Upcycle, See the difference a little paint will make #TrashToTreasure

A few weeks ago I was out hitting a few yard sales, when I drove past a yard sale with a LARGE picture sitting off to the side of the yard.  It was old, worn, kind of dirty and had some water damage.  BUT something about it was just awesome… it totally reminded me of our trip to France and the buildings there.  I loved it, but in its current state it really looked more like junk than art. Oh and did I mention it smelled weird.I hate to haggle or try and get things for a lower price ( yes I know shocker, but I hate to try and negotiate prices).  I did not know if I would even hang it in my house, so I did not want to spend a lot on it.  Sure I MIGHT be able to fix it up to look nice, but WHAT was my hubby going to say when he sees this massive old junky painting….What should I do?  So I mustered up the courage and asked the gal how much she wanted for the painting, (side note, I HATE it when people do not put prices on things at a yard sale).  She then said, “what do you want to give me for it”   again WHY, just give me a price. SO I told her I will give her $2 for it.  She then came back at $5 I shook my head and started to walk away…. after all the thing did smell weird :).  She quickly said, “Ok I will take $2”.

So then I put this HUGE thing in my van, only for my kids to look at it and say, “MOM why did you by an old smelly painting”.  Oh crud, the questions have already begun, what am I going to tell my husband.  MUCH to my surprise he liked it to,  but agreed it was kinds of old and junky.
I only spent $2 on it so I figured it was not a huge loss if I messed it up.  First goal was to wash it down with a damp cloth and get the moth ball smell off it. I was surprised how much dirt I was able to get off it too.  Seconds step was to paint the frame, I hopped this would brighten it up and update it some.  I used Acrylic Paint, and  large brush to dry brush it on to the wooden frame.  This allowed some of the wood grain to still show.I ended up LOVING the finish product…. It still is old and worn but I love the update.  Best $2 I have spent in a long time.