The holidays are upon us and my shopping has officially begun! Are you like me and need a few more gift ideas? Yes, I’m struggling! But I do have one gift idea that you can make yourself and you can customize it for anyone on your list. I’ll show you how you can turn an everyday simple frame into a unique photo or art display. Include a beautiful photo or artwork – or my hand painted calendar – with your frame and make it even more special!
All you need to make this repurposed frame is:
- 8×10″ frame in any color or finish you choose
- a piece of fabric that coordinates with the frame – approximately 11×14″
- a piece of coordinating ribbon – approximately 11″ long
- metal bulldog clip
- glue gun
- scissors
And here are the steps:
Take apart the frame and recycle the glass.
Use the back panel as your backing and trim your fabric so it’s approximately 1 or 2″ larger around all edges. Here’s where you can vary the style of the frame and fabric for the different people on your list.
Wrap the fabric around the backing and hot glue it onto the opposite side of the backing. I found it was best if I did the opposite edges first (top then bottom; left then right), pulling the fabric tight as I glued. For the corners, it worked best when I trimmed a notch out of each corner before I glued each side.
When all sides are glued, cut a piece of ribbon a few inches longer than the width of the backing and glue it onto the frame backing. Be sure to leave enough room so that your 5 x 7″ picture or art will fit below it. Wrap the ribbon around the left and right edges and glue it to the back.
Next, attach a bulldog clip to the center of the ribbon with the hot glue. You can find these clips at any office supply store or you can order them online here.
If you want to add fabric to the backing this gives the piece a nice finished look but isn’t necessary.
Now, just reassemble the frame (without the glass) and it’s ready for display!
You can add your favorite photo or artwork.
This repurposed frame goes great with my 2016 watercolor calendar! Put them together and you’ve got a perfect holiday gift solution for almost anyone on your list! Bonus – the calendar comes with a bulldog clip too! So you can use it to make your repurposed frame. The calendar is available for sale in my Etsy shop. Click here to order. Then get going on repurposing those frames – and your holiday shopping will be underway! Enjoy!
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