them not for the picture but for the Frames!
I used a coat of Chalk Paint and they looked completely different. Distress the edges and its a great new frame!
So…Pottery Barn Frames for over $100? Or a can of Chalk paint at a fraction of the cost!
To get this look, first use an old candle to wax the corners or any areas you want to show wear. Then paint. It may take 2 coats. Wait for the paint to dry and then lightly rub the corners. The paint will come right off to give this great worn look. Seal with coat of wax.

I love this look..chalk paint distressing the edges..Add Burlap Mat and this looks like a very expensive frame…..Garage sale find $10
No Matter what the frame design, what a difference chalk paint can make!

Whether more ornate or simple straight lines…it works!
OK, here’s another thought. For a more Industrial modern look, why not print on light weight aluminum? You can hang your photo on the wall for a real clean look….
Doug shot this picture in Glamis, Southern California at Sunset. It is absolutely stunning as the light hits it..

This photo was taken by Doug at Glamis, California printed on lightweight Aluminum.
We print many of Doug’s photos on Light Weight Aluminum and use a company Colorplak located in Temecula, California. The Quality of the photos are unbelievable.
Costco has also recently added Metal prints as an option to print your photos. But if you want a Real Quality Print, contact Colorplak. I’ll provide the link for their information at the end of my blog. They have incredible customer service and work with you to insure a great outcome and guaranteeing the results…no matter where you’re located ….nationwide.
Something that’s been lost when using other printers.
Now to get the Farmhouse industrial look…
Take a favorite picture, print on lightweight aluminum and mount to distressed wood . It has been a favorite of most of our customers and always one of a kind…
We also work with Colorplak who will take our photo, print on Metal and we provide the Wood Background Frame. They then Mount the photo with a float usually 1/4 ” to 1/2 ” to give it a real 3 dimension look.

This picture was taken in Cabo on our 43rd Anniversary. We printed on metal then mounted on distressed wood.
This wave photo was taken at the same beach, slightly different photo. It measures 30 x 20 mounted on the wood it is 36 x 26.
This is a real Statement piece and a great memory of our 43rd anniversary vacation in Cabo. This Shore breaker was literally dropping large Rooster fish right on the beach. Doug had his sandals ripped off his feet, lost a toe nail but got the shot!

This shore breaker is one of my favorites!!
Since we lived at the beach for 32 years, we love to keep it all around us.
This photo was taken at the Oceanside Pier and we created the distressed wood mount with a Agua/white washed finish. I embellished it with rope for a real custom look.

Oceanside Pier shot mounted with 1/2 inch mount.
Similar look with this second picture. One of my favorites with special meaning…….Doug and I have walked this strand for over 20 years. Carlsbad Beach, California.

This picture is of the Carlsbad Beach Strand in Southern California. Has real meaning for Doug and I. We walked this strand for 20 years…great memories!
So I think you get the idea…Create the look you want! Whether with traditional frames getting a makeover with Chalk paint for the Farmhouse look, or printing on Aluminum for an Industrial modern look.
Add Distressed wood to really add the Farmhouse and Industrial look combined. There’s no limit to how you can upgrade your photos, your memories, and your home.
To see Doug’s photography, check out his Web Site Lightffnder Photography and get inspired!! You will be blown away!
And if you don’t have the time or the resources, but want to get one of our custom Distressed Wood Backs to mount your photo or one of Doug’s, leave me a message on my email or under comments…Depending where you live, we may be able to get your order to you in time for Valentines Day!!
Lightfinder Photography by Doug Bailey: http://www.lightfinderphotography.com/
Doug’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DougbaileyLightFinderImages/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE
Colorplak: http://www.colorplak.com/
Clorplak Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/colorplak/

Picture of Doug and I on our 42 yr anniversary with Sea Glass we collected on the beaches of Tulum