Turn Flat Pictures into Three Dimensional Framed Art

With a simple paper folding trick you can turn flat pictures into three dimensional framed art for decorating your home or office. Each fold creates the illusion of a step, increasing the perceived depth in the image. Then by framing the folded picture in a stack of frames you increase the illusion further. Both photographs and prints are excellent candidates for this project. So let's get started turning flat pictures into three dimensional framed art

What You'll Need

All you need to turn flat pictures into three dimensional framed art are 2 identical picture frames, masking tape, strong glue, scissors and a picture or print.

Step #1: Choose the Picture or Print

To choose the best photo or picture for this project, place the frame over the image to see how it looks. In addition, to turn flat pictures into three dimensional framed art it's important to choose images that face you directly (not at an angle). This way, when you fold the paper in straight lines to create the illusion of depth, the folds will fit the perspective of the picture.

Step #2. Make the First Fold

With the picture facing up, decide where you want the first fold to be (somewhere on the bottom of the picture) and fold the paper in a straight line. Next, make a second fold about 1/2 an inch lower than the first to create a sort of fan or accordion fold. At this point in turning your flat picture into three dimensional framed art you will have one step folded into the image, as if it's the first stair in a stairway.

Step #3. Connect the First Fold to the First Frame

Cut along the first fold you made to separate the stair from the top portion of the picture. Trim the sides of this separated section if need be so as to slip it inside the first frame. Use masking tape to adhere the picture in place (inside the frame). At this point in turning your flat picture into three dimensional framed art you will have the first section of the image already framed.

Step #4. Make and Frame the Second Fold

Just as before, make a second fold on the picture somewhere in the center or top. Once more cut the fold away from the remaining picture. Finally, align this section of the picture with the first to make sure they fit seamlessly, then use masking tape to adhere the second section to the back of the frame (not the inside, like the first section). Use masking tape to connect the stair together again at the back of the picture. At this point in turning your flat picture into three dimensional framed art you should have two sections of the image set at different depths inside a single frame.

Step #5. Connect the Final Section to the 2nd Frame

Now align the final section of the picture with the first two, then tape it to the back of a second frame. Make sure this 3rd section is facing away from the 2nd frame, not into it as you normally do when framing pictures. Finally, finish turning your flat picture into three dimensional framed art by resting the second frame back-to-back over the first to connect the sections together and enclose them in what looks like a shadowbox. Use masking tape to fix the 2nd and 3nd sections at the step area.

Step #6. Finish Turning Your Flat Picture into Three Dimensional Framed Art

If everything fits perfectly, squeeze glue between the frames to connect them permanently. Glue a decorative cardboard to the back of the finished project and display it in well-lit areas, where the illusion of depth can be seen clearly.

And that's it! Now you can turn your flat pictures into three dimensional framed art and decorate your home and office with visually pleasing effects.

Important Tip

Most picture frames come with flat metal teeth at the back for securing the picture inside the frame. Be sure to clip these metal teeth off before you start this project, or they will interfere with the illusion of turning a flat picture into three dimensional framed art.

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