Window Art Frames

Materials:

sturdy old window frame
1/2" dowel rod
measuring tape
wood saw
wood glue
wood putty
putty knife
220- and 300-grit sandpaper
needle nose pliers
rotary tool with wood grinding attachments or an electric drill with various drill bits (1/16" up to 5/8")
gesso
1" paintbrush
water
various paintbrushes
acrylic, enamel or oil paints
drop cloth, newspaper and old rags
assortment of embellishments:
- cabochon (flat back) rhinestones
- beads
- semi precious stones
- small round mirrors
beading wire
matte spray paint
turpentine
mahogany stain
permanent marker
small eyehook screws
push pin/thumbtack
craft cement (for bonding plastic, glass and wood)
unprimed canvas
fabric scissors
black permanent marker
staple gun and staples
framing wire (50 lb. and up)
fine steel wool #0000
water-based polyurethane varnish
safety goggles and painting masks
rubber gloves
lacquer thinner
painter's blue tape
hand sander - optional

Steps:

1. Look for a sturdy but attractive window frame without windowpane dividers. Avoid wood that is soft, rotten or moldy. Make sure the wood is not cracked or wobbly.

2. Break and clean out the old glass out of the window frame over a drop cloth with a hammer, wear gloves and safety goggles for protection.

4. Fill any nail, screw holes or cracks in the wood with wood putty and a putty knife. Level the putty flush with wood's surface. Let dry according to putty directions.

5. If the window has sash cord holes in either side, cut dowel rods to fit into the sash cord hole and glue into place (figure B). When the glue has dried, seal remaining space with putty. Level the wood putty flush with the wood's surface (figure C). Let dry according to directions.

6. When the wood putty is dry, sand the whole window frame to make the surface as smooth as possible. Start with 220-grit sandpaper and then follow with 300-grit (a finer sandpaper, for a smoother finish). Wrap sandpaper around a wooden block and sand by hand, or use a hand sander.