Recycle a Small Paned Window into a Picture Perfect Frame

If you like to browse through antique shops, estate sales, or flea markets then you may have come across discarded old windows. These tired windows are often overlooked when they can be turned into a very treasured possessions. This article describes how to re-purpose these old windows into picture perfect displays for your home.

Supplies Needed:
Discarded paned window
Paint in your choice of color (optional depending on condition of window)
Photos or drawings to fit the number of panes
Scissors or paper cutter
Ruler
Pencil
Tacky glue or other adhesive
Hanging hardware
Optional: black sharpie

Step-by-Step Instructions to Turn a Paned Window into a Picture Display Frame

1. Take a good look at the window pane and decide if it needs to be painted. You may choose to keep the existing weathered look or you may need to create it.

2. Create the look by painting the wood portions with paint.

3. Distress it by using a hammer or other object before the paint is totally dry.

4. Allow to dry completely.

5. Measure each pane opening.

6. Print a photo (or have your children draw a picture) for each pane in the window. The article example uses 6 photos.

Tip: Decide on a theme. In the example, I used all dahlia flower photos. You might want to feature your dog, your child, or raindrops. Be creative!

7. Measure each photo so that it is slightly larger than each window pane.

8. Cut each photo.

9. Use the adhesive to apply the photos to the back of the frame, taking care that the photos do not visually overlap from the front. It is fine if the pictures overlap from the back.

10. Allow to dry completely.

Optional: Use the black sharpie to write down names and dates on the back of the completed picture frame. You can also add a brown kraft paper backing to your frame and write the details on the backing paper instead.

11. Use the picture hanging hardware to display your frame in your home.

12. Enjoy!

Paned Window Picture Frame Options
1. If the window no longer has hardware such as a knob or hinges, add these small decorative touches. Keep an eye out for the hardware at antique stores and estate sales.

2. Use your children's hand prints as the theme, and re-purpose the window by making a special present for a grandparent. Have your children print their names around the edges of the window using the black sharpie.

3. Print one large scenic photo and attach to the window instead of smaller photos. It might be nice to have a beach scene to look at during the winter months!