Turning a $10 frame into a Gallery Frame

The bottom line is: custom framing is expensive.
I love big frames. I love matting. I want lots of it. I don't want to spend the money for it!

So, here's what I did instead....
I went to my local Goodwill and picked out a frame with potential (not ANY frame will do... you need a frame with good lines). Goodwill originally had it up for $20, but it was a half off sticker -- so $10. Here's my lovely, outdated frame:

 

What I consider a "frame with good lines" ;)

 I then got spray paint in my desired colors (gray + white) and sprayed away! 

Yes, matting can be spray painted. Woot.

 Two coats for each.

Well, here's where I went wrong: my original frame wasn't exactly 20x30 as I thought... it was for a CUSTOM SIZE piece of artwork, so while it fit vertically the matting was too long on the sides. 

*cue sad music*

So, I went to a craft supply store to see if they could cut me a 20x30 to place inside.

Sure! For $50!

Not. Happening.

I opted for the $7 large piece of matting and spent a half hour cutting it with my x-acto knife.

Hey, it worked.

Lesson: make sure the matting is the correct size prior to buying the frame! 

Save yourself that extra $7 and hassle.

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Note: My 20x30 is printed from Shutterfly. Usually $22.90 for a 20x30 but shutterfly has so many amazing deals and freebies and coupons that you rarely have to pay full price for anything.