Master class: photo frames “Provence” – Do it yourself

Photo frames Provence

Free landscapes of the south of France, filled with rustic charm hidden in simple things, are embodied in design solutions for the interior design of country houses.
Memorable moments captured on film should not gather dust in albums. Placed in frames in Provence style, the pictures will delight you every day, creating a mood.

Homemade bottle holders

Noble wine requires respectful attitude. And, if you consider yourself a true connoisseur of this drink, then you need such useful things as shelves for wine bottles.

The unique qualities of the bouquet will be preserved only if you can ensure proper storage of the wine. Therefore, shelves for wine bottles should be such that they allow containers to be stored horizontally. Indeed, in a vertical bottle, oxygen can enter the bottle through the cork.

Of course, you shouldn’t turn your kitchen into a wine cellar, but you can create a unique, signature option for storing your drink. Moreover, you can take a lot of design solutions as a basis.

Even in a small kitchen you can find a place to store wine bottles - for this, “honeycombs” are installed between wall cabinets and the ceiling, resulting in saving useful meters below.

Interesting ways to store wine bottles will also be: special wood or elements built into the cabinet. You can also make interesting things out of an ordinary shelf by dividing its internal space with partitions corresponding to the size of the bottles.

Photo frame for Provencal interior

The interior of Province, where the emphasis is on natural materials and natural colors, is unthinkable without accessories that are dear to the heart. Among them:

Provence is characterized by not just photographs, but those arranged and hung mixed with paintings. In this case, Provence creates all the conditions for trying your hand at designing, if not the entire room, then individual accessories. Such, for example, as Provence photo frames. For this, techniques such as decoupage, craquelure, appliqué, etc. can be used.

The romance of Provence is natural materials and light pastel shades of natural tones. The most common ones are:

• white;
• milky shades;
• grayish;
• light pink;
• blurred mint, etc.

Wood carvings in the form of flowers, curls, and butterflies can be used in the design of baguettes. Aging is visible in the design:

• in half-erased paint;
• light gilding on protruding elements;
• tinting;
• decoupage on a floral theme;
• drawing;
• decor with flowers, butterflies, birds, etc.;
• overlays and monograms.

Depending on the location of the photo frame, it can be:

Photo frames in Provence style can have different shapes and can even be designed for several photographs.

Chalk paint.

Now we are working with chalk paint. But I want to note that to create delicate scuffs, it is not necessary to use chalk paint. This effect can be achieved with artistic paints. You can read how to do this at this link.

I have this decorative white aging paint Shabby Provence from Borma Wachs.

I tint it a little by adding a drop of vanilla art paint. The white color takes on a warmer, milky hue.

Large frames

Relatively large frames may have smooth lines along the outer edge, decorated with elegant carvings. Light shades of baguette are especially suitable for such models. Light tinting with gold adds sophistication and creates the effect of former luxury.

A large frame in shades of old gold with ornate carvings will look solid and noble on a large free section of the wall. This frame, more than others, requires space.

You can even decorate the simplest rectangular wooden frame in Provence style with your own hands. To do this, stick a silhouette of a bird cut out of designer cardboard onto the top corner.

Aging

There are a huge number of ways to age furniture. But for an independent work process, it is recommended to choose the simplest and most convenient option, which allows you to get interior elements that will look like real antiques.

Methods for aging furniture are divided into three types:

• mechanical , during which scratches, chips and abrasions are applied to the surface;
• thermal , allowing you to achieve the effect of antiquity using open fire;

Any of the above options is suitable for aging furniture at home . But before you begin the work process, you need to prepare furniture items in advance:

1. Their surfaces are cleaned of the old layer of varnish or paint.
2. The fittings, shelves and drawers are removed.
3. Products are rubbed with paraffin along the grain line of the wood.
4. Next, the furniture is coated with a new layer of varnish and the aging process can begin.

To visually age furniture, after treating the surfaces with paraffin and painting them with paint or varnish, simply wipe them with a sponge. The main thing here is not to overdo it and not leave bare areas on the furniture. The resulting result is once again secured with several layers of varnish.

Another popular method is aging furniture using steel wool , which is sold in hardware stores. To process furniture items, purchase black cotton wool. Products are carefully prepared for the work process (a layer of old paint or varnish is removed, surfaces are cleaned and re-coated with paints and varnishes). After this, you will need to walk over them with force with metal wool. It will not only slightly scratch the facades and sides, but will also add a layer of soot to them. Next, using a damp cloth, a certain layer of soot is removed, and the furniture is wiped with a dry cloth. As a result, beautiful abrasions are formed on objects. The fittings are processed in the same way.

You can also give the effect of antiquity using craquelure varnish. It is applied to objects in two layers. After it dries, decorative cracks form on the surfaces. They are treated with dark paint, and a finishing layer of varnish is applied on top.

Frame with clothespins

The forged models, painted in light pastel shades, look unusual and airy; they represent a frame reminiscent of a projection of a birdcage. In this case, the photographs will be attached using wooden clothespins, which is very much in the spirit of Provence. Such models will look great in combination with the rest of the Provencal decor of the room, for example, flowers, signs with antique inscriptions.

Patination

You can get it dirty with bitumen varnish, as in this case. We take bitumen varnish onto a small piece of sponge, beat the sponge on a sheet of paper so that just a little bit of varnish remains. Otherwise, the varnish will apply a very rich brown color, and we only need to darken the frame slightly. We apply it as shown in the photo.

Bituminous varnish takes a little longer to dry than acrylic varnish; it will still remain sticky for about an hour.

If you overdo it, you can remove the excess from the surface with white spirit.

Frame for several photos

Combining several photographs in one frame with an overall calm color of the baguette will be perhaps the main accent of style in the room. Such a photo frame can have carved decorations in the form of flowers, bows, or intertwining branches. The mat itself can have slots for photographs not only of different sizes, but also of different shapes.

Another option for a frame for several photographs can be a regular wooden frame with several bindings. Each window contains a separate photo. This Provence style frame is best suited for decorating a cottage or summer kitchen.

Manufacturing process: step-by-step instructions

It’s quite difficult to say how to make a bookcase if you don’t know what material and design option you will choose.

The process looks like this:

1. choice of material;
2. design choice;
3. measuring the height and width of the product;
4. production of horizontal shelves (size should take into account vertical racks
5. production of vertical support);
6. assembly;
7. decoration.

The plan is quite general, but the design of the bookcase is not a standard of skill, but only the first stage.

Rack-mounted shelves are assembled using glue and pins that pass through the shelves and go into deep holes (sockets) along the axis of the racks.

You can make a bookcase from any more or less durable and workable material, but novice furniture makers should not get carried away with their variety.

Flowers of Provence

The abundance of fresh and dried flowers, as well as their images, is one of the characteristic features of the Provencal interior. Drawings of flowers on the frames – tenderness and simplicity of rustic design. If, for example, the room is designed not just in light colors, but with an emphasis on a blue tone, then the frames can be decorated with floral paintings in blue shades.

Screening.

My idea is to create slightly worn patterns with black paint showing through the wear and with delicate rose flowers in the corner. Let's see what happens, but for now we apply putty through a stencil. I use Parade acrylic finishing putty (it is very finely grained and sands well), and if you don’t have one, you can replace it with putty from any other company or use an artistic texture paste.

I apply putty to one side and let it dry slightly so as not to spoil it when I apply it to the other side of the frame.

My stencil has an adhesive backing and is very convenient to work with. If everything is ready, let the patterns dry well for an hour or more. After drying, lightly sandpaper to remove small particles that are not attached to the surface. Of course, they will all come off later anyway, but it is better to do this before painting with primer.

Vintage

The antique design is a photo frame with decor in the form of painted butterflies, birds and flowers with capital letters on a grayish background that looks like an old letter. Such frames will look good against a plain background.

Provence style is one of the most cozy and comfortable for living. It is reflected not only in the global interior design, but even in accessories such as photographs. Surrounding yourself with photographs that capture memorable and bright moments, you can feel a surge of tenderness and peace for your family, your children. In a caring attitude towards your loved ones, it sounds the same, simple and complex Provence.

Decoupage

For decoupage, I chose these roses on a white background, which I printed on my printer.

If you do not have such a napkin with a white background, then you will need to cut out the image from any other napkin clearly along the contour.

Glue it to the corner of the frame. I use ordinary construction PVA glue from Lakra. So far it has never failed, the main thing is that it doesn’t turn the napkin yellow.

Using a soft brush, we begin gluing from the middle of the napkin.

If folds form, as happens with beginning decoupage artists, do not be discouraged. When the napkin has completely dried on the surface, the folds can be sanded with sandpaper No. 600-800.

I wanted to add more drawing to this side. Let it be.

The picture seemed very bright and saturated to me, so I lightly painted the dried, sanded napkin with transparent white paint.

The paint will become transparent if you add a little water to it.

Well, the colors have become more muted and now we can fix our beauty with varnish.

I coated it with Dulux celko acrylic matte varnish.

DIY Provence style accessories: ideas in the photo

Craftsmen post a lot of photos of hand-made Provence style accessories.

The symbol of Provence style is lavender. So if you add things with these colors to your design, you can get the true mood of French Provence. These can be boxes, decorative bottles, pillows, artificial branches or just lavender shades.

Provence is a rustic style. Therefore, decorative items made from twigs, bouquets and all kinds of bundles, fastened with white or lilac ribbons, would look appropriate in a kitchen in this style.

Plates, watering cans, vases and buckets with images using the decoupage technique look very impressive. Making such a product by hand is very simple: you need to take rice paper, PVA glue, glue the picture to the surface and cover it with varnish.

Using the decoupage technique you can decorate napkin holders, photo frames and even furniture.

Well, the aerobatics are homemade interior linen dolls. These are planted in a corner of the living room, on the window, at the head of the bed or on the refrigerator. They are also very easy to sew, and they look very impressive.

As it turns out, you can create many accessories yourself to complement the Provence style room. And what’s especially pleasing is that everything is done simply, you just have to start.

Types of shelves

Shelves in the kitchen are the most functional element. With their help, it becomes possible to place a lot of necessary items, and to do this in such a way that they are always within reach. And their spectacular appearance makes the shelves also a decorative element.

If you have at your disposal the most ordinary wooden shelf (the design does not matter), you can easily turn it into an interior element in the French country style. How? There are at least three simple ways:

1. Painting with light paint.
2. Using the craquelure or decoupage technique.
3. Artistic painting.

The latter option is ideal for those who have at least basic art education or skills. Although, in fairness, it is worth noting that Provence does not require you to create artistic masterpieces. So, if drawing a delicate bouquet is not a problem for you, you can start decorating the shelves and cabinets.

The main thing is that the size of the shelf matches the dimensions of your kitchen. Agree, a huge wooden structure in a kitchen of modest square meters looks, at the very least, ridiculous. Not to mention that such a shelf will be inconvenient to use.

The shelf must match the size of the kitchen.

Based on the location of the shelf and its appearance, the following options are distinguished:

• Floor or wall.
• Closed or open.
• Wide or narrow.
• With stands or hooks.
• With drawers or doors.

Open shelves

A distinctive feature of the Provence style is the abundance of decorative elements. Numerous figurines, vases, candlesticks, framed photographs (it is better if the photo is slightly faded, with a hint of antiquity). Thanks to such cute little things, the room is filled with an atmosphere of comfort and warmth. It is clear that all this miniature splendor should be put on public display. And open shelves are perfect for this purpose, by the way.

Open shelves serve to display dishes and decorative items.

Open models have a number of advantages:

1. They help create a unique, soulful design.
2. Due to the fact that the shelves do not have doors, space is saved, as well as time for their operation.
3. The items you need are always at hand.

Open shelves have several advantages.
Such designs play the role of a kind of showcase in which souvenirs and gifts about people dear to the heart are displayed, or dishes are beautifully arranged.

Designs without doors can be used as a display case for souvenirs.

The main disadvantage of open models is that dust invariably accumulates on them. And you have to wipe not only the surfaces, but also the objects that are placed on them.

Open shelves require more frequent cleaning.

Closed shelves

Most often, such designs are distinguished by deliberate roughness and massiveness. They are valued for their spaciousness and ease of use. It is best to place closed shelves in large kitchen spaces.

The main advantage of such shelves is that they do not require frequent wet cleaning. In addition, if there are children in the family or pets live with you, the closed design will ensure the safety of kitchen utensils and fragile decor.

Closed shelves provide better storage of items and protect from dust.

DIY picture frame in Provence style

Hey everyone

I finally got around to my favorite activity. I made a picture frame here, as promised. I'll show you. Well, I’ll tell you briefly, maybe someone will find it useful))

1. I needed: 3 jars of acrylic paint (it doesn’t smell, so you don’t have to be afraid of the indignant exclamations of your household) dark gray, light gray and white, to be honest, you can easily get by with 2 colors; You will also need different types of sandpaper (coarse and fine), a bristle brush (preferably two for each color, so as not to clean it every time), by the way, acrylic paint is diluted with water. Next, you will need a dry sponge for rubbing the paint and acrylic varnish.

Materials and tools.

Here's what we'll need in our work:

1. frame (preferably wooden)
2. putty
3. stencils
4. primer Sonnet (black)
5. acrylic lacquer
6. white chalk paint (these are gypsum-based paints)
7. PVA glue
8. napkins for decoupage
9. bitumen varnish
10. brushes, sponges, cloths.

Frame blanks can be bought at the Ikea store. We prepare it for decoration; to do this, remove the glass and cardboard and put it aside so as not to get it dirty.

Pillows

You can update your rustic interior with the help of self-made pillows. They will give the room more warmth, comfort and a pleasant homely atmosphere.

When sewing a pillow, natural fabrics in soothing colors are chosen. They are embroidered with satin ribbons or lace.

Diamond IMPORTANT: it is recommended to use synthetic materials (holofiber or padding polyester) that are hypoallergenic as pillow filling.

When sewing a decorative pillow, the main thing is:

• choose the right consumables;
• come up with an original product design;
• decide on the sizes.

Kinds

Racks-cabinets with open shelves are in demand. When creating them, the use of doors and sliding glass is excluded. Such models are further divided into straight and angular types. The so-called shelving racks are also quite widespread. In them, shelves are added to the frame, assembled in several clear tiers.

The side enclosing structures are made in the format of a lattice or crossbars placed crosswise. The back wall is almost always absent, since the bookcase is still placed against the wall. A bookcase for a room in the form of a bookcase looks light and airy. From the outside it may even seem that all the volumes seem to be hanging without support.

It is characterized by a very solid and solid appearance. This design successfully copes even with a very significant load. There are usually 3 or 4 open shelves on top, and under them there is a compartment equipped with doors. Sometimes roll-out boxes are placed between individual shelf tiers. But along with purely wooden Provencal shelving, forged specimens are sometimes also used.

To make them, thin metal rods are used. They intertwine very harmoniously and look like tree branches. When choosing a pattern, floral motifs are preferred. Most often, metal structures are painted with enamel. Such products are quite reliable so that they can be safely placed on a balcony or even on an open terrace.

Location options

Shelves in the room should be located in the right places and fit organically into the interior. Wall shelves are an ideal option for placing them in the kitchen. They are used:

• for storing spices;
• for decorative plates;
• for kitchen utensils.

A bookshelf will come in handy in the bedroom. It can be hung on the wall near the bed and used for books, magazines and other things.

For small spaces, it is better to choose multifunctional hanging products with hooks and stands. Models can be angular, allowing them to be hung in a small room, which is especially important if the area of ​​the room is small. These products are perfect for the bathroom.

Idea No. 2. Mirror made from mosaic pieces

This bathroom decoration will be appropriate in any style, because the main material here will be the remains of ceramic tiles used to cover the walls or floor. The main thing is to choose the right ornament. For modern minimalist designs, geometric patterns and contrasting abstractions are suitable, for romantic and “rustic” styles - floral patterns, for classic interiors - plant motifs and designs that imitate inlays.

For work you will need: A sheet of plywood or MDF, cut in the shape of the desired mirror; Ceramic tiles, mosaic; Tile adhesive; Mirror cloth; Tile cutter; Putty knife; Grout for joints; Container for diluting the solution; Gloves, dry rags, sponges.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Glue a mirror sheet onto a wooden sheet. We draw patterns around it, which will determine which fragments of ceramics will need to be made. Of course, the larger the details of the design, the faster and easier it is to design the frame, but complex patterns with alternating small and large pieces of mosaic look the most advantageous.

2. Using a tile cutter, cut out tile fragments of the desired shape. Place the finished pieces on the frame.

3. After manufacturing all the parts, we evaluate the result. If the drawing coincides with “reality,” you can fix the fragments with glue and leave them to dry for a day.

4. After drying, it is necessary to process the seams. To do this, prepare the grout: dilute the mixture with water to the consistency of thick sour cream. Next, apply the mixture between the fragments of the pattern (some with a spatula, and sometimes with your fingers - just don’t forget to protect your skin with gloves!).

5. Remove the remaining grout with a damp sponge and polish the finished mosaic with a dry cloth.