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It dropped another five degrees today which means another chance to use around-the-house items to add some fall lovin’ to our newly painted upstairs (more on that later this week.)

The end result was three, texture-licious frames in yummy fall colors straight from the pantry and recycling bin.

Want to make your own?

To make these frames you’ll need:

(Edited to add: I’ve gotten a few emails about lentils. You can find them next to the rice or in the bulk food section of your grocery store. They run $0.60 – $1.25 / lb.)

As always I hope you’ll rock what ya got and make this look work for you without a trip to the store.

I made simple, three-layer frames from {unused} pizza boxes and wood glue …

… and covered the raw edges with paper scraps for a nice, clean edge.

Frames got a quick coat of paint in the closest color I had to my lentils using my nicest fountain drink palette and a foam brush …

… just to make sure none of that cardboard showed through.

Craft wire was wrapped around the frames to make a simple hanging loop for the back.

Frames were propped up on some cans and a thick coat of white school glue was applied with a cheapie foam brush. More is more here, people. Don’t skimp. Lentils were gently poured on in a thick layer and pressed carefully in place. Do NOT shake off the extra until the glue has dried several hours.

The sides of the frame were covered the same way after the top had thoroughly dried. Pictures and mats were taped in place. Easy. Quick. Done.

Love the texture, but not the color?

No biggie.

I loved—LOVED—the orange lentil frame, but hated it with my living room wall color. Boo. {Maybe I’ll have to make another one for Halloween.}

So I just painted over it. A little copper craft paint and the problem was solved.

Much better match up against those grey walls.

Love.

A few THRIVE tips to save you some headaches:

1. If you’re painting your lentil frame, spray paint is easiest. But if craft paint is all you got, thin it down to make it flow like a glaze. I went with 3 parts paint, 1 part water, 1 part white glue and it worked great.

2. Don’t touch your frame for several hours while the lentils are drying. Don’t shake off the extra. Don’t move it. Leave the dang thing alone. Seriously. If you move or shake off the extra too soon, you’ll get a really thin, spotty layer. See?

3. If you skimped on the glue and/or ignored tip #2 — don’t worry. Mix 2 parts glue + 1 part water and pour it over your frame, spreading gently with a foam brush. Then recoat with a thick coat of lentils and let it dry over night before shaking off the excess.

Happy straight from the pantry fall crafting!