two home decor pieces born from one vintage mother

henever we’re looking for vintage pieces, we also look to their usefulness on many levels. For instance, how many different ways could this piece be repurposed? Could we make two items from one? In the case of this vintage print we found for $10, it was the latter. Out of one simple framed abstract Georges Rouault print — whose dismal brown frame was in questionable condition — were born two new items: a green-framed chalkboard and a new Rouault print in a fresh light blue frame (which we already had and couldn’t figure out what to put into.)

The art as we found it, with a stained mat and beat-up frame.

We carefully removed the art from the backing so we could preserve it. It was in pristine condition.

We flipped the backing over and sprayed it with chalkboard paint, and fit it back into the frame, now painted a bright green with Rustoleum 2X Cover Eden satin finish paint. Here is the finished chalkboard made from the frame.

And the newly framed art below, in a light blue frame — just the right color to bring out its blue highlights.