How to Make Miniature Frames

These easy to make frames are suitable for wall hanging, or if you so choose you may adapt them for display on a table or shelf. In the interest in clarity, I've included all steps for each frame, though most use many of the same steps with a few variations between them.

Ribbon Frame (Top row, first frame pictured)

What You Will Need:

Ribbon - either fabric or gift wrap or curling ribbon will do (I used a holographic gift wrap ribbon on mine)
Glue, tape, or clear mounting squares (found in the scrapbook aisle of most stores)
Scissors
Photo
Cardstock or thin cardboard

How To Make It:

1. Locate a photo you would like to use. This could be a printable or a photo of your own. I used the index print photos that came with my film developing for the frames in the photo.

2. Tape the photo to a piece of cardstock or thin cardboard. Place the photo on the cardboard with enough room to tape your ribbon around the edge (I used scrapbook mounting squares to tape my photos with.)

3. Cut the ribbon to size to fit around the photo. Glue or tape it in place. (Again, I used the mounting squares for this step.)

4. Cut the cardstock or cardboard so that you have only the ribbon and the photo showing.

5. All done! If you want to hang by a wire or string tape or glue a thin wire or string to the back of the picture. If you wish to display on a table or shelf you can add a 'stand' to the back made out of cardstock or thin cardboard. Glue or tape it in place.

Toothpick Frame (Top row, second frame pictured)

What You Will Need:

Toothpicks in assorted colors. Flattened toothpicks fit better than rounded, but rounded would work as well.
Glue, tape, or clear mounting squares (found in the scrapbook aisle of most stores)
Scissors or craft knife
Photo
Cardstock or thin cardboard

How To Make It:

1. Locate a photo you would like to use. This could be a printable or a photo of your own. I used the index print photos that came with my film developing for the frames in the photo.

2. Tape the photo to a piece of cardstock or thin cardboard. Place the photo on the cardboard with enough room to tape your toothpicks around the edge (I used scrapbook mounting squares to tape my photos with.)

3. Snip the tapered ends off of the toothpicks with either a craft knife or scissors. Cut the toothpicks to size to fit around the photo. Glue or tape them in place. (Again, I used the mounting squares for this step.)

4. Cut the cardstock or cardboard so that you have only the toothpick frame and the photo showing.

5. All done! If you want to hang by a wire or string tape or glue a thin wire or string to the back of the picture. If you wish to display on a table or shelf you can add a 'stand' to the back made out of cardstock or thin cardboard. Glue or tape it in place.

Rhinestone or Gemstone Frame (Top row, third frame pictured)

What You Will Need:

Gems or rhinestones in assorted colors. I used rhinestones in a semi small size.
Glue, tape, or clear mounting squares (found in the scrapbook aisle of most stores)
Photo
Cardstock or thin cardboard

How To Make It:

1. Locate a photo you would like to use. This could be a printable or a photo of your own. I used the index print photos that came with my film developing for the frames in the photo.

2. Tape the photo to a piece of cardstock or thin cardboard. Place the photo on the cardboard with enough room to tape your rhinestones around the edge (I used scrapbook mounting squares to tape my photos and rhinestones with.)

3. Decide on a pattern you'd like to make with the gems or rhinestones and glue or tape them in place. (Again, I used the mounting squares for this step.) I did a simple alternating color pattern with my rhinestones.

4. Cut the cardstock or cardboard so that you have only the rhinestone frame and the photo showing.

5. All done! If you want to hang by a wire or string tape or glue a thin wire or string to the back of the picture. If you wish to display on a table or shelf you can add a 'stand' to the back made out of cardstock or thin cardboard. Glue or tape it in place.

Scrapbook Paper or Craft Foam Frames (Bottom row, first and third frames pictured)

What You Will Need:

Scrapbook paper or Craft Foam in desired color or pattern. I used a leaf print scrapbook paper and red craft foam.
Glue, tape, or clear mounting squares (found in the scrapbook aisle of most stores)
Photo

How To Make It:

1. Locate a photo you would like to use. This could be a printable or a photo of your own. I used the index print photos that came with my film developing for the frames in the photo.

2. Tape the photo to a piece of scrapbook paper or craft foam, dependent on which frame you are looking to make. Place the photo on the paper or foam with enough room to have a slight frame around the photo. (I used scrapbook mounting squares to tape my photos with.)

3. Cut the paper or foam so that you have only the frame and the photo showing.

5. All done! If you want to hang by a wire or string tape or glue a thin wire or string to the back of the picture. If you wish to display on a table or shelf you can add a 'stand' to the back made out of cardstock or thin cardboard. Glue or tape it in place.

Wooden or Twig Frame (Bottom row, second frame pictured)

What You Will Need:

Twigs, branches or thin wooden dowels (I used a thin twig for mine)
Glue, tape, or clear mounting squares (found in the scrapbook aisle of most stores)
Photo
Cardstock or thin cardboard

How To Make It:

1. Locate a photo you would like to use. This could be a printable or a photo of your own. I used the index print photos that came with my film developing for the frames in the photo.

2. Tape the photo to a piece of cardstock or thin cardboard. Place the photo on the cardboard with enough room to tape your twigs around the edge (I used scrapbook mounting squares to tape my photos and twigs with.)

3. Measure your photo to determine how long you need your twig pieces to be. Either cut or break the twig/branch/dowel to size. Glue or put strips of clear mounting squares down to act as an adhesive for your twigs. Place the twig pieces around the photo trying to have as little of the cardstock backing show.

4. Cut the cardstock or cardboard so that you have only the twig frame and the photo showing.

5. All done! If you want to hang by a wire or string tape or glue a thin wire or string to the back of the picture. If you wish to display on a table or shelf you can add a 'stand' to the back made out of cardstock or thin cardboard. Glue or tape it in place.

Hints, Tips, And Ideas:

I've noted that some hair clips and accessories have springs in them that work wonderfully as wire hangers, complete with a hole for the nail.