I have come to find out that you can pretty much turn anything into wall art. I am super picky about what gets hung on our walls, therefore after over two years of living in our house we don’t have much hung up just yet. It has been a slow process! In the past I never strayed from just the typical framed family photos, but now, anything is fair game! I’ve framed tea towels, bean sacks, and now I’m even framing vintage milk cartons. Yes, you heard right!
My dad works for a dairy company and ever since then him and my mom have become quite the collectors of all things milk related. They have a pretty awesome old milk bottle collection, along with milk crates, caps, you name it! A few months ago I came across a box of vintage milk cartons at an antique mall for two bucks a piece, so I bought a few knowing my parents would like them.
The other day I built some quick and easy wood frames for them and now they are Milk Carton Art!
For the frames I just had my husband cut some 1×2 boards at a 45 degree angle with our miter saw, stained, and glued them together. These frames are seriously so simple to make and use when you have something that won’t fit in a regular frame. To attach the milk cartons I just used a staple gun to staple them the back of the frame. I love easy projects, and to be able to hang great finds that you wouldn’t really consider hanging on your wall!
I hope that you consider “out of the box” ideas like this when you go to decorate your own house! It’s finds like these that add character and charm to any home. And this entire project cost me less than eight dollars! You really can’t beat it! Hope you agree! I know you do!
Jeff E says
Oops — that should have said “hat pin” rather than “knitting needle”
Jeff E says
Greetings –
Nice job of framing that carton! Looks great on the wall.
This statement caught my eye: “My dad works for a dairy company and ever since then him and my mom have become quite the collectors of all things milk related. They have a pretty awesome old milk bottle collection, along with milk crates, caps, you name it! ” I have a childhood memory of our local brand’s milk cartions having craft projects printed on the side, one which showed you how to make a little record player using just the milk carton and a knitting needle. I’ve been trying to find that artwork again for many years now. Have you ever seen anything like that, or even better, is there anything like that in your collection?
Thanks,
Jeff
Ashley Broviak says
Hi Jeff! I love this! I haven’t seen these anywhere yet, but I frequent a lot of antique malls and flea markets and will absolutely keep an eye out! I wrote down your email so if my dad or I ever come across one maybe I can get it to you! There is nothing better than finding an old piece of history that has some sentimential meaning 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!
Jeff E says
Hi Ashley! Thanks so much for rersponding. Clearly you understand the sentimental pull of these simple and often overlooked objects. Should you ever come across one of those cartons in question, I’ll gladly take it off your hands. All the best and keep making such beautiful things!
Kelly says
I’m with Laura — LOVE! You are the master of homemade frames 🙂 Pinning! xo
Ashley Broviak says
Awe thank you my dear!!!! You are the best 🙂
Laura Jo says
LOVE!
Ashley Broviak says
Thank you so kindly!!!