I'm still working on a project in the living room. Don't want to totally spill the beans, but I will let you know that I finally used my miter saw. Got any guesses?

In the meantime, I was able to finish a decorating project that's been on my list for months. Months. It all started when I found this awesome monogram at the thrift store:
It was $1.50 and I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. I just needed to find a frame. Simple task. Or so I thought. I've searched all summer at thrift stores, yard sales, and clearance aisles with no luck. Nothing the right size. The left wall of my entry way has been bare nekkid this whole entire time.

Then this Saturday, I saw this chunky ornate frame on the side of the road at a yard sale. Pulled over and bought it immediately. It was $2. Squeeee!
First I gave it a good washing to remove all the dust. Then I sprayed it with a coat of Krylon spray paint primer, followed with a few coats of Antique White spray paint.
Looking much better already:
I wanted to distress it a bit. So I mixed up some Burnt Umber craft paint with a little bit of black. Then I added water till it was about the consistency of thick ink. I brushed it on in small sections, then immediately wiped it off with a soft cloth.

Oh, and I also spray painted the monogram. Hung them together, and they were a perfect match.

I love a framed monogram, don't you? Simple, but it adds so much character to the space. Not bad for under $4.

I'll be linking up with the following: