Upcycle an Old Window Frame Into a Rustic Christmas Card Display

Got an old window around with a few broken panes? Great! In just a few steps, you can turn it into a farmhouse-style Christmas card display.

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

Show: Easy Does It
Farmhouse-Style Card Holder
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Materials Needed:

  • old window with glass removed and painted black
  • 4x5 canvas drop cloth
  • roll of 36”H with 1/2” mesh hardware cloth
  • staple gun with 1/12 staples
  • tiny decorative clothespins
  • industrial snips
  • hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • 9”x12”black felt fabric sheet
  • work gloves
  • 22” artificial magnolia wreath
  • roll 2-1/2” wide Christmas ribbon
  • self-leveling picture hanger

Add Hardware Cloth to Window

Lay window frame face down on drop cloth. Roll out hardware cloth and cut to size with industrial snips. Tip: When you roll out the hardware cloth, wear protective work gloves to avoid cuts as you flatten it to lay smoother on the window. This will also keep it from popping back up as you are trying to attach it.

Staple Cloth To Window

Use staple gun to secure hardware cloth to window pane. Place a staple approximately every 6 inches. Press and bend the cloth as you go to keep it flat against the window.

Glue On Felt

Cut felt into 1" wide strips. Run a line of hot glue over the hardware cloth's edges. Place the felt strips on top to protect your wall from being scratched by the display.

Add Hangers

Hammer in two self-leveling picture hangers spaced evenly on the back of the frame.

Attach Wreath

Flip the window back over to place a wreath on top. Measure out ribbon to allow the wreath to hang on upper half of the window. Secure the ribbon to the back of the window using a staple gun.

Hang Cards

Use decorative clothespins to hang cards from the hardware cloth. Display or hang in your home for the holidays. You can also use it year-round for photographs.

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

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