I enjoy thrifting ready-to-use items at Goodwill, but crafting something new and creative from individual pieces is exciting. For #nationalupcycleday in June, I created an original piece of art for my daughter’s new apartment. Her sister had picked up the fabric at the Goodwill Keystone Area Outlet bins in Reading and it had been tacked to her bedroom wall.
To give it a more sophisticated presentation, I decided I wanted to frame it. I wasn’t sure how, but a visit to the art section at my local Goodwill provided some options. There were large wood frames and some stretched canvas prints. After another trip home to measure the fabric, I purchased an unframed canvas print that was exactly the right size.
Since the canvas had color on it, I painted it white. I also removed the mounting hardware. 
Then I began (with help from a staple gun and my husband) working my way around the canvas and stapling the fabric to the wood frame. Start in the middle of each side to get even tension. And take time with the corners to get neat folds. 
After reinstalling the mounting hardware, it is ready to go!
This project cost less than $8 and a little research led to the artist (Helen Webber) revealed that she was a textile artist and created unique mid-century modern pieces – some original works sell for well into the thousands of dollars. Goodwill always keeps surprising me with what I can find there!
To end, here’s a quote from Helen Webber on why we need art everywhere:
“Art brings a uniqueness to a space whether it’s a public place or a home. The presence of art speaks of humanity. It personalizes even the coldest space and above all it is a subliminal message to the casual passerby of the imagination and possibility of the human spirit.”
From my home to yours,
Kirsten
About The Blogger
Kirsten is a 40-something mom, wife and marketing professional. She loves all things crafty, tasty and fashionable, especially while being frugal. She enjoys hunting for treasures at her local Goodwill Keystone Area stores to decorate her home and wardrobe.