DIY Easy Art for Beginners from a Thrifted Frame
Color me COMPLETELY surprised that I actually painted something that sort of resembles art. But here we are.
When I found this shabby chic picture frame in the thrift store for $2 (less than that garage sale sticker price), it reminded me so much of the Studio McGee art at Target I’ve seen everywhere. Well, you know… without the actual art in it at least.

So I rummaged through my kids’ paint they use for arts and crafts, flipped the paper frame insert over, and started mixing colors and splashing them on the paper to see what would happen. Heavyweight paper would have worked better, but I just used what I already had.
Supplies Used:
- Thrifted frame
- Antique Gold Rub n Buff
- This acrylic paint set
- Disposable bowl and spoons (for mixing colors)
- Paint brushes in assorted sizes
How to Paint a Simple Landscape as a Beginner
Trust me when I say I draw stick people. My 8 year-old is a better artist than I am. But it turns out this was a pretty simple way to dupe art for next to nothing. You can see the quick process in the video:
Before starting the “super fancy painting”, I rubbed down the picture frame with some antique gold Rub n Buff. (I use that stuff on everything.)
Ta da!

Okay, it’s obviously amateurish, but it’s pretty darn decent if you consider it abstract.
From far away, it almost passes as the real deal, right? Maybe I’m totally blind to how bad it is. I don’t know. Don’t look too closely at those wonky trees. Haha!

If it’s really that awful, pick a free art printable to replace it with, ‘kay? ๐
But it was a fun little craft, and really, that’s what DIY should be all about anyway. Just have fun.



Luuuv it?? And it looks fabulous!!! Not at all like an amateur. Thanks for sharing & inspiring โค๏ธ
Looks great! Thanks for the idea!
Could you tell me where you bought the vase thatโs on your top shelf?
Don’t knock yourself! You did a wonderful job! I see paintings like that occasionally and yours is up there with the best of them. And pairing it with that frame was perfect – especially after using the Rub n Buff. ( I love that stuff, too. Last year I used it on 24 picture frames for my ding room! ) Great job!
Grandma Moses made a lot with stick figures, who knew? Her grandson carries on in the same vein, making lots of $$ for those stick figures. I like yours too, even without stick figures. ann lee s , BC
You kill me! It looks like something I would come up with wonky trees and all! Love it