Pretty as a Picture

Pretty as a Picture - DIY Frame

January 25, 2015

Please Share the Love

Have you ever bought something because you thought, I can make something with that? Or kept something because you thought, I can use that for a project? But had no clue what you could use it for?

Well that's how this pretty little DIY Picture Frame came to be.

I knew I wanted to make something with these simple rolled felt flowers that I saw on the net.

I had these red and white felt Christmas tree skirts that had no purpose other than waiting to be used on some kind of project.

The felt cried out to be made into roses so that is exactly what I did with the red felt.

Not wanting to leave the white felt out I decided to use it to cover the frame.

Once it was assembled the frame looked a little naked. That's when I decided to grab the dollar store red doily which I purchased for just an occasion.

Now I could have stopped here but I had to get those darling roses on the frame somewhere. After all it began with the roses.

Odd numbers are usually best so I made three felt roses and glued them down.

For a bit more pizzazz I scrunched in the lace around the flowers.

Supplies

Photograph
Cardboard
Felt (Fabric of your Choosing)
Scissors
Sharp Blade
Hot Glue Gun
Bead

Instructions

I guess you need to find a picture that you would like to frame because it will determine the finished size of your frame.

Once you have the dimensions cut two pieces of cardboard. One is for the front and the other is for the back.

Draw the frame opening. It should be at least 1/4" smaller than your photo.

Place your photo onto your cardboard to make sure the size you choose will work.

Using your straight edge and knife, cut the frame opening.

*** To get sharp corners extend the lines past them. Do the same when you are cutting the cardboard. ***

Trace your cardboard frames onto your chosen fabric. In my case it is white felt.

Cut the fabric with a 1 1/2" allowance all around the outer edge.

Cut out a second piece of fabric using the first as a guideline. Just remember only one piece needs the inner opening.

Start with the back panel. Lay the cardboard onto the fabric.

Cut the corners of the fabric as shown in the photograph. This will eliminate bulky corners once you glue the fabric to the cardboard.

Place a bead of hot glue along the top edge of the cardboard.

Press the fabric down. Careful it's hot.

Do the same on the bottom edge pulling gently to remove wrinkles.

Do the same for the two sides.

Now work on the front of the frame following the instructions for the back of the frame. Only this time cut the opening in the middle of the frame.

Miter the corners on the inside too.

You may want to skip this part depending on the fabric you chose.

Place the lace on top of the frame.

Cut opening in center of the lace.

Hot glue the front of the frame to the back of the frame leaving the top open so you can slide your picture in.

Embellish your frame further if desired. I made three rolled felt roses and glued it to the frame. I scrunched up a bit of excess lace and hot glued it close to the roses. I finished it off my gluing small bells into the center of the roses.

*** Tutorial for the roses can be found HERE. ***