How to make Custom Frames !

How to make custom picture frames and paint them for  any occasion.


The other day, I was looking at professional  photos of families and friends and noticed some great picture frames  made with wood frames.

Here are some examples:

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had a great idea of using these in my classroom and wondered if I would make these.

 

 

So , I decided to be cheap and go find some old 16 X 20 wood picture frames and see if I could develop my idea.

 

 

I took off to the goodwill  store and sure enough I found several picture frames like this for  a couple of dollars each.

 

 

 

 

I got some of my milk carton poster board out from my roll at the paper mill paper mill donated to my school. You can even get some poster board from Wal-Mart or card stock of 22 x 24 at staples or Hobby Lobby.

 

 

 

I started with a glue gun, ruler or yard stick and pencil. These are my supplies.

 

 

I measured my sides and noticed each one was 16 x 20 inches.

 

I measured to rectangle pieces of  22 X 3 inches on the card stock or poster and I drew them on the card stock and then cut out.  This I did 6 times because I had three frames.

 

 

 

After I cut out the 22 x 3 inch rectangles I  took one side of the 22 inch length and made a swirl pattern. I used this pattern on all my 22 inch rectangles on one side.  I cut these designs out of the card stock and started on the smaller sides.

 

 

 

Next I took my poster board or card stock and made  3 rectangles

18 by 3 and 3 more 18 x 2.    I then made.different curved patterns on one side to create  an elaborate frame style. The thinner 2 inch rectangles will go on the bottom and the three inches will go on the top of the frame.

With each 18 x 3 inch rectangle I drew an elaborate curved point on the top to create a specific design for the top of my frame.

 

 

 

 

 

Notice the point at the bottom the picture is  upside down and would be placed at the top.

 

 

Also notice that each side I rounded off or cut with a curve to round off the frames

 

 

The easiest way to do this is to draw  one rectangle with  the curves on the one side and copy it on the other rectangles so they will be symmetrical.

 

Then you start gluing the card board or card stock on the wood frames with the glue gun.

 

Each end   of the card stock is cut with a curve. Then when you finish you will trim up the ends to match.

 

Remember always place the two inch rectangle on the bottom of your frame. This creates an optical image to draw the eyes to the center of the frame.

 

 

 

Last after you have everything glued  you can decided to paint what you like on your frames.

 

You can paint  polka dots, chevron, or just stripes on  your frames.

 

Also , you can paint Christmas themes , such as Christmas ornaments or lights.

These are great for Photos  and any occasion . You can reuse these custom frames over and over, Even create your own  versions.

So go for it and get your creative skills going.

Good luck and have fun.