Things You'll Need
Craft sticks (or popsicle sticks)
Wood glue
Cardboard
Scissors
Homemade picture frames are a great way to personalize a photograph. With a few simple supplies, you can make a picture frame that will hold a standard 4-inch by 6-inch photo. After constructing the frame, you can then decorate and color each picture frame as uniquely or creatively as desired. By following these simple steps, you can create a personalized photo gift or decorate a frame to match your home décor.
Create the Frame
Step 1
Lay the 4-inch by 6-inch picture onto a flat surface, with the image facing upward.
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Step 2
Place two craft sticks or clean and dry Popsicle sticks side by side, along each of the vertical sides of the picture. The sticks should touch each other, but not overlap. The inner stick should be on top of the outermost edge of the picture. When completed, there will be a total of four sticks laid out, with two sticks laid vertically along the left edge of the image and two sticks laid vertically along the right edge of the image.
Step 3
Apply a small amount of wood glue to the top and bottom of each stick. The glue should be placed on the side of the stick facing upward and just inside the curved edge of the top and bottom of the stick. Be sure to use a very small amount of glue, as pressing the sticks together later could cause excess glue to drip or ooze onto the picture.
Step 4
Lay one stick across the top of the picture horizontally, so that each end of the stick is resting upon the vertical sticks. Align the top stick evenly with the picture, and lightly press it onto the vertical sticks to allow the glue to create a bond. Repeat this step with another stick along the bottom of the picture.
Step 5
Apply a small amount of wood glue to all four of the vertical sticks, just below the top horizontal stick and just above the bottom horizontal stick. Again, be sure to only use a small amount of glue.
Step 6
Lay another stick horizontally across the top of the picture, just below the other stick. Press lightly to create a bond with the glue, between the stick and the vertical sticks. Lay the last stick horizontally across the bottom of the picture, just above the other stick, and press lightly.
Step 7
Leave the frame as is for at least two hours to allow time for the glue to dry.
Create the Back of the Frame
Step 1
Cut a piece of cardboard that is 4.4 inches wide by 4.4 inches tall. Glue the picture to the cardboard, making certain it is properly centered and levelled. Leave the picture to set for at least 30 minutes, to allow the glue to dry.
Step 2
Apply a small bead of glue along the outer perimeter of the cardboard, around the outside of the picture, after allowing the picture glue and frame glue to dry.
Step 3
Lay the frame on top of the cardboard and picture, then press lightly to create a bond between the frame and the backing. Allow the glue to dry for two hours.
Step 4
Cut a piece of cardboard that is 4 inches long by 2 inches wide. Fold the top of the cardboard to create a lip to glue to the frame, only about 1/2-inch is required for the fold.
Step 5
Lay the frame picture side down, so the back of the frame is facing upward.
Step 6
Apply a small bead of glue to the folded cardboard lip, and attach to the back center of the frame. Allow at least two hours for the glue to dry. This will create the stand to allow the frame to stand.
Step 7
Decorate and personalize the frame however you like, by using markers, paint, glitter, yarn, buttons or beads.
Tip
Allow the glue to dry before proceeding to the next step.
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