Craft Ideas Using Old Picture Frames

Learn how to craft old picture frames into useful items, that require very little time and money. Learn how to turn those picture frames into works of art or charming trays. You can use picture frames that you have on hand or visit your local thrift stores or garage sales for a great deal. Just follow the easy steps below to craft beautiful accessories for your home.

Picture Frame Serving Tray
Materials: A good size wood picture frame with glass, sandpaper, acrylic craft paint or latex paint (any color) , paint brush, fabric, felt, chalk or pen, scissors, craft glue, 2 cabinet or drawer pulls, screw driver, and clear cement glue.

Directions: Before you begin this craft project, be sure to cover your work surface with newspaper or plastic. Carefully remove the glass and the cardboard back from the picture frame and set it aside for now. Use the sandpaper to lightly sand the wood frame. Take a soft cloth and wipe away any dust particles. Apply a coat of paint to the frame and let it dry.

While the frame is drying, lay your fabric with the back side facing up on the table and place the cardboard backing on top. Use the chalk to draw around the cardboard, adding an extra inch on each side. Remove the cardboard and cut along the line that you drew.

Now lay the cut fabric on the table again with the back side facing up and center the cardboard on top. Take the craft glue and run a bead around the edge of the cardboard, than fold the fabric over the edge and press the fabric in place. Be sure to fold the corners neatly. Now cut a piece of felt the exact size of the cardboard and glue it on the back, this will hide the fabric edge and give the bottom of the tray a finished look.

Check to see if the paint on the frame has dried. Apply another coat, if needed. After the frame is completely dry, attach the cabinet pulls to the narrow sides of the wood frame.These will be the handles, to carry your serving tray.

Make sure to clean the glass, then place it into the frame. Now place the covered cardboard on top of the glass with the fabric facing the glass. Use the original frame nails or staples to hold everything in place. Run a bead of cement glue (or heavy duty adhesive) around the inside of the picture frame and allow it to dry. This will make the tray more durable.

Use the serving tray to serve your guests or use it to display a tea set, small framed photos or treasured mementos.

Hints: To craft a vanity tray instead of a serving tray, follow the steps above, except use a smaller picture frame and omit the handles.

Wall Art
Materials: A picture frame with glass, a t-shirt ( with a design or logo), tacks, scissors and craft glue.

Directions: Carefully remove the glass and the cardboard back from the picture frame. Now lay the t-shirt out smooth with the design facing up. Insert the cardboard backing inside of the t-shirt and position the design in the center, insert a tack into each corner to hold the design in place.

Using the scissors, cut around the cardboard, leaving an inch of fabric on each side. Now flip the cardboard over carefully, so not to disturb the placement of the t-shirt. Take the craft glue and run a bead around the edge of the cardboard, than fold the fabric over the edge and press the fabric in place. Make sure that the corners are neatly folded.

Next, make sure the frame and the glass have been cleaned. Now insert the cardboard with the t-shirt art facing down. Push the original nails or staples, back in place to hold everything together. Now hang your work of art on the wall.

I hope you enjoy these craft projects for giving new life to old picture frames!