[adinserter block=”1″]
Are you looking to add a personal touch to your photo display?
Making a DIY photo frame is a great way to showcase your personality through your home decor and give that extra care to your cherished memories.
Whether you want to make a tabletop photo frame or a hanging one, I’ll show you how to do it in this easy-to-follow tutorial.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner in crafting projects or whether you want to do this with your kids – this is a perfect project for all skill levels.
I’m doing a patchwork-style photo frame using origami paper and recycled delivery cardboard boxes. However, you can follow these steps with different materials to create unique photo frames.
More fun DIY photo projects:
Materials
- Cardboard/card stock
- Colorful paper
- Scissors/cutter
- Mod Podge/glue
- Tape
- Cutting mat
- Pencil
Process
Let me say that this is just one idea for a DIY photo frame. You can use wood instead of cardboard, paint the frame instead of covering it with paper, cover it with glitter, or make it out of paper mache. In short, the only limit is your imagination.
I’ll recycle cardboard boxes and do a patchwork-style photo frame using origami paper.
I’ll also show you how to finish it as a hanging frame or table-standing frame – which one you choose is up to you.
Step 1
Cut two pieces of cardboard of the same size. I’m cutting an Amazon package because I like to recycle or upcycle everything I have at home, but you can buy card stock instead if you prefer.
The size is completely customizable; you just need to consider that it’s bigger than the photo you want to frame. In my case, I’m cutting 6″ x 8″ rectangles because my photo is 4″ x 6″.
Step 2
On one of the cardboard rectangles, cut out a rectangle slightly smaller than your photograph’s size. This will serve as the window through which you will display your photograph.
Step 3
Now, prepare the paper you’ll use to do the patchwork. I’m using origami paper, but you can use any type or even fabric – just make sure you have different patterns and colors.
The standard size of origami paper is 7.5″ x 7.5″. I cut each one into 16 equal squares, so they are quite small. The size you use depends on the size of the frame and the final look you want.
Step 4
Next, cover the cardboard with Mod Podge or another liquid glue and paste on your paper squares.
Make sure you don’t paste the same color or pattern too close together. You can make a very neat design following vertical and horizontal lines. I prefer to add a little movement and paste some squares on a diagonal.
There really isn’t a right or wrong way to do this. Simply have fun and find a style that you like. If the Mod Podge dries before you finish, give it another coat.
Step 5
Once you’re happy with the result, give it a coat of Mod Podge. Remember that Mod Podge is both glue and sealer – so you can use the same product for the finishing coat.
There are glossy and mat types of Mod Podge – choose the one you like best.
Now, leave it to dry. Separate the frame from the surface before the Mod Podge dries. I’m using wax paper to protect my working area, but you can also use plastic or work directly on it if you don’t mind.
Step 6
Once the Mod Podge is dry, turn over the frame and start folding back and pasting all the paper that goes beyond the edges.
How Much Do You REALLY Know About Photography?! 🤔
Test your photography knowledge with this quick quiz!
See how much you really know about photography…
You can still use Mod Podge or glue for this step, but I find it easier to work with scotch or masking tape.
I left a few squares of paper unfolded to add a unique touch. You can also add other styling touches like stickers or dried flowers.
Step 7
Next, glue or Mod Podge three edges of the frame. Then, paste the other cardboard rectangle on top of it—this will be the back of the frame.
You must leave one of the sides without glue to slide the photos in and out of the frame.
Step 8
This step will turn your photo frame into a tabletop frame. If you prefer to do a hanged frame, please skip this step and go directly to step 9.
Now, for a tabletop photo frame, you need a back support. You need another piece of cardboard to do it – this should be a stripe, not a rectangle.
Make two folds on the cardboard, leaving the central part longer than the two outer segments.
Next, tape one of the sides to the back of your frame – the higher you put it, the more stable it will be. Lastly, cover the cardboard support with some colorful paper to give the back a clean look.
Now your standing photo frame is ready – you can disregard step nine.
Step 9
Alternatively, you can add a loop to the top if you want to make a hanging photo frame.
Since I’m working with very light materials, I can tape a ribbon to a piece of colorful cardboard, then tape the cardboard to the back of the frame to hide the tape and give it a clean look.
If your photo frame is heavier, you can use craft wire and secure it with hot glue.
[adinserter block=”1″]
Credit : Source Post