How I Upcycled Art from the Thrift Store

DIY yourself a Large Abstract Painting
Discovering the joy of painting without worrying about the outcome has been surprisingly liberating.
Take this recent project, for example. I stumbled upon an old, inexpensive frame ($19.99) that I initially intended to repurpose with upcycled fabric or clothing – (an olive green cashmere sweater, to be specific, snagged from the men’s section of a thrift store at a steal.)

Ever wondered why men’s cashmere is priced lower than women’s? Beats me, but a deal’s a deal, right?

Regardless of the frame’s intended fate, I decided to paint over it along with the canvas. Admittedly, the canvas could have stayed as is, but I couldn’t stand the red, and the art was a bit too dated for my taste. A splash of paint was all it needed, and since I adore abstract art (even if my talent doesn’t quite match), I couldn’t resist.

Surprisingly, I found immense joy in this project, prompting me to scout my local thrift shops for more floating framed artworks.
Not a big shopper, particularly in malls (can’t even recall my last mall visit), but thrift stores? They’re my haven. Always on the lookout for linen clothes, and if the color doesn’t suit, I’ll happily dive into the world of Jacquard Procion MX dyes.
One day, I plan to dismantle a few garments and combine them into a long, unstructured jacket.

Sometimes, I grab fabric too. My friend Bev recently snagged a stunning tablecloth for $8, leaving me green with envy.

Here’s the result of my whimsical endeavor with an outdated thrifted piece of art.
Originally brought home for a different project, I couldn’t resist the temptation to play with paint. Surprisingly, I love the outcome, and it’s earned a proud spot on our wall.
In need of of some inspo? here are 2 of my current favourite artists. 
Nicholas Wilton and Brian Rutenberg.