DIY photo frames from eggshells, shells, paper and other improvised materials. Buy? Not! It's time to create practical beauty with your own hands: tips on how to make a picture frame DIY black frame

Each thing in the house, made independently, brings a special mood and color to the design of the rooms.

Therefore, if you want to create a unique interior, do not be lazy and create original masterpieces for home decoration.

These kinds of things include do-it-yourself photo frames, which today can be made from the simplest materials.

Someone will say, why make frames with your own hands, if you can buy almost the same thing in a store.

Of course, we cannot but agree with you, but we still remind you that by making cute crafts for the whole family, you put a special aura into them, which will always produce positive and wonderful memories.

The Ideal Style team will offer you amazing ideas on what kind of frames you can make for photos with your own hands, surprising you with unexpected solutions.

The presented photo frames will not only enrich your interior, but also preserve the most valuable thing - the memories that are associated with a particular photo.

After reading our review, you will see 50 examples of a photo frame, representing different ways to decorate this item.

Original and unusual do-it-yourself photo frames 2020-2021: ideas, design, current decor trends

In order to make frames with your own hands, you will need a base, auxiliary tools in the form of tools, glue, etc., and, of course, the materials with which you will decorate photo frames.

Human imagination is limitless, which gives us the greatest possibilities in any business.

Making photo frames with your own hands, you can use cardboard, colored paper, fabric, vinyl records, matches, ceiling plinths, tree branches and dried plants, window frames and much more.

It all depends on your idea and desire to create a unique thing for a unique interior.

Let's take a closer look at great ideas on how to decorate photo frames with your own hands, and what kind of frames with your own hands will successfully complement your captured memories.

DIY frames: shell photo frames - ideas and finishes

For many, going to the sea is a dream that may never come true. And someone, on the contrary, goes to rest by the sea every year, bringing amazing shells of various shapes, sizes, and types from the resort.

If you don’t have shells collected from the sea, but you really like this decor, you can easily purchase shells in a decor store by creating wonderful handmade frames from shells in different interpretations.

In order to make do-it-yourself frames from shells, you will need a base (cardboard, wood, plastic) and shells.

You can also make frames with your own hands, using not only shells, but also other decor that is in harmony with seafood, for example, rope, pebbles, twigs, etc.

It is noteworthy that the more chaotically you lay out and stick the shells, decorating the frames with your own hands, the more interesting your product will be.

Making a frame with your own hands for a photo with embroidery or beads

Truly masterpiece examples include do-it-yourself frames decorated with hand embroidery or beads.

Beautiful photo frames of this type can be made using special stencils, which determine which embroidery with threads or beads will decorate your creative frame.

Do-it-yourself frames with embroidery can be bright and multi-colored, or they can be made in a single-color version, concisely complementing the shades of your interior palette.

You can improve embroidered photo frames with your own hands by adding buttons, old jewelry, pearls, etc. to the craft.

If you chose beads for decor, you can not only embroider them, but also stick them in the shape of a photo frame.

Original do-it-yourself frames made of wood, twigs, dried flowers

Each interior has its own characteristics, so do-it-yourself frames can be completely different, and sometimes very unexpected.

Wood products are one of the elements of many types of interior, so if you make frames with your own hands from rough and uneven pieces of wood, old boards, dry branches, tied together with a thick bundle, or neatly glued and varnished, you get something incredibly interesting .

Also, a do-it-yourself frame for a frame is often made from vine branches using a special weaving technique.

Do-it-yourself frames look no less creative when dried branches are glued to the base of the photo frame in combination with pebbles, tows, burlap, etc.

Do-it-yourself frames look tender and sensual when dried flowers or leaves are glued onto the finished base.

Beautiful do-it-yourself frames made of fabric, thread, burlap

We have already named many interesting ways to design a frame with your own hands. But this, of course, is not all.

The next unique decor ideas for your interior will be do-it-yourself photo frames made using different pieces of fabric, burlap, coarse threads, yarn.

Our collection shows do-it-yourself photo frames from denim, photo frames from fabric flowers, exclusive do-it-yourself frames from several types of fabric.

Undoubtedly, for the manufacture of such a frame you will need a little patience and time, but the result is worth it.

Also, do-it-yourself frames made of threads, burlap and other types of fabric can be supplemented with pebbles, twigs, shells, unexpected items found somewhere in a box with trinkets.

Super fashionable do-it-yourself frames using decoupage, quilling, origami techniques

Using colored paper and paints, ribbons, etc., you can create truly unique DIY frames that are relevant after a long time.

These include photo frames made using the decoupage technique, which involves painting the surface of the frame in a certain style.

With the decoupage technique, you can create frames with your own hands in a vintage style, draw flowers and pictures on the frame, and paste over the frame with special decoupage paper.

Do not lag behind in originality and frames made in the style of origami and quilling. Both techniques involve the creation of certain details from paper, with which photo frames will be decorated, or rather pasted over.

Lovely curls, delicate flowers and leaves, strict figures and unusual shapes - these are the frames you will get with your own hands using these techniques.

Unusual do-it-yourself frames from coffee, cereals, pasta

When you need to create cool DIY frames for a gift to a friend, and you didn’t find any special materials in your house, pay attention to coffee, cereals, pasta, which are incredibly interestingly reincarnated from cooking products into material for a photo frame.

In our review, you will see beautiful do-it-yourself coffee frames. See how unusual you can lay out coffee beans, and what they can be combined with.

Play with buckwheat, peas, pasta, rice, etc. you can create unique frames with your own hands.

In addition, these materials can also be combined with other types of finishes. Note that pasta, due to the variety of shapes, is a godsend for those who want to surprise everyone with their product.

How to make DIY frames: extraordinary photo frame ideas

You can create something unique only if you approach this process in the same way.

Do-it-yourself photo frames turn out to be unconventional if you glue the base with keys from a calculator or an old keyboard, take colorful pencils for decoration, use parts of an uncorrected clock mechanism as a material.

Professionals also offer to stick multi-colored skeins of thread, an old newspaper, corks from wine bottles, buttons and old keys on the base for the frame, or create completely unusual shapes with your own hands.

But that is not all. And how do you like frames with your own hands from jewelry. As they say - expensive and angry.

50 DIY Photo Frame Ideas

As you can see, each idea is unique. If you bring at least a few ideas to life, you can get a unique collage that decorates and transforms your room with pleasant memories.

Dare, because everything impossible is possible!























Want to hang your favorite photo on the wall, but don't have the right frame?

The easiest way is to buy it in the store. However, this is not interesting.

Why not make your own photo frames? This is a useful and creative activity that does not require special tools and materials.

About everything in order.

Cardboard photo frame: tools

Creating beautiful frames without the appropriate inventory is problematic. Therefore, collect a minimum set of tools. It should include:

large scissors; stationery knife; PVA glue; simple pencil; adhesive tape; small scissors; fine-grained sandpaper; ruler.

Note: it is advisable to get a cutting mat, it is much easier to mark the details of the future frame with it.

If the color of the cardboard for the frame does not suit you, purchase a can of spray paint. To decorate photo frames, use shells, pebbles, glass, rhinestones, beads, etc.

In addition to the basic tools, the following will come in handy: a paint brush with soft bristles, a spray bottle, water and tongs. They will be required to prepare the material for use.

Photo frames: material preparation

The best material for making DIY photo frames is cardboard. Why? It is cheap and malleable in processing. Every home has at least one cardboard box and glue and scissors.

In its raw form, cardboard is of little use for making a frame for a photograph. Its preparation comes down to the following - separate the top layer so that the corrugated part appears.

Sometimes this is not easy to achieve, since different types of cardboard are made with different amounts of glue and they have different thicknesses.

Learn how to quickly peel off the top layer of cardboard:

    Moisten the part of the paper to be removed. Spread the moisture evenly over the surface with a brush. Wait 2-3 minutes until it is saturated. Use your fingers or a knife to pry off the edge of the layer and try to remove as large a piece as possible. Cut off the remnants. Clean off the dried glue with sandpaper.

The method described above is applicable to large pieces of cardboard, for small ones it is sometimes enough to rub the top layer.

Note: spray water more carefully. If you overdo it, the cardboard will get wet. At best, you have to wait until it dries. At worst, start over.

How to make a cardboard frame: instructions

First you need to decide for which photo the frame is created. What matters is not the content, but the size and orientation of the card (vertical or horizontal). Based on this, proceed:

Step #1. Cut out the base.

From a large piece of cardboard, cut out the base of the frame. Its dimensions should exceed the size of the photo at least twice. Further you will understand why. Using a ruler and a pencil, mark the contours of the future part. Then cut it out with scissors.

Step #2. We make a compartment for photography.

In the middle of the base, draw a rectangle slightly smaller than the photo for which the frame is made. Gently trace along the contour with a clerical knife and cut out the window.

Cut out a rectangle that will cover the photo hole on the back of the frame. Tape the door on one side.

Step #3. We complete the preparation.

Make several cardboard strips of different lengths. Glue four of them around the photo compartment. Use the rest to create the structure of the front. For clarity, look at the figure below.

To make the frame fit snugly against the wall, glue triangles at the corners of the back. They compensate for the thickness of the door and allow the photo frame to hang more evenly.

Making triangles is easy. Cut out one, outlining the outlines with a pencil, and then use it as a stencil.

Step number 4. Decor.

Everything we did before had little to do with creativity. It's time to turn on the fantasy to its fullest. Here is one of the frame design options, but this is just an example, you can come up with your own version.

So, to decorate the photo frame, we use the same cardboard. Take the prepared material with bare corrugation and cut into ribbons. Divide several of them into elements as shown in the figure below.

The modern world dictates its own rules. Gadgets are replacing the previously familiar things that were part of our everyday life. If earlier photos were stored in photo albums, now they are most often stored on hard drives, flash drives, and online storages. You can view thousands of images at once, but the very charm of the process is lost. Compare with reading books online and in real binding, with paper pages. The book and photo album that you hold in your hands have their own magic, unique energy. Photo frames can also be classified as an endangered class, but with a big correction: if these are ordinary products from the store. Creative DIY frames are out of fashion. They are always relevant, effectively decorate the interior, become an original addition to the gift. Consider ways to make unusual frames with which a special atmosphere appears in the house.

How to make a photo frame out of cardboard

The advantage of this method is that you can use any color. Cardboard sets are sold in 8, 10, 16, 20 or more shades. Or it's best to create your own range by covering the surface with paint that blends perfectly with the interior of your room.

Now more about the process itself:

  • We outline the desired size of the future frame, draw a rectangle on the cardboard and cut it out. Try not to climb over the edges. On bright cardboard, all the bumps will be visible.
  • Then inside we draw a second rectangle with a pencil - slightly smaller than the size of the photo (10x15 or 9x13). We make a neat cut under the photo. Be careful not to damage or wrinkle the cardboard.

  • Now about the decor. If the cardboard is plain, with the usual smooth texture, the frame can be supplemented with bright elements. These can be stickers that are sold in stationery stores (flowers, figurines, letters), sticky-based stars, textile roses, voluminous paper compositions, bows, and more. Fantasize more. If you have time, you can paste over the cardboard with millet, buckwheat, small pasta and paint on top with a spray can.

An important point: choose a good glue that will ensure a secure fixation of decor elements.

  • We make the back wall that will hold the photo. It is better to take thick paper or the same cardboard. Cut out a rectangle one centimeter larger than the photo. Glue the edges to the base so that the top side remains free - you get a pocket. We are waiting for drying.
  • We insert the photo into the frame and admire our hand-made creation.


DIY photo frames from the pages of a magazine

Read magazines become a useless stack, a dust collector, which is a pity to throw away, but also no useful application can be found. Colorful glossy pages are an excellent basis for decorating an original photo frame. The process itself is also fascinating, which often develops into a hobby. Products are bright, interesting, unique - it will be difficult to find analogues. Now step by step.

  • We take a sheet of thick paper or cardboard. The ideal size is 20x25 cm. We draw a rectangle under the photo in the middle with a simple pencil, it should be slightly smaller than 10x15. We cut out the window with scissors, without climbing over the given edges.
  • We take up the magazine We tear off or cut off the pages one at a time. Each must be twisted into a tight tube. To prevent the sheets from unwinding, we glue the outer edges.
  • The tubes can be decorated with multi-colored clerical threads, which you need to buy in advance at the store. It is better to choose contrasting colors, the more shades there are, the brighter the composition will turn out. We wind the threads on the tubes from the magazine pages, leaving small gaps. We fix the loops along the edges, carefully trim the ends.

  • We frame the cutout under the photo. Alternately glue the tubes around the window, one after the other, combining the colors at our discretion. We recommend using PVA glue - it fixes paper materials best. You can set the tubes in any direction: straight lines diagonally, vertically, horizontally.
  • We make a pocket for a photo. On the inside of the frame, glue a rectangle that will close the window - it will become a pocket.
  • In the central upper part of the frame, we glue a loop under the hook - for placement on the wall or make a leg out of thick cardboard (desktop version).
  • Insert a photo. With debut, you did it!


How to make a beautiful gift frame

The perfect gift - given with soul. Of course, store presents often take a lot of time to choose, but they do not have the energy of hand-made. Complement the main gift with a handmade photo frame, and the hero of the occasion will be pleasantly surprised and touched.

The process is quite simple:

  • From the cardboard we cut out the base for the photo - in size, focus on the photo. If inside is 10x15, the sides of the frame should not be less than 5 centimeters.
  • With scissors we make a window-slot under the photo.

We select a piece of fabric. Colors, print - to your taste. The most winning options that look bright and impressive: contrasting peas, multi-colored stripes, patterns on a white background. It is better to choose a drawing according to age and situation. Children - cartoon motifs, women - floral prints, men - restrained style.

  • We put the fabric on cardboard and measure a rectangle with a margin around the edges - for bending. We cut out small squares on the sides so that the bends are neat and aesthetic. Don't forget to make a window in the middle.
  • Glue the fabric to the cardboard. We try to ensure that the material does not wrinkle, is fixed evenly, and does not slip along the edges.
  • At the back we make a pocket according to the principle described above - from thick cardboard glued to the base on three sides.
  • We select the color of the tape. You can buy ready-made with a bow. We glue the tape to the fabric from the bottom horizontally or from the side vertically. The frame is ready and waiting for its solemn moment.

How to make a flower frame

Flowers can become not only the basis for a bouquet. Floral compositions from varieties that become beautiful dried flowers without water are a great decor for a photo frame.

We will tell you in detail how to make a masterpiece out of an ordinary frame:

  • Hydrangeas, small spray roses in half-open buds, medium-sized gerberas are ideal for dry compositions. It is necessary to cut off the stems so that they are enough for fixing and the extra ones do not crawl out of the edges of the frame.
  • Glue the edges of the photo frame with ribbon, fabric or lace.
  • Now the most important stage - fixing the colors. You need to act carefully so that the inflorescences do not break. We start gluing from the corner of the frame, a little diagonally. We try to hide all the voids.

We make a back pocket for a photo and fastening (for a wall - a loop, for a shelf - a leg-support). A beautiful flower frame is ready.
DIY photo frames from threads

What to do with threads if you don't know how to sew? Make an original photo frame that will effectively decorate your home. The colors of the threads can be chosen in harmony with the shades of the interior. It will look stylish and conceptual. About the process step by step:

  • We select threads . A frame in one color will look boring. Try to combine two or three shades, you can use a bright multi-gamma. Red with blue, yellow with green, orange with purple, brown with canary, white with blue look interesting. Be true to your taste and color of the interior.

  • We make the frame. To do this, you need a sheet of thick cardboard and scissors. We determine the size, outline the inner window and cut it out with scissors.
  • We apply glue to the surface and proceed to winding with threads. Measure the length and cut from the coil - it will be convenient to combine different colors. The threads should fit snugly against the cardboard, soaked with glue. After the frame is completely wrapped, put it on the table and press it on top with a press: a stack of books, a jar of water. 15 minutes and you can continue.
  • We make a pocket. It will have to be glued to the thread base. Leave the top edge free - through it you will insert the photo into the frame.
  • Filament frames look more spectacular on a table or shelf. The method of fastening is appropriate - a support made of kraton.


How to make your own photo frame from buttons

There are buttons in every house. You can easily make a bright set for a photo frame. In addition to buttons, you will need three more items: super glue, thick cardboard and scissors.

  • We are preparing the base. In order for the frame not to bend from the weight of the buttons, choose the thickest cardboard. We make both the outer frame and the pocket under the photo at once.
  • We fix the buttons. You can arbitrarily, you can make a drawing, keep the balance in shades and shape. It is better to start from the top corner and go clockwise.
  • Let the frame lie down for a while until it dries completely. Try not to put anything on top, the buttons can move, the composition will crawl and you will have to start all over again. 10 minutes and the photo frame is ready to use.

Whatever method you choose, the frame will be original and unique. Feel free to fantasize, try new materials and decor elements. Try yourself in hand-made. The process is creative and exciting, often develops into a hobby. How nice to admire the frames made with your own hands and with soul!

Photographs are a repository of all sorts of moments. They keep life itself. That is why always, even in the era of digital technology, people put on the table, place on the walls photos associated with this or that event or person. Spectacular and unusual photo frames are not cheap, and everyone wants to decorate their home with a noticeable decorative element. Therefore, the decor of photo frames has always been, is and will be in demand. Decorating frames with your own hands is feasible for almost everyone, it is exciting, makes you feel like a real creator.

Paper photo frames

How much can you make out of paper? Countless products, interior items, crafts and much, much more. The Internet is teeming with ideas, one better than the other.

Origami photo frame

Necessary materials:
- colored one-sided paper;
- scissors;
- a simple pencil;
- PVA glue;
-ruler.

Base - 4 squares 15x15 cm.

Fold the square diagonally with the colored side inward.

Expand. Lay the square right side up and fold the bottom side of the square to the fold line as shown in the photo.

Turn the workpiece over and bend the bottom corner.

Turn the workpiece over to the front side and bend along the fold line.

Flip. And bend the bottom part along the fold line.

Put the side in the pocket. The module is ready.

Back side of the module.

To assemble a photo frame, we need 4 modules.

We apply glue on a sharp corner and insert it into the corner of the 2nd module, as shown in the photo.

Then the 3rd and 4th module.

The photo frame is ready.

The reverse side of the photo frame.

Insert any photo or funny picture.


Volumetric photo frame

The idea of ​​this frame is good because all you need to create it is a sheet of paper and scissors. It is also wonderful that the frame is voluminous.

The size of the frame depends on the size of the paper. And this means that you can make a frame of any format. And use it to place a photo or a collage, as well as to decorate hand-made crafts.

Print out the frame template

If you do not have the opportunity to make a printout, then make a template for a homemade paper frame with your own hands. To do this, you need to place a photograph in the center of the sheet and circle its outline (or simply draw a rectangle of the appropriate size in the center of the paper). Then lay aside strips of different sizes (alternating a strip 1.5 cm wide and 1 cm wide). Make indentations at the top and bottom as shown on the template.

Next, we bend the drawn strips along the ruler. We begin to wrap the sides of the future paper frame for the photo. We do this carefully so as not to wrinkle the craft.

First, the short sides are folded, and after them the long ones. We need to insert the corners of the long sides of the paper frame into the corners of its short sides in order to firmly fix the design.

If the paper is very thick and glossy, it makes sense to first insert a photo, and only then fold the sides. So she "sits" tighter. If you are worried about the design, you can drop a little glue or use double-sided tape.

Quilling paper frame

Option 1:

For work, you need to prepare tools and materials:

  • light wood photo frame.
  • white acrylic paint
  • sponge or sponge for applying paint
  • quilling paper white and blue - strips 3 mm wide
  • quilling tweezers
  • awl for quilling
  • scissors
  • PVA glue
  • glue Moment
  • acrylic contours - pearl imitation - white and blue








Let's start by preparing the frame. It is better to take a frame made of light wood. Then you do not need to prime the frame first, and the white paint will ideally fall on the tree. If the frame is dark wood, then you will need to pre-apply primer to mask the dark color of the wood.
Take the glass out of the frame. Sponge blotting movements apply paint to the frame, from all sides. It is better to apply 2-3 layers. And leave the frame to dry completely (after 1.5 hours the frame will dry completely).






While the frame is drying, let's prepare the decorative elements that will later decorate the frame. I note right away that when creating such elements, there are no unified schemes or rules. All this is only a flight of fancy and the skill of working with paper.
We take 8 strips of white color and glue them together with a ladder, that is, each strip is glued to the previous tip, while the tip of the strip is located a little lower.



Using an awl, we twist the glued strips, while wrapping the strip so that the gluing points are inside.

We dissolve the twisted roll. Here is such a beautiful curl turned out.


Now we glue all the strip together in one place, just below the curl.


When the junction is dry, we give the strips a wave shape, and glue the strips again.


We cut off the remaining free ends so that each strip is longer than the other.


And twist each end.


Pay attention to the fact that the result is a large complex element. Now we glue this element to the already dried frame. The element can be bent according to the shape of the frame.






In the decor of this frame, I wanted to play with 2 colors - white and blue, as well as a smooth transition from one color to another, so let's start creating the central element, but already blue.
We glue 6 strips of paper with a ladder and twist them into a roll.

We glue the strips together in one place. We cut the ends in the same way as for the white element: each strip is longer than the previous one.


And we wind each strip on an awl for quilling.


Now we spin the previously twisted rolls. This is easy to do by running an awl over them.


Now glue this element to the frame. It is better to use glue for this moment. At the same time, we glue this element in the upper left corner, as in the photo.

We straighten the curls so that they lie in the same plane, glue them.

In order to make a smooth transition from one color to another, we glue strips of white and blue, 4 of each color. And twist into a curl.



Glue on the left side of the frame.


To fill the voids, we make and glue curls onto the frame. Left is white, right is blue.




Add another blue curl, but larger.


Now back to the bottom of the frame. For decor, we twist a lot of small curls. To do this, cut the strip into pieces of arbitrary size and twist the ends.


Glue the elements so as to fill the entire space.




I always urge you not to be afraid to combine different techniques, and in this case I used acrylic outlines for painting. With a contour with an imitation of natural-colored pearls, we put a series of dots. The size of the dots goes on increasing, from smaller to larger.


In the upper part of the frame, where the curls are blue, draw dots with a contour of a suitable shade.


I drew wavy lines so that one color of the dots smoothly transitions into another.



And here is the result.


Insert your favorite photo into a frame, and let it please the eye for many years.

Option 2:

To make a quilling photo frame, you will need the following ingredients:

Thick background paper (minimum 300g/m2)
- less thick paper for flowers (from 120 to 160 grams / m2 - denser is not desirable, because strips of this size will not twist so obediently and smoothly) of two colors. In my case, it's white that will stand out, and a more subtle shade of the background color, which will allow our flowers to blend better with the main color and help bring out the details.
- a paper knife and a steel ruler for cutting strips. Cutting with scissors is a tedious task
- PVA glue
- a toothpick or other device for twisting rolls

We cut strips 30 cm long and 5 mm wide, we estimate the number based on the intended plot. There are many clever ways to cut quickly, such as cutting several layers of paper at once, but with this density (120 to 160) it is quite difficult. Therefore, in order not to be wiser for a long time, I fastened paper for flowers with a notebook sheet in a cage and, whack-whack-whack, moving the ruler through the cells, but first we’ll make a frame, and the most pleasant - for later.

We mark our densest leaf. I recommend that you first draw up a detailed diagram on paper, so as not to cut off the excess, take into account all sizes. I counted on a photo of 13x18, based on these dimensions, we select the width of the frame, mine is slightly wider on the left and bottom. Having finished marking, we cut out a window for the photo, which should be slightly smaller than the photo itself.

Now let's deal with the "pocket" in which the photo will be inserted. The photo paper is very thick and thick, so that the frame does not deform when a photo is inserted into it, we will give the pocket a little width. We glue a narrow strip of thick paper on the reverse side, and now you can glue the “pocket” itself, which will prevent our picture from falling out of the frame.

The base is ready

Let's move on to flowers. So, to make a petal, we need a paper strip, which, using a split toothpick (or a more noble tool), is twisted into a tight roll. The roll, in turn, unwinds to a certain diameter, then the end of the strip is fixed with PVA glue and the roll is given the desired shape with the help of fingers. We wash our hands so that there are no offensive dark spots at work later. The sections of the strips get dirty especially easily, for white paper this is just a disaster, it is easy to give it a very poor look.

To make the same petals, it is convenient to use a template to unwind the rolls to the same diameter.

I also really like flowers of this shape.

And leaves, of course.

In general, we twist as much as we like, do not forget to create flora of various sizes.
When the main elements are ready, we place them on the frame and glue them. This is not the final version, but the meaning, I think, is clear.

Now we add details until the composition seems complete enough.

The last step remains - we attach a stand on the back for stability.

The frame is ready!

Photo frame made of paper tubes

Option 1:

We will need:

  • old newspapers or magazines;
  • base frame;
  • glue;
  • wooden skewer;
  • scissors.

Before you make a frame from a newspaper, you need to prepare several dozen tubes. To do this, divide the printed edition into separate sheets, and then wind each sheet, starting from the corner, onto a wooden skewer.

To fix the tube, grease the corner of the sheet with a small amount of glue. Wait until it dries and carefully remove the skewer. Similarly, make a few dozen more paper tubes. In our example, these tubes will need about 55 pieces.

Check if the tubes are long enough to cover the frame. If they are shorter than required, glue the two tubes by inserting one into the other. Now you can start creating a frame from newspaper tubes. Apply a thin layer of glue to the base frame. You can use a primer if the color of the base does not suit you.

Glue a rectangular frame out of four tubes, the size of which corresponds to the photograph or picture that you plan to place. Carefully remove the ends of the tubes protruding beyond the edges of the frame, and the craft is ready!

Option 2:

We cut the strips for the entire length of the sheet i.e. 30 cm. Band width 5 cm.

Glue is better to use this, not liquid. And you need a wooden stick. We put the stick so that the ends of the strips remain empty, I have 5 cm each. Twisting the tube in this way is not as easy as it seemed to me at first, and I came up with my own method, which I share with you.

First step. We first make a side in the shape of a stick. So it's easier to stick it on. If you do not have such sticks on hand, you can replace them with paper straws. Which are twisted for weaving. For us, the main goal is a frame made of straight tubes (no wraps).

Step 2. Rub the stick on all sides with pencil glue and glue the side to it. We leave it to lie down (the stick and paper should stick together), at this time we glue the next one. And so we made the blanks, proceed to the next step.

Step 3. We make the first turn of the stick by firmly pressing and adjusting the ends of the tube. Then do not try to twist it tightly, you will only wrinkle the paper. You just need to give the shape of a tube. Then, on the floor on the rug, start rolling the sausage (as with dough) at first slightly, then you will feel that it is curling up. Then press firmly and roll until you feel the stick. Try to make the ends in which there are no sticks the same thickness as the center. And yet, if you roll the tube, but it does not twist, then the stick has come unstuck.

Step 4 We fix the tube with clothespins. The clothespins have two sizes of recess, we fix it in the second - smaller. Maybe three clothespins.

Step 5. Glue first between the clothespins, then remove them and finish gluing where the clothespins were. Glued with PVA glue neatly with a needle. The tube is ready.

So I glued the two tubes together. Tubes, if glued in this way, will not lead. They will be even. The glue was applied with a toothpick between the tubes directly from the top. And yet, do not forget to lay all the tubes with a seam at the top - this will be the wrong side.

Only two tubes enter my clothespin, in a large recess.

These are the stripes turned out for the frame. One photo is missing, how I glued 4 tubes. It’s already simple here, cut a strip no wider than 4 tubes and stick it on it.

I needed a frame for this painting. I laid it out as I saw fit, measured the internal size.

I made a mark along the ruler from corner to corner and cut it with a very sharp knife.

I cut out a corner and glued it on.

The frame was constantly measured so that it did not turn out to be a curve.

And here is the corner. Got it!


Bamboo paper photo frame

For a bamboo frame, you need thin, dense tubes from foil or cling film. The tubes may differ slightly in diameter - this is bamboo, but in nature it is different.

I cut the tubes, but it seems to me that whole ones are also possible, for example, I saved money, because I had few tubes and I like it better when the frame has a flat side.

First sample. The stretcher was glued together from 2 corrugated cardboard sheets, the front side was covered with a velvet adhesive film, the back with wallpaper. On the top bar you can see that the sizes of the tubes are different.

I glued each prepared “stick” with pieces of some kind of wrapping paper (I found it in the bins) I glued a jute rope under the paper in several places (future bamboo jumper rings) the smaller one.

We cover the tubes that have dried from the glue with brown putty (I smeared everything well with my finger, paying attention to the jumpers).

When the tubes dried out, I carefully processed them with fine sandpaper. In places of jumpers I went over with a brush with brown paint and, without waiting for it to dry, I kind of stretched the paint away from the jumpers, thereby making the color transition smooth and natural.

Cardboard photo frames

Option 1:

Creating beautiful frames without the appropriate inventory is problematic. Therefore, collect a minimum set of tools. It should include:

  • large scissors;
  • stationery knife;
  • PVA glue;
  • simple pencil;
  • scotch;
  • small scissors;
  • fine-grained sandpaper;
  • ruler.

Note: it is advisable to get a cutting mat, it is much easier to mark the details of the future frame with it.

If the color of the cardboard for the frame does not suit you, purchase a can of spray paint. To decorate photo frames, use shells, pebbles, glass, rhinestones, beads, etc.

In addition to the basic tools, the following will come in handy: a paint brush with soft bristles, a spray bottle, water and tongs. They will be required to prepare the material for use.

Material preparation

The best material for making DIY photo frames is cardboard. Why? It is cheap and malleable in processing. Every home has at least one cardboard box and glue and scissors.

In its raw form, cardboard is of little use for making a frame for a photograph. Its preparation comes down to the following - separate the top layer so that the corrugated part appears.

Sometimes this is not easy to achieve, since different types of cardboard are made with different amounts of glue and they have different thicknesses.

How to quickly peel off the top layer of cardboard:

    Moisten the part of the paper to be removed. Spread the moisture evenly over the surface with a brush. Wait 2-3 minutes for it to soak in. Use your fingers or a knife to pry off the edge of the layer and try to remove as much of the piece as possible. Cut off the rest. Remove dried glue with sandpaper.

The method described above is applicable to large pieces of cardboard, for small ones it is sometimes enough to rub the top layer.


Note:
spray water more carefully. If you overdo it, the cardboard will get wet. At best, you have to wait until it dries. At worst, start over.

Instruction

First you need to decide for which photo the frame is created. What matters is not the content, but the size and orientation of the card (vertical or horizontal). Based on this, proceed:

Step #1. Cut out the base.

From a large piece of cardboard, cut out the base of the frame. Its dimensions should exceed the size of the photo at least twice. Further you will understand why. Using a ruler and a pencil, mark the contours of the future part. Then cut it out with scissors.

Step #2.
We make a compartment for photography.

In the middle of the base, draw a rectangle slightly smaller than the photo for which the frame is made. Gently trace along the contour with a clerical knife and cut out the window.

Cut out a rectangle that will cover the photo hole on the back of the frame. Tape the door on one side.

Step #3. We complete the preparation.

Make several cardboard strips of different lengths. Glue four of them around the photo compartment. Use the rest to create the structure of the front. For clarity, look at the figure below.

To make the frame fit snugly against the wall, glue triangles at the corners of the back. They compensate for the thickness of the door and allow the photo frame to hang more evenly.

Making triangles is easy. Cut out one, outlining the outlines with a pencil, and then use it as a stencil.

Step number 4. Decor.

Everything we did before had little to do with creativity. It's time to turn on the fantasy to its fullest. Here is one of the frame design options, but this is just an example, you can come up with your own version.

So, to decorate the photo frame, we use the same cardboard. Take the prepared material with bare corrugation and cut into ribbons. Divide several of them into elements as shown in the figure below.

Next, glue the decorative pieces onto the front of the frame. As a result, we get an asymmetric relief pattern. Such a photo frame is unique and, with the proper approach to manufacturing, will give odds to design counterparts.

Additional photo frame options are as follows:

Traditional photographs have an energy that digital images lack. Enclose them in frames made with your own hands. This will make the captured moments of life brighter, and the design of the room unique.

Option 2:

You will need: corrugated cardboard, self-adhesive paper, scissors, ruler, pencil, colored paper napkins or corrugated paper, stationery stapler, thermo gun, photography.

From cardboard we cut out 2 rectangles 16x20, one 5x15. On one of the rectangles in the center, draw another rectangle, retreating from the edge of 3 cm, the inner rectangle is 10X14.

On self-adhesive paper, lay our rectangle, circle it with a pencil and add 2-3 cm each, as shown in the figure, cut out and carefully glue two large rectangles.

We cut a small rectangle (hereinafter referred to as the holder) from one edge diagonally as in the figure and also glue it over.

To make flowers from napkins, we need 9 napkins, from which we will get 18 flowers.
We cut the napkin into two parts exactly in the middle.

Cut out a circle with a diameter of 5 cm from cardboard. Fold the cut napkin in half and fasten it with a stapler. Let's circle our circle.

Next, cut out and shape the flowers.

We glue the holder with a thermo gun onto a whole rectangle from the glued side.

On the other hand, glue the photo.

We assemble the frame by gluing both parts and flowers.

Wooden photo frames

As you know, wood is an ecological, expensive and refined material.

The tree in any interior emphasizes the aristocracy. By placing a wooden product in our home, we are a little closer to nature.

Step 1: Materials

You will need a couple of pallet boards for this project, although any other wood will work. In my case, the slightly shabby look of the pallet wood pairs perfectly with the same worn sign, so I used it. If you want to achieve a more polished appearance, then pallets can also be used, just the boards will need to be well sanded and, for example, varnished or painted.

For the back wall of the frame, you will need something flat, such as MDF, or fiberboard. Thin plywood or thick cardboard will also work. The only requirement for the back wall is the dimensions. The dimensions should be slightly larger than the dimensions of the visible area of ​​the frame, and smaller than its edges. In other words, it can be about the size of a frame, but a couple of centimeters smaller on each edge.

Step 2: Fix the object of adoration

The frame we have is not quite ordinary, it will not be possible to insert glass into it, for which the photo is placed. Since there is no glass, so that the photo does not fall out, it will have to be glued. I used a car sign instead of a photo, and glued it to the mdf (back wall) with hot glue.

Glue can be anything, but with hot it goes faster.

Step 3: Cut Out the Frame

Now we need a ruler, and basic hacksaw skills (which all men have by default from birth). All you need is to measure the length of the inner edge of the frame on the board, and draw 45-degree corners, and then cut the board along them.

Step 4: Putting All the Pieces Together

I just glued each side of the frame to the back panel with hot glue and that was it. As you can see, there are small gaps between the boards, and I like this look even more.

Step 5: Glue some more

Along the edges of the back wall, I applied another thin layer of glue for extra grip.

Step 6: Frame Mount Hole

The hole for fasteners is made from the back side, and the main thing here is not to make it through.

Step 7: Finishing touches

Tree branches frame

We will need:

  • thin branches;
  • cardboard;
  • glue gun or superglue;
  • moss (real or decorative);
  • decorative flowers;
  • acrylic paints;
  • ornamental varnish (optional).

To make such a frame, you need to responsibly approach the choice of material. Try to choose branches of one or two sizes (thicker and thinner). It is better not to take rods with slippery bark, as over time they will begin to dry out, which will make them not too beautiful. Yes, and working with slippery bark is more difficult. Dry branches collected from the ground are best, not plucked from trees.

The blank for the photo frame must be cut out of thick cardboard (and glue several layers together) or plywood. Next, paint the future frame in brown or any other color. The main thing - do not leave it white, as it will not look too beautiful.

Release the branches from excess bark and align. Cut to size frame. Put four thicker branches in the first layer, glue them.

Next lay out another layer of branches. Increase their mass on the photo frame gradually, gluing each one separately. If you are using superglue, which you are not too sure about, fasten the branches with wire together. It is advisable to choose a wire of an inconspicuous color or cover the finished photo frame with spray paint completely so that the fasteners are not conspicuous.

Glue moss around the edges of the frame. If you don't have anything similar, add leaves or buds that can be pre-colored.

Add decorative flowers or beads by painting them with acrylics to make them look like berries. At the end, the craft can be covered with non-toxic varnish for wood processing.


Photo frame of chopsticks for sushi

Option 1:

Making a layout

Arrange the sticks in the form of a lattice. To do this, we put two sticks parallel to each other at a distance of about 20 cm, then we put 5 sticks perpendicularly on them at a distance of 2.5-3 cm.

Preparing the components

We fasten all parts of the layout with threads. Then we repeat the same thing again. We should get 2 lattices, the same as in the picture.

We connect the components

We put the lattices together, and we connect them together.


The photo frame is ready!

We make a loop so that our frame can hang. Then glue the photo with double-sided tape. That's all, the product can be placed on the wall!

Option 2:


Frame made of wood chips

Wood chips can be purchased at hardware stores and home improvement stores.

This frame would make a great gift. And you can use it not only for the mirror.

This design of the frame will be appropriate for photos and watches, and it is possible to place some beautiful composition of flowers or glass in the center.


Photo frames from improvised means

Pasted decor

You can glue a lot on the frame, everything is determined by the taste and imagination of the master.


Buttons

Photo frames decorated with buttons will look original, especially if you choose them in the same color. However, this is not a mandatory condition. The desired uniformity of color can be obtained using acrylic paint. For example, buttons covered with gold paint will transform beyond recognition, by a lucky chance, an old photo frame that did not have time to get into the trash can.


Beads, rhinestones

Over time, these things accumulate in abundance in every woman. All this can become a unique collection of materials for decorating an elegant frame with your favorite photo with your own hands, it is worth sticking them on a pre-planned pattern, ornament. Tip: you can use whole brooches, beads, beads, pearls, interesting pieces of glass, fragments of broken dishes, mosaic elements.


natural materials

Tastefully executed frame decor in natural style always attracts attention. After all, we are all children of nature.

Photo frames from coffee beans, shells

Coffee beans

Coffee beans will come in handy not only for making an invigorating drink, they turn out to be an excellent material for decorating a photo frame with your own hands: they have a wonderful smell, original texture, noble color, they do not deteriorate. The work will not take much time either: it is not so difficult to use a glue gun or PVA glue to tightly cover a standard photo frame with coffee beans, which in a new guise is guaranteed to become a leading interior accessory.

to make the frame made by yourself fragrant, buy anise and star anise stars and find a place for them in the general decor.


shells

This is one of the grateful materials for decorating a photographic frame with your own hands. For decoration, shells of various shapes and sizes are needed. In addition to shells, it is appropriate to use interesting pieces of glass, sea pebbles and other finds made on the sea or river bank in the inlay.


Photo frames from egg trays

These roses are made from ordinary zhamka cardboard, which is used in bulk for selling eggs.

All you need is a mirror, some egg cartons, scissors, glue and spray paint.

1. Cut out the cells with petals

2. Cut out the smaller petals inside the bud, and glue them with the petals slightly offset.

3. Repeat until you have a full rose.

4. Glue the roses on the mirror. It is better to seal the mirror with masking tape, you still have to paint it.

5. Spray paint, let the paint dry and remove the tape.

Photo frames from foamiran

Materials and tools

To make colorful butterflies, prepare:

  • foamiran (plastic suede) 2 mm thick, black and two types of color;
  • foamiran thin white and lilac;
  • glue "Moment";
  • scissors;
  • pastel;
  • pencil;
  • paper;
  • cotton buds;
  • knitting needle.


Manufacturing technique and photo

On paper folded in half, randomly draw a template with a pencil - half the silhouette of a butterfly, or download the finished picture. You can translate the silhouette of an insect from a book or a children's coloring book.

Cut out the pattern with scissors, lay it on black foamiran, circle it with a knitting needle, slightly pressing on the plastic suede. The material for the base can be dark blue, brown, the main thing is that the top layer is much lighter. Repeat for a blank of a different size and shape.

Fold the paper template in half again and cut out another silhouette that follows the contours of the first one, retreating 2-3 mm from the edge. Repeat steps with another paper pattern.

Cut out all four butterfly silhouettes from foamiran. Make decorations from thin material of different shades.

Tone the upper blank with pastel, picking it up on a slightly damp cotton swab. Paint without using strong pressure, the movements should be light to get natural "live" shades. Apply colors symmetrically - in nature, these insects are always mirrored.

Also color in the detail of the second butterfly.

Folding the painted parts in half, randomly cut them into identical parts. Immediately lay out the resulting elements symmetrically on black, otherwise it will be difficult to choose the same later.



The resulting figures, if desired, also cut into smaller ones. The smaller they are, the more interesting the drawing of the wings will turn out.

Lay out the entire drawing of the wings and start gluing the decor to the base one by one. It is advisable to work from the edge to the center, leaving a small black gap between the blanks. This will create a volume effect and make the craft more interesting.

Try to keep all elements glued symmetrically. Remember the perfection of nature.

Now you need to prepare a photo frame. From thick foamiran, cut out two circles that make up the base of the frame; in this master class, the diameter is 22 cm.

In one of them, make a smaller hole (for the desired photo).

Cut out the blank corresponding to half of the top photo frame. Glue it to the bottom base of the photo frame. Glue the front piece on top. Follow the instructions printed on the glue tube.

Glue the resulting butterflies onto the photo frame, choosing the best places, as in the photo.

Cut randomly small butterflies from colored foamiran for additional decor of the photo frame and stick them on the front.

Apply the pastel in the manner already described on the frame and butterflies.

Glue a magnet if the frame will be placed on the refrigerator or attach a photo frame holder.

Photo frame with foamiran butterflies is ready to decorate the interior or become a gift.

Photographs are a repository of all sorts of moments. They keep life itself. That is why always, even in the era of digital technology, people put on the table, place on the walls photos associated with this or that event or person. I don’t want to put memories dear to my heart into a template frame at all. Therefore, the decor of photo frames has always been, is and will be in demand. Decorating frames with your own hands is feasible for almost everyone, it is exciting, makes you feel like a real creator.

As a basis for the work, you can take a cheap purchased frame or cut it yourself out of cardboard.

Types of photo frame decor

  • the first most common way to decorate a photo frame: stick something on it. And this “something” is a boundless sea;
  • paste over in decoupage style;
  • paint in an original way using a variety of techniques;
  • the frame can be sewn from soft materials;
  • cover with knitted fabric;
  • decorate with a cloth;
  • wrap picturesquely with twine, various threads, braid, lace;
  • make from tree branches;
  • it can even be baked (from salt dough).

The list can be continued indefinitely, only the limit of your imagination can limit it.

Pasted decor

You can glue a lot on the frame, everything is determined by the taste and imagination of the master.

Buttons

Photo frames decorated with buttons will look original, especially if you choose them in the same color. However, this is not a mandatory condition. The desired uniformity of color can be obtained using acrylic paint. For example, buttons covered with gold paint will transform beyond recognition, by a lucky chance, an old photo frame that did not have time to get into the trash can.

Beads, rhinestones

Over time, these things accumulate in abundance in every woman. All this can become a unique collection of materials for decorating an elegant frame with your favorite photo with your own hands, it is worth sticking them on a pre-planned pattern, ornament.

Tip: you can use whole brooches, beads, beads, pearls, interesting pieces of glass, fragments of broken dishes, mosaic elements.

natural materials

Tastefully executed frame decor in natural style always attracts attention. After all, we are all children of nature.

Coffee beans, lentils, acorns

Everything can go into action and create unique compositions.
Coffee beans will come in handy not only for making an invigorating drink, they turn out to be an excellent material for decorating a photo frame with your own hands: they have a wonderful smell, original texture, noble color, they do not deteriorate. The work will not take much time either: it is not so difficult to use a glue gun or PVA glue to tightly cover a standard photo frame with coffee beans, which in a new guise is guaranteed to become a leading interior accessory.

Tip: to make the frame made by yourself fragrant, buy anise and star anise stars and find a place for them in the overall decor.

shells

This is one of the grateful materials for decorating a photographic frame with your own hands. For decoration, shells of various shapes and sizes are needed. In addition to shells, it is appropriate to use interesting pieces of glass, sea pebbles and other finds made on the sea or river bank in the inlay.

Paper

When creating an exclusive frame with your own hands, paper can be used, which, in the usual scenario, faces the sad fate of waste paper. Very original photo frames, decorated with tubes of paper from newspapers and magazines that have served their purpose.

They can be either short (glued with the end face) or oblong - we use it in a horizontal position.
Another decor idea: birch bark is a very spectacular type of natural materials. Cut the piece of birch bark into five strips. Four will become the actual frame, the fifth can be made a stand.

Salty dough

You can turn an ordinary photo frame into a designer one using salt dough. Everyone has their own ideas: someone will decorate it with flowers, and someone will blind the name of the child shown in the picture. But first you need to make this very dough: knead it from a glass of salt, two glasses of flour and water. Having achieved the consistency of plasticine, start sculpting the intended decor elements right on the corner of the photo frame - this way the dough will take the desired shape at the base, and it can be glued to the right place without any problems. Put it in the oven for 20 minutes. Cool, glue to the frame and start painting with any paints. You can even limit yourself to one of the aerosol cans. The final stage consists in varnishing (it is better to make two layers) and drying.

Entourage of childhood

If there are daughters in the family, the number of decorative hairpins and elastic bands grows exponentially. Cute trinkets, decorated, for example, with flowers, can get a second life when this idea is implemented. Cut flowers from boring rubber bands. Those that are larger, stick on the upper corner of the frame, place smaller copies below.

The result will be a real flower cascade. You can glue the flowers only on the top, leaving the bottom of the frame intact. After completing this process, place the work under load for several hours. When the flowers are white, the part of the frame remaining free from decor should be covered with silver paint, or green if they evoke associations with a spring meadow.

Decoupage

Before starting work, prepare:

  • frame (not necessarily new, you can just bored);
  • a sheet of sandpaper;
  • glue (if there is no decoupage, dilute PVA glue with an equal amount of water);
  • brush;
  • decoupage napkins, cards.

After that, proceed to the decoupage process itself:

  • Sand the old photo frame first. A new one, if it is not varnished, does not need to be processed.
  • First you need to cut out the desired area from a napkin or card, having previously measured the frame itself, not forgetting the margin needed for processing the edges.
  • With a brush (you can use a sponge), carefully apply glue to the front side of the frame. Then place the prepared image in the right place and smooth it, making sure that all air bubbles come out from under the glued fragment. Do this starting from the center, gradually moving towards the edges.
  • Then, literally for two minutes, you need to put the frame under something heavy, for example, under a massive book.
  • To remove excess pieces of tissue paper, run a nail file along the edge of the photo frame (pressing angle should be 45). In the same way, remove the remains from the central part.
  • Finally, apply another layer of glue and leave the frame to dry.

A rich assortment of decoupage napkins will surely allow you to choose the means to implement the idea and create a unique work.

Another option for decoupage photo frames

Add paint and varnish to the previous set of materials.


Bold and unconventional

  • People who value originality can even use a bicycle wheel that has outlived its time as a frame for photos: select pictures of a general theme, think over a plot, insert a photo between the knitting needles or fix it with clothespins - the original decor is ready.
  • It is not worth guessing how a hunting lover will react to a portrait presented to him in a frame of spent cartridges. Of course, with sincere gratitude.
  • An option for anglers: attach hooks or brackets to the rod, hang photo frames on them with twine or not a thick cable with original marine knots, add a couple of floats.
  • Even an ordinary glass jar can become a creative frame for a photo: place a photo of the appropriate size in the selected container, decorate the empty space in it with sand, shells, starfish, LED garlands or any other entourage close to the subject of the picture.

It is impossible to describe all the ways of decorating photo frames with your own hands: every day the ranks of lovers of this democratic type of needlework are replenished, new ideas are born, which, in turn, become an incentive for further ideas. The creative process never stops.


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