Upgrade Old Frames {and address hoarding issues}

I've mentioned before how I like to hoard sentimental things.  Well, in addition to every card I ever receive, I also keep pictures. This one is a little more common. I think most people struggle with throwing away photos, however my issue goes beyond just throwing them away, it involves an unwillingness to ever take them out of sight. Especially in the age of technology, where everything is online now, I value a printed photo waaaaay more than I should.

My issue was really starting to invade our space, specifically in our kitchen. You see, we've run out of frames and places to put framed pictures so I started sticking everything up on our refrigerator. And when that got full, I started filling up the chalkboards we hung to write notes, grocery lists, and recipes on.

Not very organized, is it? It was getting to the point where this whole mess was causing me stress. In addition to photos, we had invitations to weddings, baby announcements, and coupons, and our collection of really cheesy magnets was getting lost in the shuffle {yes, we are one of those couples.} So I pulled my socks up and got to work. I started by sorting through everything and making the tough decision about what should stay, and what needs to be tucked away with other sentimental things.

I seperated what remained into three categories: Coupons, Invitations, and Happy Things. Yes, I had a category for "happy things". I figured as long as I can keep it limited, it's acceptable, right?

I used three old picture frames with either broken glass or hooks {no clue whose fault that could be} to keep me organized, and limited.

I started by spray painting each frame to get a cohesive look. By placing a thumb tack in the frame, you can spray paint it easily without having to worry about it sticking to the surface.

{This is before I flipped the frame over to spray paint it. Place the object pin side down before spraying}

I used Rust-Oleum Metallic Cobalt Blue for the two larger frames, and the same Gold Metallic spray paint I used for the wreath project for the smaller frame.

 I also sprayed the backing of the frames, just for a little dash of color. The navy frames actually have a tint of yellow now, it's just not showing up as well in this picture.

I used mini clothespins to hold the items in place. I simply taped the pins to the backing so that I could easily move them around when necessary to create more space.

This is the Happy Things frame, stocked with a photo booth image from my last trip home with my sister and niece {a very serious bunch}, the most recent, and most appropriate, birthday card from my Momma and Pops this year, and of course the VV whale because how can a pink smiling whale not make you just a little happy.

I decided to make a mini command station, if you will, on the wall next to our apartment intercom, trying to make it just a little more pleasing to the eye. Not sure if I successfully met my goal though. I can't tell if this new addition makes it blend in, or just even more noticeable. Nonetheless, it makes me feel more organized.

Happy moments

Coupons expiring soon

Upcoming events {and a picture from a recent event, just because I had the space :) }

And now our fridge and chalkboards are a little less chaotic.

{cannot erase our wedding date = sentimental problems}

 

Ok so the chalkboards are not completely bare, but progress has been made. And our fridge is now a shrine for our magnet collection, as well as a couple of pictures, but moderation is the key... right? I guess quitting cold turkey is just as hard as they say. 

Cost: Free, plus I was able to make use of some old frames that have just been sitting around taking up space.
Time: 30 mins to spray and hang the frames {with 1 hour dry time}.

Does anyone else have this problem? Have you ever had to set limits for yourself to maintain some organization?

Thanks for visiting!