Saturday

DIYP #31 Old Tin

Have y'all heard of junk shopping?

Some call it junk-tiquing, others trash to treasure.

It probably should be called "I can't afford real antiques."

Call it what you may, but I enjoy it.

I like mixing old things in with new and my bedroom is full of both.  Today, I want to talk about old tin. There are so many great ways to use these old ceiling tiles.  Here are some great projects using old tin.

I found mine at a flea market for $2-$5 a piece. But don't let that stop you. You can actually find some great affordable pieces on Ebay (buy old tin)  Mine has the original white paint that is now chipping off:


I've seen picture frames made from tin and I thought this would make a cool double frame.

Please note: This rusty old tin is sharp!

Please also note: My hubby was very involved with this project.  
Please note the above note: I didn't want to get a boo-boo.

First, cut an X in the center of the tin. We used tin snips, but if you have a jigsaw or dremel saw, they work best. (And let's just pretend I know what a dremel saw is, shall we?)


Next, carefully pull back the four triangles that make up your X. We used pliers.


My two favorite guys working on a home decor project: Beautiful! 


This is what the tin should look like with all four pieces pulled back with pliers. (The picture opening on mine is about 5x5). I just taped pictures to the back of the 'frame.'


And since I'm putting this unique frame in my bedroom, I thought it should hold a picture of me and my hubby.

When we were 10 years old. (Yes, that is my 'fro picture).


Aren't we darling? My kids laugh every time they see it. What is so funny?


I actually have some new stuff in my room too; it's not all junk. Here's a short tour.


17 comments:

Unknown said...

Projects like this terrify me - where sharp implements are involved. If I risk anything more than a paper cut they make me nervous! Also I am blessed with the most wonderful husband, who can save babies lives, but he is not blessed with a DIY brain cell. (At least we have insight).

So I will admire your creative mind, and wonderful shabby chic style.....from a safe distance :)

I enjoyed looking back over your tour, and still love than door :)

Anonymous said...

We actually call it "junkin'" where I'm from, and I love to do it.

I'm about to sound so cornbread, Kristen. Are you ready? We moved to this house so we could renovate another house, and behind this house is probably a 75yo chicken house, and it's full of junk - old junk! The roof is falling in, and skunks live in there, but somehow, very soon, I'm going in.

Great project.

Beth Cotell said...

This looks great. I love it when people can "see" things in junk and then make their vision a reality.

I don't have that ability. I also don't have the ability to pay for things at Pottery Barn which means my house looks a little bare!

Unknown said...

I LOVE it!! You NEVER DISAPPOINT!
But..that was a very short tour..I kept scrolling down with my tounge hanging out,thinking,WOW there's more! :)

Alexia said...

You come up with such great ideas! I wish I had an awesome design mind like that *sigh* I guess I'll just have to settle for stealing your ideas!

Unknown said...

Great project, but what I love best is your presentation! Your posts never fail to make me smile. I'm posting my first "linky love" article today, this idea would be perfect for my topic, reinventing and repurposing items from thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales in to home decor! Thanks!

mommy4life said...

This is an adorable idea. Thanks for the inspiration.

Joy said...

Something like that would be perfect for my post-Victorian house. GREAT idea!!! When I saw the title I thought it was going to be a project with a rusty soup can or something. LOL!

Threeundertwo said...

Beautiful, but a little scary. I think step 1 should be "make sure your tetanus booster is up to date."

Anonymous said...

Mom mode on/
Oh, dear...
I hate to be the one who rains on your wonderful-looking super-creative project, but
that is almost certainly lead-based paint.
Just a heads-up, in case that's something you want to avoid.
I don't think anyone would lick it or anything, but they're kids,
so who knows?
How about a nice coat of sealant?
Mom mode off/

Kristen said...

Yes, I'm sure most old stuff/junk has lead-based paint, so definitely don't lick it or hang it in your kid's reach.

misty said...

glad you didn't cut yourself!

cute picture frames... do you laugh everytime you see the pictures of yourselves?!?!

Anonymous said...

This looks really great - and easy. Now to find some old tin. :)

Randi~Dukes and Duchesses said...

I love that. I have a clock I made from a ceiling tile and it's one of my favorite things. I still have a ceiling tile sitting in my project box - I think I'll try this.

Empty Nest Full Life said...

What a great project! I'd love to find some ceiling tiles like that. Jackie

Me Too said...

I am SO finding some old tin pieces that I can do this to! I saw this SAME PICTURE FRAME holder at a craft fair for $65 - and almost bought it, I loved it so much! Thanks to you I know I can do it on my own. . . . . .

CJ'SMOMMY*KIMBERLY said...

Love the frame but also love love love, the door? That is a door right? I love things like this and what a redo diva you are! Love your blog!