Make Your Own Lovely Photo Frame

Picture frames are a wonderful way to dress up your vanity, book shelf, or desk. They also double as a great way to show off memories and photos of people (or animals!) that you love. Thanks to this easy DIY project, you can create a photo frame embracing those that are dear to your heart. The best part is that you only need basic crafting skills and inexpensive supplies to do so.

Once you finish making this frame, you can keep it for yourself or gift it to someone for Valentine's Day, their birthday, or just because. Decorating your home has never been easier!

Step 1 - Gather Your Materials

Round up all of the supplies needed.

Need to shop for materials? Check out the wood section of your local craft store. Pre-made wooden frames and die cut shapes are available for relatively cheap. Wood glue can be found in the adhesive section.

Acrylic paints and foam paint brushes are also inexpensive. You can find these supplies in the paint section.

Step 2 - Paint the Wooden Frame

Apply black acrylic paint to the letter "I." Again, make sure the layer of paint is applied evenly and thoroughly.

Clean the foam brush under running water to remove the black paint. Use the brush to apply red paint to the wooden heart. Alternatively, you can use a new, separate brush if you have one on hand.

Leave the wooden pieces to dry.

Step 4 - Glue the Pieces Together

Using a small amount of wood glue, adhere the heart to the letter "I."

Step 5 - Finish the Frame

To complete your project, adhere the wooden pieces to the top of the frame. Depending on the thickness of your wooden pieces, you can glue them along the side edge of the frame. Otherwise, simply find a spot on to adhere them. Leave the frame to dry.

If necessary, you can use a hot glue gun to stick everything together. This will depend on the style, thickness, and weight of the wooden pieces that you use. Don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for your specific materials.

More Ideas:

Thanks to the simplicity of this project, personalizing this DIY frame is super easy. Looking for a more colorful option? Replace the black acrylic paint with your favorite shade. Craft stores sell a wide variety of acrylic paints; you'll have an easy time finding a color you love. You can even find paint with glitter or metallic finishes.

This project also works well with embellishments. Rhinestones, sequins, beads, and ribbon. All you have to do is adhere each embellishment with a dot of hot glue. This is a wonderful way to customize this frame and gift to a special someone.

Time: 15 minutes (prep) & 40 minutes (drying time) || Cost: $7