Children's Crafts

Homemade Picture Frames

Picture frame projects are small enough that you can afford to try out new crafting techniques without risking a lot of time or money. The Antiqued Picture Frame, at left, is very easy to do, using a single color of paint on a plaster or resin frame. The trick to success with this technique is choosing a subtle base color.

At right, is a Crackled Finish Picture Frame, made from a simple wooden base that is decorated with a two-color crackling technique and dried flowers.

If you don’t have a frame of the right size, check your local thrift store, where you’ll likely find a wide selection of frames at bargain prices.

Kids can make some interesting frames from supplies that you likely already have around the house. This Pet Treat Picture Frame is perfect to show off a photo of your family pet, and would also make a good homemade gift for a pet owner.

Use wooden craft sticks and gold or silver paint to make a Popsicle Stick Picture Frame - or, of course, if you’ve enough of them, you can use genuine popsicle sticks instead.

You can make unique three-dimensional frames, like this Froggie Photo Frame, from styrofoam sheets.

Styrofoam blocks are decorated with scrapbook paper and photocopied photos to make this set of Styrofoam Photo Cubes – great for displaying at the office, or to give to Mom on Mother’s Day.

Finally, here’s how to make a pretty Homemade Serving Tray from an old picture or document frame.