How to Make Keepsake Frame for Memorabilia

Use push pins to attach memorabilia to a keepsake frame.

You can make a keepsake frame with cork board. It doesn't have to be fancy -- just build a frame with some alder lumber, install the cork board on some thin plywood and pin memorabilia directly to the frame with thumbtacks. Cork board will support any keepsake with ease while displaying it in the frame. Cork board is affordable and easy to work with, and alder has a light amber color that matches the cork board. You can get the materials at any home improvement store.

Things You'll Need

• Miter saw
• Alder lumber, 3/4-by-2-by-96 inches
• Glue
• Nylon strap clamp
• 100-grit sandpaper
• Hand block
• Luan plywood. 1/8-by-24-by-24 inches
• Spray adhesive
• Cork board, 1/4-by-24-by-24 inches
• Construction adhesive
• 4 spring clamps
• Straight pins, thumbtacks, push-pins

Instructions

1. Set a miter saw at 45 degrees. Place the alder flat on the miter saw. Cut four pieces of the alder at 24 inches from long point to long point of the miter.

2. Smear glue on the mitered edges of the alder with your fingertip. Place all four pieces on a flat surface and bring the glued edges together to form a 24-by-24-inch frame. Place a nylon strap clamp around the frame and tighten. Wait one hour for the glue to dry and remove the clamp.

3. Sand and round the edges of the alder frame with 100-grit sandpaper attached to a hand block.

4. Place the plywood on a flat surface and spray one side of it with aerosol adhesive glue. Place the cork board on top of the plywood. Press it down with your hands to bond it to the plywood.

5. Run a bead of construction adhesive along the back of the alder frame. Place the frame on top of the cork board. Place two clamps on each side and tighten. Wait four hours for the glue to dry.

6. Pin items of memorabilia directly to the cork board using straight pins, thumbtacks or push-pins.

Tips & Warnings

• You can stain and lacquer the alder frame before you glue it to the cork board and plywood panel, but you don't need to do so. The natural brown color of the alder goes well with the cork board.

• Wear safety glasses and breathing protection when working with wood.