This has been a no-money-in-the-bank kind of year. It was our first year of being really, really, really broke. It is stressful but also full of little lessons. Kyle and I work great together in challenging times... it's one of the things I love most about our relationship. I decided to make Kyle something special for Christmas that would remind us that, even though we don't have money, we are beyond fortunate. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, this would be a great, inexpensive gift. The whole thing cost $30.
Supplies:
frame (I bought this 16x20 Ribba frame with matte from Ikea for $20)
posterboard (30 cents each)
1 tube Acrylic paint ($7)
felt pen
wet wipes or a damp paper towel
Directions:
Step 1: Lay your posterboard over the frame. Use your pencil to mark where the edge of the painting will be (where it goes under the matte) to make sure it your painting fits within the frame. Trim the excess with scissors if needed.
Step 2: Use the felt tip pen to write your words onto the plastic wrap that covers your frame. Use wet wipes to erase it until you get the spacing and style the way you want it.
Step 3: Copy the words/spacing onto the posterboard gently with the pencil. Put a bit of paint into a jar or on a small plate. Using the paintbrush practice a few times on a spare peice of paper or posterboard. When you are confident, paint over the pencil writing on the posterboard. Allow to dry completely before carefully erasing any visible pencil marks. 
Step 4: Wipe the pen from the frame wrap, then remove the wrapping and discard it. Frame your words. Wrap in gift wrap and write a lovely note.
That's it! It's really easy and budget friendly.
For this project, I was inspired by this DIY from A Beautiful Mess, this one from Oh Happy Day, and this room decor from Amanda Johnson.
