We're Going Beagles!
Learn how to create charming DIY beagle decor using upcycled items and vintage photos. Personal, playful, and full of character—this dog-lover’s craft project is perfect for a cottage-style home.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—when we grow tired of our home décor, our first instinct is often to shop. I’m a little embarrassed to admit I used to be someone who did just that. Maybe not as often as some of my friends, but I’d still convince myself that buying something new would make me feel better about our home.
Shame on Cara, right?
But these days, I see things differently. Instead of heading out to shop, I head to our basement, attic, or garage. I look at what we already have and ask myself, “What can I turn this into?” It’s become a personal challenge—and one I’ve actually grown to love. Nothing beats the feeling when a friend comes over and says, “Ooh, is that new?” And I get to smile and say, “Nope, it just got a little update.”
That’s exactly what happened when a few frames snowballed into a full-on vignette refresh, and a clock became so dramatic. It was high time to put on my creative thinking cap and see what else I could whip up.
Going All In on Beagles
You may remember our pencil holder in the phone nook—it’s had a few different looks over the years. Well, out went the rabbit, and in came more Beagles. When I pick a theme, I tend to go all in. Beagle overload? Maybe. But as a dog lover, I’m not even sorry.
On a whim, I browsed the Library of Congress digital archives and stumbled across the most delightful black and white photo of a gentleman walking with his beagles in tow. Be still my heart. I printed it off and got straight to work transforming a simple tin can into something that felt both charming and—dare I say—British?
Black chalk paint, a few swipes of antique gold Rub ‘n Buff, and suddenly, our humble tin can was dressed to the nines. It now holds our pens, pencils, and sometimes paintbrushes by the phone, proudly standing in its updated glory. Who knew a recycled can could look so upscale?
A Wood Block, a Vintage Photo, and a Lantern
But I didn’t stop there. I printed another vintage black and white photo, this time featuring two women and—you guessed it—more Beagles. I wasn’t exactly sure what I’d do with it, but a quick trip to the garage (aka treasure trove) turned up a stack of wood in the corner. Covered in cobwebs, yes—but promising all the same.
I pulled it out and decided to use it as a base for my next creation. This time, I didn’t hang it on the wall. Instead, I nestled it right inside a vintage decorative lantern that’s become a staple in our dining room display. The result? A charming little scene with a touch of nostalgia and plenty of dog-loving whimsy.
Here’s how I did it, in case you’d like to make your own version at home.
DIY Vintage-Inspired Beagle Photo Block
Materials:
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Scrap wood (square, rectangle, or whatever shape you prefer)
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Vintage black and white print of your choice
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Small paintbrush
Instructions:
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Clean the wood.
Mine had definitely spent some time in the garage. Spiderwebs and all. I wiped it down and made sure it was free of dust and debris. Sand the wood. The wood had a few burs, so I hand sanded down the wood block to prevent splinters.
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Apply Mod Podge.
Brush a coat of Mod Podge onto the front of the wood block and allow it to dry completely. This is key for the transfer process. -
Prep your print.
While the Mod Podge dries, cut your printed vintage photo to size. I like to rub a little antique gold Rub ‘n Buff along the edges of the photo using my finger. (The warmth of your hand softens the product and gives you better control.) -
Position your photo.
Once the Mod Podge is dry, place your image face up on the block. Put a piece of wax paper over the top and use a hot iron (no steam) to press the image firmly onto the wood. Pay special attention to the corners. -
Paint the sides.
I painted the sides of the block with black chalk paint to give it a clean, finished look. Since this was laminate wood from a previous cabinet project, I didn’t want the edges showing through. -
Add drama (optional).
I loved how the sides looked, so I went ahead and painted the front of the block black too—carefully working around the image so the paint didn’t ruin the transfer. I let everything dry thoroughly. -
Detailing.
Once dry, I ran Rub ‘n Buff around the wood edges for a refined, high-end look. Then I got playful and painted over the beagles’ leashes in the photo—because in my imagination, they’re walking with gold chain leashes. (Though if they were anything like our Bentley, those chains wouldn’t last two minutes.) -
Style as you like.
You could add a hanger to the back, but I kept mine freestanding for now—perfect for nestling into different displays. Plus, who knows? I may flip it over in the future and create a reversible piece.
Don't Forget to Pin for Later!
Why Beagle Decor? Why Not!
Are you loving the Beagle theme? Or am I just a softie for dogs? Either way, I find it comforting. Every dog we’ve ever had has been part of the family. And these vintage photos? They make me smile. If you’re passionate about a particular breed, search for vintage advertisements or public domain images of your favorite pooch and print them out. Instant charm, low cost, and a heartfelt nod to your furry companions.
Styling the Display
So where did this latest Beagle piece end up? Right inside a vintage lantern perched on our dining room bench. That bench has had quite the journey—from the kitchen back door (for easy shoe removal), to the front door, to the hallway, and now beside our old-fashioned phone nook. It’s not the most practical spot, but for now, it works.
I placed an oversized lantern on the bench, added a black and white scarf beneath it to protect the wood, then styled it with antique books, the new Beagle decor block, a Baby Ben clock, and a vintage movie camera.
In my mind? The camera captured the Beagles that day. The clock nearby? It represents time, I wonder how much time has passed since this photo was taken, and the stories tucked away in those old photographs. A string of gold Christmas beads adds just enough sparkle and ties everything together with a whimsical nod.
Above the bench, I added a floppy hat for a Kentucky Derby touch (since it was just last weekend), and a basket of flowers with a black-and-white bow to carry the look across the wall. Under the bench sits a copper boot tray, a vintage tin, and a glass insulator. The camera’s leather case found its new home inside an old light cover, and a milk glass cake stand holds another vintage camera, and black and white photo. Yes, I’m definitely a maximalist.
But here’s the thing—I like to see my treasures. Why keep them hidden in a box or hidden in an attic unseen? My husband’s great aunt had a house filled top to bottom with antiques, and while it was overwhelming, I still remember how alive her home felt.
Ours may not be quite as packed, but I enjoy weaving old pieces into our everyday spaces—whether it’s a family heirloom or a flea market find.
Crafting a Home You Love
Home décor doesn’t have to be expensive. Sometimes it’s just a tin can, a piece of scrap wood, and a photo you fell in love with online. With a little imagination and a few supplies, you can create something that’s meaningful, stylish, and entirely your own.
I hope today’s DIY project inspires you to look at your home—and your stash—in a new way. You don’t need to shop to fall in love with your space again.
Have a favorite breed? A meaningful photo? A story waiting to be displayed? I'd love to hear how you're adding personal touches to your home.
Until next time, my friends—go give that junk drawer or garage corner a second look. You never know what treasures are waiting to be made.
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| Dramatic Clock Makeover |
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| Transform Old Frames with Rub-n-Buff |
Ciao,
Cara
