Turn Recycled Art into Typography Signs

DIY Typography Signs from Cast-Off Art (Trash to Treasure Tuesday)

I didn’t mean to, but I accidentally revisited an old decorating phase for this month’s Trash to Treasure Tuesday project. Each month I team up with four creative blogger friends to upcycle thrifted or yard-sale finds. This time, instead of hunting other people’s cast-offs, I dug through my own donation pile and pulled out a pair of wine-themed prints I picked up when Robert and I first got married.

A while back I transformed a thrift-store tray with a nearly identical burgundy wine motif. There’s nothing wrong with burgundy wine graphics, but that style isn’t really my current aesthetic. Lately I’ve been crushing on typography art, so I decided to convert these outdated prints into simple, rustic word signs. The result feels fresh, neutral, and a lot more “me.”

Supplies used (brand names included where helpful):

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Coco
Annie Sloan Dark Soft Wax
Chip brush
Clean, lint-free rag
Computer and inkjet printer
Parchment printer paper (4 sheets)
Scissors
Mod Podge (matte)
Sponge applicator brush

I started by giving both frames a thorough dusting — they really needed it. Then I applied two generous coats of the Coco chalk paint with a chip brush, making sure the paint covered the original finish evenly. Once the paint was dry, I worked in small sections to apply the dark soft wax with the chip brush, immediately wiping it back with a clean rag. This quick-swipe-and-wipe technique gives the frames a subtle, weathered wood appearance that reads rustic without looking distressed on purpose.

I love this waxing method because it’s versatile — it works on trays, furniture, shelving, and accessories. I’ve used similar techniques on an industrial-style laundry hamper, an office supply organizer, and a seasonal terrarium. It’s an easy way to add depth and age to painted surfaces without heavy distressing.

After the wax cured, I printed the typography on parchment printer paper. I created two simple designs — one reading “Start Each Day” and the other, “Today Is a Good Day” — and sized them to fit the frames. If you’d like to recreate the same look, printable versions of those phrases are available in my project resources.

To adhere the prints, I brushed a thin, even coat of matte Mod Podge across the picture area of each frame, then smoothed the parchment into place. I used the edge of a credit card to press out air bubbles and ensure full contact. For the exposed edges where the paper didn’t quite meet the frame, I cut narrow strips of blank parchment and Mod Podged those down so the paper looked continuous. When the under layer of glue dried, I applied a sealing coat of Mod Podge over the top to protect the paper.

I’d actually printed those same messages earlier this summer for glass-front frames, but the parchment on painted frames looks even better — more textured and rustic. Rustic finishes tend to play nicely with neutral palettes and give a cozy, handcrafted feel that’s easy to layer into a room’s decor.

Best part? This makeover cost me nothing since the frames were already in my donation box. Upcycling like this is a quick, budget-friendly way to update seasonal decor or fill wall space without buying new pieces. Even small swaps — paint, wax, and a printed phrase — can transform sentimental but dated items into something fresh and useful.

Do you notice the wooden shelves peeking in the background? We’re nearly ready to reveal that space — once bad weather, illnesses, and a busy family calendar stop slowing us down. In the meantime, small projects like these are great for keeping momentum and adding new layers to our home as we finish the larger updates.

If you want to recreate similar typography art from cast-off frames, here are a few tips: choose a neutral paint color, use dark wax sparingly for a natural age, print on parchment paper for texture, and seal with Mod Podge for durability. These small details create a handcrafted, cohesive look that pairs well with rustic, farmhouse, or modern farmhouse decor.

I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for frames like these at thrift stores from now on — they’re ideal candidates for simple typography makeovers. Pin this project for later inspiration or use it as a starting point for your own upcycle. Small creative changes can make sentimental items feel new again.

Below are the other thrift-to-treasure makeovers from my Trash to Treasure friends — beautiful before-and-afters that are worth checking out for more inspiration:

Prodigal Pieces | Confessions of a Serial Do-It-Yourselfer | Girl in the Garage | Artsy Chicks Rule