How To Make a Picture Frame

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Last edited 5 months ago

Got a picture without a good picture frame? No problem! Keep on reading and you'll surprise yourself with a wonderful frame in your hand without knowing how it came there!

Step 1

Take a large piece of cardboard. Cut it out in the shape and size of the frame you want. Note: You can also take ideas from other frames.

Step 2

Draw (with a pencil or a felt-pen) a shape in the middle of the card-board. This is to be the "hole" through which you can see your picture.

Step 3

Cut it out, but make sure that the "hole" is slightly smaller (eg. 2.3cm) than the picture itself.

Step 4

Color the whole thing, back and front. Remember to color both sides the same color(s).

Step 5

Tape a clean film of plastic wrap over the hole. This is to protect the picture when it is inside and to make it look glossy.

Step 6

Paste some PVA glue on the edges of the picture (in front) and glue it on the back of half-finished frame. Remember: the front should be shown. (See "Warning" number 1)

Step 7

Take another piece of cardboard and glue it over the back of the picture.

Step 8

After it has all dried, take a very thick piece of cardboard and cut a stand-shaped rectangle. Fold one end and glue it on the back of the frame and color.

Tips

Try doing random and crazy shapes when you're doing step 2. This makes the frame look a lot different than those formal frames you see at the mall.
When making the stand, its best if you take another stand from a real frame, trace it on a piece of paper, cut the paper out and use that a guide to make your stand.
See Make a Sticking out Picture for some ideas on the decoration of your frame.
Color the extra cardboard at the back of the frame and the stand different color(s) for some decoration.

Warnings

In step 5, some people might accidentally paste the glue at the back of the picture. When they paste it on, only the back of the picture can be seen. Be careful when you're doing this. Paste on the front!
Be careful when using glue. You might cover your fingers with it. Wash your hands well after finishing.