Upcycle Thrift Store Finds with Spray Paint and Stencils

One of my favorite places to hunt for art supplies isn't an art store at all—it's the thrift store. Old wooden frames, forgotten by their previous owners, are often tucked onto the shelves just waiting for a second chance. They may look a little worn or outdated, but with a little paint and a great stencil, they can become the perfect finishing touch for your artwork.

The July 2026 exclusive StencilClub collection, designed by Carolyn Dube, couldn't have arrived at a better time. Carolyn's collection is filled with organic circles and dots in a variety of sizes. The shapes immediately reminded me of river rocks, pebbles, and gravel—those wonderfully imperfect patterns that nature creates without ever repeating itself. I've always been drawn to circles and dots, so I couldn't wait to incorporate these stencils into a project.

With an art show coming up, my studio has been filled with the smell of varnish and stacks of frames waiting for artwork. Instead of purchasing a new frame, I rescued a plain wooden one from a local thrift store and transformed it into a custom frame that perfectly complements one of my pink collages.

The entire makeover took very little time, cost only a few dollars, and completely changed the personality of the frame.

Supplies

• July 2026 StencilClub Stencils by Carolyn Dube
• Plain wooden picture frame
• Rust-Oleum® Matte Spray Paint in Gray
• Rust-Oleum® Paint + Primer Spray Paint in Pink
• Clear spray varnish
• Disposable gloves
• Wallpaper, cardboard, or a drop cloth to protect your work surface
• Finished collage or artwork
• Optional: Painter's tape (for larger frames)

Step 1: Prepare the Frame

Before painting, wipe the frame thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, or any residue. A clean surface helps the paint adhere evenly and creates a smoother finish.

Since spray paint fumes can be harmful, always work outdoors or in a very well-ventilated space. I took my frame outside and laid down a large piece of old wallpaper to protect my deck from overspray. Gloves are also a good idea to keep your hands clean.

Step 2: Apply the Base Coat

I wanted a soft neutral background that would allow the stencil pattern to stand out, so I coated the entire frame—including the sides—with Rust-Oleum Matte Gray Spray Paint.

One of the reasons I reach for Rust-Oleum is that it's easy to find at stores like Walmart and Target, it's affordable, and it provides excellent coverage. I especially like the Paint + Primer formulas because they bond well to a variety of surfaces without requiring additional preparation.

Allow the gray paint to dry for at least an hour before moving on.

Step 3: Add the Stenciled Design

Once the gray paint was dry, I positioned Carolyn's stencil directly onto the frame.

Because my frame was fairly small, I simply held the stencil in place by hand. If you're working on a larger frame, painter's tape can help prevent the stencil from shifting.

Using Rust-Oleum Matte Pink Spray Paint, I sprayed directly over the stencil, making two light passes to build up the color without creating drips.

Carefully lift the stencil away and let the design dry for several hours.

The random arrangement of dots creates movement across the frame while still allowing the simplicity of the design to shine.

Step 4: Protect the Finish

After the paint had completely dried, I sprayed the entire frame with a clear varnish. This extra protective layer helps guard against scratches and scuffs while making the finish easier to wipe clean.

The following day, once everything had thoroughly cured, I cut my collage to fit and assembled the frame.

The finished piece looked like it had been custom-made specifically for the artwork inside.

Why Spray Paint is Perfect for Upcycling

Spray paint has become one of my favorite tools for giving secondhand items a fresh start.

Not only does it provide excellent coverage with very little effort, but it also reaches carved details, grooves, and corners that would be tedious to paint with a brush. The finish is smooth and even, helping inexpensive or worn objects look surprisingly professional.

Another advantage is speed. Large surfaces can be completely transformed in just a few minutes, making spray paint ideal for quick creative projects. It also adheres beautifully to a wide variety of materials—including wood, metal, wicker, plastic, and even some laminates—making it incredibly versatile for artists and makers.

More Ideas for Upcycling with Spray Paint

Once you begin looking around your home or local thrift store, you'll find endless possibilities.

Try giving new life to:

• Picture frames
• Wooden trays
• Small side tables
• Plant pots
• Metal baskets
• Candle holders
• Lamps
• Magazine holders
• Decorative boxes
• Shelves
• Wooden crates
• Mirror frames
• Serving trays
• Coat hooks
• Vintage tins

Many of these items can become beautiful studio storage or decorative accents that coordinate perfectly with your artwork.

A Custom Finish for Your Artwork

One of the things I love most about making my own frames is that they become part of the artwork itself. Rather than settling for a store-bought frame that almost matches, I can create one that echoes the colors, patterns, and personality of the collage inside. It's a simple project that makes finished artwork feel even more personal—and it's a wonderful reminder that creativity doesn't have to stop at the edge of the paper.

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Join StencilClub!

If you've been curious about StencilClub, now is the perfect time to join. Members who sign up before the 15th of the month will receive that month's exclusive stencil collection, including Carolyn Dube's beautiful July 2026 designs.

In addition to receiving an exclusive stencil set each month, members also enjoy:

• An exclusive stencil collection that is never sold individually
• A downloadable project tutorial and PDF from the featured artist
• An additional members-only project created by me
• 25% off regularly priced stencils from StencilGirl Products throughout your membership

Whether you're a mixed media artist, journal maker, collage enthusiast, or simply enjoy experimenting with new techniques, StencilClub is a wonderful way to add fresh inspiration to your creative practice each month.

I hope this project inspires you to take a second look at those overlooked thrift store frames. With a little spray paint, a great stencil, and a favorite piece of artwork, you can transform something ordinary into a custom frame that's every bit as creative as the art it holds.  I hope you will share your projects with me on my Instagram page @gluepaperscissors_ and Stencil Girl @stencilgirl_products

Stencil Club June 2026: Prairie Harmony by Cynthia Silveri -- A Stenciled Fabric Journal/Notepad Cover

Hello again from Kim Hamburg, mixed media collage artist, collage enthusiast, and collector of more notebooks than I'll probably ever use.

One of my favorite things about mixed media is finding ways to bring art into everyday life. This month, I used Prairie Harmony, a beautiful stencil set designed by Cynthia Silveri for StencilClub, to transform a simple notebook into a custom fabric-covered journal.

Inspired by Prairie School architecture, stained-glass design, geometry, and pattern, the Prairie Harmony stencil set reflects Cynthia's love of structured design while still leaving plenty of room for creative interpretation. The repeating motifs and clean lines immediately reminded me of the architectural details and decorative elements often associated with Prairie School design. These geometric patterns translate beautifully to fabric, creating a journal cover that feels both artistic and functional.

This is Cynthia's third time designing stencils for StencilGirl®, and her passion for color, pattern, and design shines through in every stencil opening. The architectural elements create an all-over pattern that feels sophisticated and timeless, making this set especially well suited for fabric projects.

I've made several fabric-covered journals over the years, and they never fail to elevate an inexpensive notebook. Whether you use one for journaling, sketching, note-taking, or gift-giving, a custom cover turns an ordinary object into something unique and personal.

Supplies

        Prairie Harmony Stencil Club Stencils June 2026

• White cotton fabric (canvas or duck cloth works best)

• Mod Podge for Fabric

• Acrylic paint

• Paintbrush or blender brush

• Paper tape or painter's tape

• Chipboard or cereal box cardboard

• Scissors

• Glue, Fabri-tac or PVA or use Mod Podge

• Notebook, journal, or notepad

• Decorative paper for lining the inside cover

• Clothespins or clips

Prepare the Fabric

Start by ironing your fabric if needed. A smooth surface will help ensure cleaner stencil prints.

Cut the fabric slightly larger than the stencil design area. Position the stencil on top and secure it with painter's tape or paper tape along the edges. Taping the stencil down helps keep it from shifting while you work.

The Mod Podge for fabric will stiffen the fabric and there will be no loose threads so it becomes easy to work with much like paper.

Stencil the Fabric

In a small container, mix your chosen acrylic paint color with approximately one tablespoon of Mod Podge for Fabric. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.

Using either a paintbrush or a blender brush, apply the paint mixture through the stencil. Work gently and build the color gradually to avoid forcing paint underneath the stencil.

The architectural and stained-glass-inspired patterns in the Prairie Harmony stencil set work especially well for this project because they create an all-over design that feels intentional and sophisticated once wrapped around the journal cover.

Allow the paint to set for about five minutes before gently lifting the stencil. Be sure to clean your stencil immediately after use. Because the paint contains Mod Podge for Fabric, it will harden as it dries and can become difficult to remove later. I like to take mine straight to the sink and wash it with warm water and a soft brush before the mixture has a chance to cure.

Once the stencil is clean, allow the fabric to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Create the Cover Structure

While the fabric dries, prepare the new journal cover.

Remove the front and back covers from the notebook, journal, or notepad you wish to customize. Use those pieces as templates to cut matching covers from chipboard or a cereal box.

You'll also need a narrow strip for the spine or top edge, depending on the type of notebook you're covering. Arrange all of the pieces in their proper position and tape them together, leaving a small gap between sections so the cover can fold properly when finished.

Cover the Chipboard

Once the fabric is dry, place the assembled cover structure on the unpainted side of the fabric.

Cut around the cover, leaving approximately ¼ inch of extra fabric around all sides. This extra fabric will wrap around the edges and create a neat, finished appearance.

To adhere the fabric, thin the Mod Podge slightly with a small amount of water. Brush it onto the back side of the fabric and carefully position the chipboard cover onto the adhesive.

Fold the excess fabric over the edges and glue it into place. You may need to make small cuts at the corners to reduce bulk and help the fabric lie flat. Usually a small snip at each corner is all that's needed.

Allow everything to dry thoroughly.

Finish the Inside

To give the cover a polished look, glue a piece of decorative paper to the inside. This covers the raw fabric edges and chipboard while adding another opportunity for color and pattern.

Use clothespins or clips to hold everything securely while the adhesive dries.

Once dry, reattach your notebook pages or notepad, and your custom journal is ready to use.

Turning the Everyday into Something Special

One of the things I love most about this project is how easily it transforms an inexpensive notebook into something that feels thoughtful and high-end. The stenciled fabric adds texture, pattern, and personality while remaining durable enough for everyday use.

These journals also make wonderful handmade gifts. Teachers, writers, journal keepers, and list-makers all appreciate having a beautiful notebook close at hand. Choose colors that reflect the recipient's personality, add a favorite stencil pattern, and you'll have a practical gift that is both useful and unique.

The architectural inspiration behind Cynthia Silveri's Prairie Harmony stencil set brings a sense of structure and elegance to this project. Much like stained-glass windows and geometric architectural details, the patterns create rhythm, movement, and visual interest. It's a simple project with a surprisingly professional finish—and a wonderful way to carry a little handmade art with you every day.

If you've been curious about StencilClub, members who join by June 15, 2026, will receive the exclusive Prairie Harmony stencil set designed by Cynthia Silveri. Membership includes artist-designed stencils, a project and PDF from the featured artist, an additional members-only project from me, creative inspiration from fellow makers, and a 25% discount on all regular collection stencils.

You can learn more about Cynthia Silveri and her colorful creative work on Instagram at @thepassionatecolorist.

I'd love to see what you create with Prairie Harmony. Be sure to tag me on Instagram at @gluepaperscissors_ so I can see your projects and share in your creativity.

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About the Artist

Kim Hamburg is a mixed media collage artist living and creating in Springfield, Missouri. A self-taught artist, she began making collages during the COVID lockdown and has created art daily ever since. Working primarily with vintage papers, paint, stencils, and found materials, she enjoys finding unexpected ways to combine storytelling, texture, pattern, and composition in her artwork. Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gluepaperscissors_/

"Make A Chinoiserie Inspired Accordian House using Stencil Club Stencils 5/26 "In the Wind" by Dee Dee Catron

Some materials carry memory without asking for attention. Maple seed pods—the ones we called “helicopters” growing up—are like that. They drift, they spin, and they show up where you least expect them. Quiet, familiar, and just a little bit playful.

Chinoiserie Inspired Accordian House using "In the Wind" Stencils

This month’s StencilClub set, In The Wind, designed by Dee Dee Catron, captures that same sense of quiet movement. The designs are rooted in nature but feel lifted—suspended mid-air. There are delicate maple seed forms scattered in allover patterns, birds resting on wires in a moment of pause, and one stencil in particular that leans into something more decorative, more historical. A repeating composition of birds, leaves, and branches that immediately called to mind the elegance of Chinoiserie—that Western interpretation of Eastern motifs, filtered through imagination and ornament.

I’m Kim Hamburg, a mixed media collage artist, and when I saw that pattern, I didn’t think “print”—I thought wallpaper. Not the kind you roll onto drywall, but the kind you build slowly, page by page, layer by layer, until it becomes something you can hold.

The House That Unfolds

This project became an accordion book shaped like a row of houses—something that feels both architectural and intimate, like a street you’ve walked a hundred times.

To begin, I cut six pieces of 4x6" cardstock into simple house shapes. There’s no template here—just trim a triangle off each side of the top edge until it resembles a roofline. Imperfect is better. You can make as many houses as you like, depending on how long you want your book to stretch.

4" x 6''    Cut Paper Pieces

Cut Each Piece into a House Shape then Paint with Solid Color

Each house was painted with a beige chalk paint—a quiet, neutral ground. I wanted something that would echo aged walls, the kind that have absorbed years of light and shadow. Once dry, I used a lighter tone and a sponge (or foam) brush to apply the Chinoiserie-inspired stencil. Not perfectly. Not evenly. Just enough to suggest wallpaper that has lived a little.

Then came the contrast. Using black acrylic paint and a blending brush, I added the “birds on a wire” stencil—carefully placing it only along the top or bottom edges of each house. It acts as a visual anchor, a horizon line of sorts, holding the softness of the background in place.

Once everything dried, I edged each house lightly with black paint. This step is subtle but important—it defines the shape, gives it structure, and makes each piece feel finished.

Building the Book

The construction is where it all comes together—literally.

Linen Fabric Hinge (double sided tape)

I used double-stick tape (I used the Gorilla brand) and strips of linen fabric to hinge the houses together. Tape one side of the fabric to the back edge of a house, then attach the next house using the exposed adhesive. Repeat this process until all the houses are connected in a continuous accordion.

The fabric hinge gives the structure flexibility and durability, allowing the book to expand and contract with ease. It also introduces a softness—a tactile contrast to the painted surfaces.

The Story in the Details

Once assembled, the real work begins—the part that turns structure into story.

I collaged windows, fragments of imagery, and small details onto each house. A suggestion of life inside. A glimpse of narrative without explanation. I added marks—lines, scribbles, gestures that feel almost like handwriting, though they say nothing specific.

Adding Collage Elements like windows and doors

That’s the beauty of these accordion books: they’re endlessly adaptable. I’ve seen them filled with photographs, layered with fabric, even used as visual journals. Each page can hold its own moment, or contribute to a larger rhythm across the whole piece.

And like those maple “helicopters,” the work doesn’t land in one fixed place. It moves—through memory, through interpretation, through the viewer’s own experience.

All done!

Supplies

• May 2026 Stencil Club Stencil Set by Dee Dee Catron, "In The Wind"
• 4x6" cardstock (6 pieces, or more) 
• Scissors
• Double-stick tape (I used Gorilla brand)
• Scrap fabric (I used linen)
• Acrylic paint and/or chalk paint
• Blender brush and/or foam (sponge) brush
• Collage elements (vintage papers, imagery, ephemera)
• Glue

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In The Wind is available exclusively to StencilClub members who join by May 15, 2026, and will ship the day you join. Membership includes 25% off all regular collection stencils, a project and PDF from the featured artist, and an additional members-only project from me.

Follow Dee Dee Catron on Instagram @deedeecatron
Explore more at @stencilgirl_products and www.stencilgirlproducts.com
Join StencilClub here: www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencilclub

If you make your own version of this accordion house, I’d love to see where it takes you. Tag me on Instagram @gluepaperscissors_ and share your work—because every house, every page, every mark tells a different story.

Make a Pocket Book out of Envelopes and the April 2026 Stencil Club Set

There is something quietly satisfying about a stack of envelopes—especially the kind you don’t quite remember saving. They surface in drawers and boxes, tucked between the practical and the sentimental, carrying with them a faint suggestion of intention. This project began, as many good ones do, with that kind of rediscovery: a small collection of envelopes made from thick, watercolor paper, too beautiful to discard and too intriguing to ignore.

Hello again—I’m Kim Hamburg, mixed media collage artist, and today I’m working with the April 2026 StencilClub stencil set, Ribbon Dance, designed by Jennifer Evans. In this project, I’ll be transforming a handful of envelopes into a small, sculptural book with exposed pockets—spaces ready to hold ephemera, tags, ATC cards, and whatever fragments of story you feel compelled to tuck inside.

Jennifer Evans’ designs feel particularly at home in this kind of work. She creates stencils that lean into abstraction—marks that resemble intuitive, almost instinctive gestures. They are wide, expressive, and open-ended, suggesting a structure without confining it. There’s a generosity in that approach: the stencil offers a starting point, but leaves plenty of room for the artist to respond, layer, and reinterpret.

And of course, when faced with envelopes and pockets, I had to make a pocket-book.

Supplies

• Envelopes (any size; I used five, but the number is entirely flexible)
• Acrylic paint (at least two colors)
• Paintbrush, brayer, or sponge
• Adhesive (I used PVA glue)
• April 2026 StencilClub Set - Ribbon Dance

Optional:

• Gelli plate
• Markers, pens, or other embellishing tools
• Additional collage materials or ephemera

The Process

I began by painting each envelope, front and back—thinking less about perfection and more about establishing a base layer of color and movement. Some envelopes were printed using a gelli plate, which gave them a soft, atmospheric variation. Others I painted directly, letting the brushmarks remain visible, like handwriting.

Once everything had dried, I returned with the stencil set and a second color. This is where the structure began to shift into something more expressive. One of my favorite moments in the process was layering all three stencil designs together on the gelli plate at the same time. The result was unexpected—a kind of visual overlap that felt almost chaotic, but in a way that suggested rhythm rather than disorder. Marks collided, repeated, dissolved. It created a beautifully abstract, slightly jumbled surface that I wouldn’t have arrived at if I had approached each stencil separately.

From there, the envelopes began to take on a new identity—not as individual objects, but as pages. Glued together along their edges, they formed a small book, each pocket left open and accessible. The structure invites interaction. It asks to be filled.

How to Assemble the Pocket-Book

Take two envelopes and place them with the flap side facing up. Tuck the flap of one envelope into the body of the other, so that one flap is secured inside while the other remains extended. That remaining flap becomes your connector—it slides into the next envelope, whose flap will then extend outward in turn.

Continue this rhythm—tucking one, leaving one—until you’ve linked together as many envelopes as you like. To finish, simply glue the final flap to the envelope it meets.

What makes this structure especially satisfying is its flexibility. Because nothing is glued along the interior spine, the book isn’t fixed in size. It can grow. You can continue adding envelopes, extending the piece over time—an expandable object that evolves alongside whatever you choose to place inside it.

Why This Works

There’s something compelling about using envelopes this way—their original purpose lingers, but shifts. Instead of containing a single message, they become containers for many small ones. A scrap of paper, a stamped tag, a handwritten note—each addition becomes part of a layered narrative.

And that’s really what this project is about: not just making something, but making space. Space for collecting, for holding, for returning to.

It’s a small book, yes—but also a quiet archive of whatever you choose to keep.

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You get lots of great benefits as a club member, including a coupon for 25% off all regular collection stencils, a project and PDF from the artist, and an additional project by me that is for members only. So don’t delay!

Get more information about Stencil Club here
Stencil Club

I would love to see your work. Please tag me on Instagram — check out my IG

https://www.instagram.com/gluepaperscissors_/?hl=en

Kim Hamburg on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/kimhamburgart

Artist Jennifer Evans on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdoBz3l_piQ

A Valentine’s Day Box (and a Little Bingo Nostalgia)

💗Hi, I’m Kim Hamburg—a mixed media collage artist who uses stencils constantly in my work and who truly, deeply loves the color pink.

 💗 The February 2026 Three-Corner Bingo stencils immediately pulled me in, not just because of the subject, but because of how abstract and playful they are. The set includes a bingo card, dauber blobs, wooden buttons with Bingo numbers, and other mark-making elements that feel more like texture than illustration—and I love that.

They also took me straight back to my senior year of high school, when I played Bingo nearly every weekend at the Bandwagon Bingo Hall. I’d show up with my daubers and a ten-dollar bill, usually with my sister or a friend, ready for a fun night out. I never won a big prize, but I did win $25 now and then—and once, memorably, a fondue pot. It was simple and joyful, and it turned out to be a pretty great way to get through my senior year.

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I decided to make a Valentine's Day Box.  I kept the color palette small: pink, white, black, and red. Limiting my colors helps everything feel more intentional, and it lets the shapes and layers do the work. Pink leads the way here, with black adding contrast and helping the stencil marks really stand out.

Supplies:

February 2026 StencilClub, Three-Corner Bingo by Kristin Peterson

repurposed household box like a shoe box, or cereal box

Acrylic Paint

Paintbrush or spatula

Paper, book pages, scraps of painted paper, collage fodder

adhesive (glue stick, mod podge, PVA glue)

Optional:

Posca markers

Acrylic markers

Black Fine line marker

other ephemera

Start by finding a box around your house and removing any paper or labels so you’re working with a clean surface. This doesn’t need to be precious—just ready for layers.

Next, gather collage fodder that already feels Valentine-appropriate: scraps, bits of text, painted papers, and anything else that catches your eye. I also painted vintage book pages in my chosen colors. Once those dried, they became perfect surfaces for stenciling.

After the painted pages were fully dry, I stenciled over them using black paint. The Bingo designs really shine here—the dauber blobs, numbers, and grid shapes read as marks first and imagery second, which makes them incredibly versatile.

I didn’t aim for perfection. Some prints are bold, others are faint or slightly off, and that variation adds energy. I’m especially drawn to the circles, which repeat beautifully and create movement without feeling literal.

These pages aren’t meant to stay whole—they’re meant to be cut, layered, and partially hidden.

Collaging the Box

Once I had a stack of painted and stenciled papers, I began collaging directly onto the box. You can use almost any adhesive—glue sticks, spray adhesive, or Mod Podge all work well.

I used a diluted PVA glue mixed with a little gloss medium, which gives me time to move things around and dries with a soft sheen. I worked in layers, letting each one dry before adding more papers and stencil elements. That pause between layers helps everything feel intentional instead of rushed.

I kept adding shapes—especially circles—as the box evolved, letting repetition tie everything together.

I used a Posca Pen for adding details. I love adding dots!

Make It Yours

Valentine’s Day boxes are a tradition many of us remember from childhood—made to hold classroom valentines, notes, and small treats exchanged at school. They’re usually created from repurposed household items like shoeboxes or cereal boxes, decorated with whatever supplies are on hand, and meant to be playful rather than perfect. 

This project borrows that familiar idea and gives it a mixed-media, stencil-loving twist.In the end, this Valentine’s Day box can be anything you want it to be. A gift, a keepsake, or a place to hold notes or art supplies. You can add words, marks, or extra layers—or stop when it feels finished to you.

Three-Corner Bingo is only available to StencilClub Members who join by February 15th and will ship on that day.  You get lots of great benefits as a club member, including a coupon for 25% off all regular collection stencils, a project and pdf from the artist and an additional project by me that is for members only.  So don't delay!  

Get more information about StencilClub here! 

I would love to see your work.  Please tag me on Instagram Check out my IG

Facebook Kim Hamburg Facebook