DIY: Creating One of a Kind Frames for Under $25

It's easy to create one of a kind photo frames to show off your precious memories. The good thing is that decorating photo frames is an inexpensive and fun project. In fact, it's so simple, you can involve the youngest of children. First of all, you will need to assemble your materials. For frames, check out area garage sales, where you can buy frames sometimes less than a dollar, or dig up some old frames gathering dust in your basement. Make sure that your recycled frames are clean. If you do not have old frames lying around, you can buy new, undecorated ones at craft shops. Michael's sells inexpensive wood frames for only $1.

Next, you will need proper adhesive. The correct adhesive will depend on the materials you will be using. You may need to assemble a wide range of fastening methods. These include wood and fabric glues, Elmer's glue, staples, or a glue gun. For the well-skilled craftsman, spray adhesive is a wonderful tool, especially for paper products. It covers areas smoothly. I would recommend not using spray adhesive if you are a crafting neophyte, as it can be messy.

You should also assemble your decorations. For the frame background, you can use any paper product (wrapping paper, newspaper, magazines, etc.) or fabric samples and scraps. Once the frame has been covered, you can attach smaller items with a glue gun. These could be such things as shells, buttons, jewels, dried flowers, mementos, etc.

In my illustrations, I have decided to cover a frame with a scrap of material left over from a chair we had reupholstered. (I also used some of the larger scraps to make matching pillows.) This fabric was very heavy, so I had to employ more aggressive means to secure it to the frame. Following is the method I used:

Step 1. Position your frame over your background. Using a marker, outline the outer edge of the frame, as well as the inner edge.

Step 2. Cut out the fabric, leaving a one inch hem around the outside edge. Cut out the inner hole, leaving a one-quarter inch margin around the opening. Cut a small slit in each corner, from the hem to the corner of the frame.

Step 3. Place your adhesive on the outside of the frame, using the manufacturer's recommended means for doing so. (I used a wood-fabric adhesive for this project.)

Step 4. Position the fabric background to the frame. Smooth over completely, making sure that contact is made between the fabric and frame. Turn over frame. Place adhesive on the narrow margin of the inside opening, and press fabric to inside. (You may have to use staples in the corners, as I did, for very thick fabric.)

Step 5. Once frame is dry, attach other items to outside of frame using hot glue gun.

Total cost for this project: $1 for frame. Glue, fabric and photo were already at hand.

After your frame is complete, add photo and enjoy!

(Just a tip: if you want to work your way up to using fabrics, I would recommend starting with paper.)