Back in January of this year, I was thrifting at my local Habitat ReStore and spotted a rotating photo frame that was in excellent condition. I put the frame in my cart and filed away this Christmas idea for a later time…and finally, FINALLY, that time is now. I would use it to display some of my vintage Christmas postcards!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And yes, my love of vintage Christmas cards is well documented. Remember how I upcycled this vintage snowshoe?
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
But back to the task at hand. I just love a vintage postcard, and Christmas versions (especially with Santa) are a particular favorite of mine.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And since I had no intention of altering my postcards (cutting, Mod-Podging, etc.), my “new” spinning frame would be perfect. It’d keep them safe and sound, and perfectly displayed!
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Creating a Display for Vintage Christmas Postcards
First things first, I dismantled the rotating photo frame. That way, I could wipe it all down (and clean the glass panes with Windex) before painting.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Next, I set up my spray painting station outside to paint the wooden portions of the rotating photo frame. I chose a bright Kelly green that would set off nicely against my vintage Christmas postcards.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And I should note that, while not pictured, I sanded down the actual frames and center piece a tad, just to help the paint adhere better.
Once the paint had dried overnight, I cleaned the glass plates and re-gathered everything. Including the vintage Christmas postcards that I intended on displaying in the frame!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Next, I set each vintage postcard (back to back) between two plates of glass, and then slipped the glass into each frame.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Now, I will mention that because postcards are thicker than photos, it was a tight squeeze from time to time. So, if you recreate a similar project, you may want to consider scanning and color printing vintage Christmas cards or postcards to streamline the process.
Displaying Vintage Christmas Postcards in a Rotating Photo Frame
And that was it! I had a wonderful way to display my vintage Christmas postcards!
I also love that it’s interactive- people can spin the photo frame to see all the vintage Christmas cards inside.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A multi photo frame displaying vintage Christmas postcards would be a nice variation on a tabletop tree, wouldn’t it? And each card is protected from prying fingers or curious cats (I’m not mentioning names…Cottonball!).
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you can’t find a picture frame to display your postcard collection, though, don’t fret! There are plenty of other ways to create vignettes with them.
For instance, I used some vintage shoe shine brushes and scrub brushes to prop them up.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
You could also achieve the same thing with vintage flower frogs, as well (the spiky kind).
If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for vintage Christmas decor, then you may also be interested in this retro Christmas wreath I made with a plastic cookie tray!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Plus, don’t forget- my first book, “Crafting with Flannel”, has an entire chapter dedicated to Christmas crafts! You can purchase it online from Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
First, you had a great find. Then, you painted it and used it in an unusual way. I’m going to keep this in mind. Hopefully, I will find a picture frame set like you did! It’s quite attractive!
Thank you so very much!! Hard to believe it’s my last Christmas project until late next year. Merry Christmas to you!
If you check out eBay, there are several nice spinning picture frames, none like hers, but very nice and usable, maybe you could find one
Fantastic makeover and such a creative idea. I have never seen one of these carousels before. Marvelous way to keep displaying the prettiest of the cards received!
Thank you, Carole!!
Wow! What a beautiful job you did-LOVE it!
Thanks so much, Laura!
Oh, I love this!! I totally would have left that behind, you are so creative!!
Tania
Thank you, Tania!!
This is such a great idea! I’m a sucker for Victorian Christmas Cards too and ornaments with vintage Santa’s. Love this idea and guess what I’ll be looking for during my thrift store haunts in 2017.
LOL, thank you so much!! Merry Christmas, Marie!
LOVE this fabulous idea and your awesome results! I love Victorian postcards, too so yes, I will also be looking for one of these cool gizmos in my local thrift stores! BTW, I also LOVE the green colour you selected! Nice change from all of the red! Brilliant!
Thank you so very much!!
What a great idea. Thank You for sharing. I love vintage post cards.
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Marilyn
Thank you, Marilyn!! Merry Christmas to you! 🙂
OVER the top this time!! LOVE it! 😉
Thanks, Brenda!!
Good Morning Sarah! Your spinning picture frame idea is SUPERB! I absolutely love what you did and sure hope that hubby and I will be lucky enough to come across one or two of these (great gift for my parents idea…who have everything). I also think you chose the right color, it does so make you think of a spinning Christmas tree. Thank you for another brilliant idea! Have a fantastic creative day!
Thank you so very much, Brenda!
This is adorable!
Thank you, Angie!!
Love this idea and I will be looking for a photo carousel for displaying some of my vintage post cards. Thank you for sharing your clever idea with us at Vintage Charm.
Thank you so much, Sharon!
I’ve left you a very long message on your feature this weekend on DIY Salvaged Junk 360… I think you should consider what I said! 🙂 LOVE this, girl.
Great idea! I also struggle to display my post cards. I have vintage postcard holders and my husband has made me some stained glass ones but this one is fantastic. I will now have to find one.
Thanks, Sheryl!
I love this Christmas Postcard Carousel!! You are so creative!! Is the paint actually called Kelly green or is it called something else? Would you mind sharing the exact paint color name/color number please so that I can buy the exact color that you used? Also, could you please tell me what the gray/red Rust-oleum tool that is shown in your photo is used for? Thank you so much!
It is called Meadow Green and the Rustoleum tool is a trigger handle (prevents carpel tunnel/wrist pain from spray painting).
Aww this is soooo cute! What a fun way to show off your favorite Christmas cards, and the color is perfect! Love!!!
Thank you, Linda!