Guest Blogger - Scrappy Photo Frames Tutorial

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Now I'm excited to introduce Lisa, our guest blogger today with a tutorial to make an adorable photo frame!

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Scrappy Photo Frames: Personalized Gifts and Home Accents

If you hoard scrapbooking supplies like I do, then you probably have most of what you’ll need to create this crafty gift or simple room accent. Beyond the typical scrapbooking odds and ends, all you’ll need is a wooden photo frame – choose any size that appeals to you and manipulate picture sizes to match. It’s easy to digitally change the size of a photo and print it at a drugstore, so don’t hesitate to grab a large frame if you want a bolder effect. Just to make sure you’re not missing any items you might want to use on this project, here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• 1 wooden photo frame
• At least 2 sheets of coordinating scrapbook paper
• •Pencil
• Ruler
• Scissors
• 2 sponge brushes
• Decoupage glue and sealant
• Decorative elements: try buttons, scrapbook paper cutouts, stickers, letters, self-adhesive gems/rhinestones, and anything else you might want to use

How to Customize Your Frame
1. Make sure you remove all the packaging and any stickers from the frame, checking for a clean and smooth surface. You may want to use a small square of sandpaper to rub away any roughness or splintered wood, depending on the condition of your frame. Gently blow on the frame to get rid of any loose particles.

2. Decide on your scrapbook paper theme. Choose one design for the outside of the frame and one for the mat. You might also use the same mat paper to cut out decorative pieces to attach to the frame, or you can choose a third design for this purpose. Once you’ve picked out the paper for the outside of the frame, use the pencil to trace the outline of the frame onto the paper. Now, measure the width of the frame using the ruler and add a border of that width to the inner and outer edges of the frame tracing. This will allow you to cover the edges of your frame with paper, creating a seamless look.

3. Cut out the frame shape from the paper and snip the corners of the border so you’ll be able to fold the edges around the sides of the frame.

4. Use a sponge brush to cover the frame (including the sides) in decoupage glue, then gently lay the paper frame shape on top. Use the pencil or another object with a flat edge to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles. Make sure the sides of the frame are covered, then trim away any excess paper.

5. With the front of the frame facing down, lay a flat heavy object (like a book) on top and let it dry.

6. Once you’re sure that the glue is dry, you can add any paper cutouts or flat decorations you might want to use. Let this glue dry completely as well.

7. Cover the entire frame in decoupage sealant, using the other sponge brush, and let it dry.

8. Add any other decorative elements, such as buttons or rhinestones, and let the glue dry.

9. Cut out a square of scrapbook paper to fit the inside of the frame (this will be the mat). Decide how much of a border you’d like, then measure it with the ruler and cut it out. For the inside edge of the mat, you can use scissors with decorative edges for an even more creative effect.

10. Resize your photo to fit inside the mat and print it if you have a good printer; otherwise, you can use your local drugstore for a reasonable price. Insert the photo and give away your scrappy frame or enjoy it in your own home.

Bio: Lisa Shoreland is currently a resident blogger at Go college, where recently she's been researching nursing scholarships and blogging about student life. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing and hogging her boyfriend’s PlayStation 3. To keep her sanity she enjoys practicing martial arts and bringing home abandon animals.

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Thanks so much Lisa! Great tutorial and adorable frame! It reminds me of a Valentine frame I made earlier this week. I'll be showing mine on Scrappy Saturdays!