Making picture frames is the quintessential craft for a good reason. Frames are fun to make, inexpensive, practical and make great gifts. You can revamp an ugly frame you already have, or buy a plain wood, cardboard or paper mache frame inexpensively at the craft store. Here are a few of my favorite techniques for decorating frames.
1. Paint and Pen Paint the picture frame with black acrylic paint or another dark color, like dark blue or dark purple. Let it dry completely. Now draw on designs or words with gel pens or metallic Sharpies. This craft is especially good for a group of people to give to someone. You can insert a group picture, and have everyone sign the frame.
2. Glitter Frame Glue rhinestones onto a frame. Let the glue dry completely. Spread more glue in all the blank space between the objects. Sprinkle on glitter and tap off the excess. A good glue for this purpose is Crafter’s Pick The Ultimate Super glue. It’s nontoxic, looks and spreads just like regular white glue but holds like super glue.
3. Novelty Frame This is a lot like number the Glitter Frame, but instead of rhinestones, glue on other objects like small plastic toys, coins, buttons or whatever fits your theme. For a frame for a halloween picture, I glued on little plastic skeletons and bats. Then I filled the spaces in with orange and black glitter.
4. Boa Frame Glue a feather boa around a frame for a fun, fancy look. You will need a good, thick glue. This technique works well to revamp an ugly frame you can’t paint over, or to disguise a cheap, skinny metal frame. I especially like to use these frames in a girls’ room with a picture of her friends in it.
5. Nature Frame A gift for a man is easy to make with a nature-themed frame. Glue small rocks, sticks, pressed leaves or other natural objects to a frame. Put in a picture of your man with that fish he caught last summer, and you’ve got a winning gift.