Because I'm out of commission for awhile with a bad wrist, I'm revisiting a repurposed window project. I hope it inspires you to do your own repurposed window project.
I recently finished (redid) a project that I started over a year ago. It had been hanging around my garage for way too long!
Easy Repurposed Window Project
Who knows where I got this window. It was old and dirty. I love the phrase “home sweet home” so I wanted to do that phrase, but I didn’t have a Silhouette or a Cricut.
Dismantle Reclaimed Window Hardware
I removed the window hardware. Sorry, I do not know the technical terms of what I removed. That metal flashing at the top was removed using channel locks.
TIP: Never throw away old window parts and components. It is okay to toss out the flashing, etc.
I also removed the metal parts on either side of the window. Your window may have an inset with ropes and or weights of some sort.
Tape Mirrored Image to Back of Window
After designing the phrase, I printed it with the "mirror" option and taped it to the underneath side of the window.
Because I don’t have pictures of the next step, I'll try to explain what I did. Using a paint pen, I traced the letters, then sort of colored them in. This is a good option if you don't have access to a vinyl transfer.
However, nowadays, you can pick up phrases at craft stores, or even the dollar stores.
Use Paint Pen to Trace Phrase
It didn’t look half bad, but I wasn’t all that pleased with it so I set it aside for over a year. Do you do that with projects?
Welcome to The Woods has an awesome tutorial for writing on windows.
Plan B - Add Vinyl Phrase to Repurposed Window Project
Fast forward a year, a summer that is too hot to be doing any outdoor projects. I gathered a couple of long lost projects and brought them into the house. This repurposed window project was up first.
With some warm soapy water and a razor blade, I scraped of the black paint pen “home sweet home”.
The window was white (ish) on one side and a dark gray on the other side. I would be using the white side of the window.
Layered Paint Technique
Using some Scotch Blue Painter’s tape to tape off the glass, I painted the window with a gray paint. I wanted it weathered, but not totally crackled.
I brushed on some Deco ART Weathered Wood in random spots on the repurposed window project. After it dried, I put some of Martha’s "Heavy Cream” on the window, but that was too stark. I added some more gray over the Heavy Cream. Layering new coats of paint is a great way to make a repurposed window look perfectly aged!
Home Sweet Home Repurposed Window Project
See all those layers of paint? You could easily achieve this with a newer window you have in your stash. So, I finally got a Silhouette machine and used it to cut my favorite phrase, Home Sweet Home.
How cute! I found this cute wooden flag at a peddler’s mall. Who knew the original hardware would come in so handy to hang this small americana flag? You could easily switch out the flag for a wreath, or any holiday decoration.
Do YOU have a favorite phrase? One that you are always drawn to when you’re looking at signs?
See More Window Ideas HereGail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking
I love that, you are so creative!
Suzanne@Meridian Road
I really like that! I love how the paint turned out, and I like that it's so versatile, too! I'll bet it's already gone. š
Full Circle Creations
Love it! Absolutely fabulous! It's great that you can change out the flag for other seasonal items! Great job. I have several windows that I wasn't sure what to do with and now you've inspired me, just like you always do! Thanks!
Holly
Good Time Charlie
That is fantastic. I love when projects come out better and different than what we originally intended. I know it is so overdone, but I have to proclaim, MOI was one of the 1st people to have this quote in her home as I am a huge admirer of Winston Churchill. "Keep Calm and Carry on". It just says it all, for whatever life throws at you.
Michelle James
Hi Gail,
Thanks for commenting on my blog. You said you tried to contact me via my email. You can reach me at mishi464@gmail.com. I cannot figure out how to change the email for blogger without having to renew everything and start over and the email that is linked to it does not exist anymore. Obviously I have some things to work out. LOL! If you can help with this issue, please tell me.
Michelle
Michelle James
This is awesome. I have always wanted to re-purpose an old window. Thanks for the inspiration. I am your newest follower and I love your blog.
Michelle
http://www.micheggy.blogspot.com
Korrie@RedHenHome
This looks great! Worth the wait. š I don't know that I have a favorite phrase/quote, but I do love anything to do with home, family, or children! Tugs at those heartstrings, I guess!
Rhonda Perry Maynor
Awesome job...looks great. Have you seen the cabinets they are making and using old windows as the doors..too cute..
Cora
This turned out really cute! Love that you can change out the top decorative piece!
Two Dollars
I really like the idea of hanging the flag or wreath or even a family photo from the original hardware!
-Stefanie
2ndChanceCreations.etsy.com
Katie
It turned out so cute Gail! It almost looks like old, weathered barnwood! Looks great on the fence!
Suzanne
I can see why it was put in the window. So versatile with the hook. It's definitely a keeper -- I would have had a hard time putting it up for sale! Wish I lived closer so I could snatch it up!
Cynthia
This looks so great! I love old window projects!
Terri
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this! You are right...I can see switching out the flag for every different holiday, year round. Brilliant!
Shannon
super cute!!
I really love the paint job on it too. I haven't heard of the weathered paint you used... I think I need some! š
Amanda Mac
I love the window! I wish I could get my hands on some like that. My MIL used windows from her grandparents' home to make us girls faux stained glass windows. It was pretty cool.
Megan
That is darling, I need a kick in the pants to finish some of my garage projects too š It's too hot!
Granny
The window looks fabulous and was probably sold before you got back home. I love that you hung the little sign from the original locking mechanism.
Who "NEW" Creations
Cute window, good job. Not familiar with the aging paint you used. How does it work different from crackle finish. My hubby used old weathered boards to frame around an old window. I dry brushed the entire project with white. Easy! Painted the glass with flowers. Love old windows!
imsteelefullofscrap
Love your window!!!
Tattered & Timeless
Looks wonderful. I'm surprise the store didn't just buy it for themselves..
tammy
Tattered & Timeless
Looks wonderful. I'm surprise the store didn't just buy it for themselves..
tammy
Susan @ homeroad.net
Gail I love this.. you're right, you could change the flag to fit every holiday.. š great job.
Susan
Sue
So pretty Gail. I bought to window frames without glass earlier in the Spring. They where already sanded, maybe I should just tackle them!
Have a wonderful day,
Sue
Toqua's Crafts
I LOVE your window! I was recently reminded of a couple of phrases I really like.
"Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your kids."
"I asked God for strength, he gave me difficulties to make me strong!"