Easy DIY Photoframe Tutorial

Photo Frame Tutorial

This idea was inspired by my blogger friend Indira who incorporates recycling in many of her craft works.The basic construction of the Photo frame is similar to an earlier one for which I had posted a photo frame tutorial but this one is even simpler and easier. Used a desktop calendar like Indira did and converted it into a 2 sided photo frame.

Photo Frame Tutorial

One side has hand made flowers made from a 5 petal punched flower and leaves which were hand cut from a box which I used in my earlier photo frame too.

Handmade Punch craft Rose

I drew the stems and swirls with glitter glue and added magenta rhinestones.

Photo Frame Tutorial

On this side of the photo frame I added some ribbon flowers [ bought ages back before I started making my own flowers] and gemstones and pearls.

Photo Frame Tutorial

Photo Frame Tutorial

Added some red lace on the top border and some pearls on the ribbon roses and the flower shaped gemstones.

Photo Frame Tutorial

This stocking butterfly is more than 5 years old- bought even before I started crafting in earnest!

Photo Frame Tutorial

Materials required to make the Photo Frame

DIY Photo frame tutorial

• Old Desktop calendar- If you dont have one follow my earlier photo frame tutorial
• White Glue
• Craft Knife - should be sharp to avoid ragged edges
• OHP sheet[ Transparency] - Optional - good quality scratch free
• Photo - to serve as a template guide for your frame
• Thick paper, foam or felt- I used 2 sheets of corrugated paper the same size as the desktop calendar. You can even use fabric wrapped cardboard for a lovely texture.

Take your cardboard/Paper pieces and center your photo on it and mark all around to get your aperture.

DIY Photo frame tutorial

Cut out  the marked area at a slightly smaller size [ so that the frame will overlap your photo slightly]

DIY Photo frame tutorial

Place an OHP/ transparency over the marked aperture and mark out the size required - I allowed my transparency to cover slightly more than the aperture  on 3 sides[ below, top and left] and reach till the right edge of the frame
Apply glue to 3 borders leaving a small margin near the aperture.And stick on to your desktop calendar.
When dry you can slip in your transparency and your photo

My daughter wanted to help make the photo frame.And here you can see her helping glue on the frame.

DIY Photo frame tutorial

Tips when making a photo frame with kids

• Make the aperture with the craft knife before you involve them
• Insist on clean dry hands before you start!
• Mark out the area to apply glue with pencil so that your child has a visual guide where to put the glue. You can see my pencil markings on our frame here and how my little assistant has stayed well within the margins.

  

  DIY Photo frame tutorial

• Ask your child to apply glue sparingly [ somehow you have to keep reminding  kids to use less!-No harm if oodles have been smeared-you can always wipe some off!] - You can see big blobs of glue here- you "dont" want that as they can spread to your aperture area!

Decorate your frame with stickers, shells, beads, gems what not!
My friend Indira shared an idea to remove the spring and replace it with nylon strings. I threaded a golden ribbon through the slots of the original spring on the desktop calendar [This step took longer than making the whole frame! So if you want a quick and easy frame leave the original spring on!]

Handmade Punch craft Rose

Here is the link for the Paper Rose tutorial
Here is an even easier version of the Handmade Photoframe tutorial

If you are on Pinterest you can "Pin" this tutorial by clicking this button :Pin It
Linking to Artsy Craftsy Recycling