Picture Frame Crafts

The best type of frame to use is one with a flat, somewhat wide frame area, so you have a good surface on which to glue your decorations. This can be worked around, however, depending on what you are gluing on. Besides using what I have at home, I pick up inexpensive frames at thrift stores, dollar stores, flea markets, etc.

First, choose the theme for your picture frame crafts. Are you giving it away? Does the recipient have a favorite hobby, say golf? You can use a variety of golf tees, and even a golf ball, depending on the size of the frame. How about fishing? Try tackle, lures (remove the hooks), bobbers. And there's the sewing theme. Or a frame for an artist -- use old tubes of paint, brushes, etc., plus paint blobs like a palette. The sky is the limit.

This beaded frame, pictured on the top of the page, is a cinch to make. You may want a color scheme. Or not. You may want to have a variety of bead sizes, but not necessary. Do you have an old bracelet or necklace? If not, you can get them cheap at a garage sale or thrift store. If you're doing this with a group, have everyone bring something in, and share! You may want to glue on a pattern. Or just a delightful mass of different sized and colored beads around the frame. It's up to you!

You will need:

• Glue gun
• Old newspaper to spread under project
• Picture frame, any size, but 5x7 is very good to start with
• Variety of beads -- think of color and size
• Plastic container(s) for beads, by color and/or size
• Acrylic paint - optional, if you need to paint the frame first

You can even paint the frame in a color that contrasts with your beads. If you're making a frame for a special occasion such as an anniversary or wedding, you can paint the frame gold, silver, or white, and use the same color of beads - metallic gold, silver, or pearls. You can also hang a bauble from the bottom of the frame by a nylon "invisible" thread. Just tap a short nail into the bottom back of the frame, and hang it. These make very elegant frames.

There are many ways to use a frame besides for a photo. Take a look at some of the ideas below.

If you’re an artist, insert your own art instead of a photo. You may have made a watercolor, for instance, and only like a small area of it. Never throw away a partially good painting! Cut that area out and use it in a frame (like the one on the right). I do this all the time and people love them as gifts.

Do you have a grand child who makes art? These decorated frames are an excellent way to show off a favorite. When I was an art teacher, I was able to bring home many pieces of my students' work. My den was a gallery of their framed art. Many of the frames I painted and decorated to go with the art.

Or -- attach a square of fabric or wrapping paper onto the cardboard backing of the frame with spray adhesive, and smooth down from the center out, so it lays flat. This serves as a background. Over that, adhere a smaller piece of paper with a nice quote. Quotes can be cut out from a greeting card, done on your computer, or lettered by hand.

Or -- glue beads onto a hinged double frame, as in the instructions above. On one side of the frame put the picture from a favorite greeting card (or piece of art). On the other side put a favorite quote.

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