How to Decorate Picture Frames

Many people like to feature photographs throughout their home. Unfortunately, sometimes it can be difficult to find just the right type of picture frame to fit in with existing home decor. Other times, the perfect frame simply costs too much. An alternative to the stress and strain of trying to find just the right picture frame is to decorate your own. But how does one go about doing that? Follow the steps below to decorate personalized frames.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Picture frames
• A design idea for the frame
• Paints
• Faux leading
• Sandpaper
• Acrylic protective coating (brush on or spray)
• Stencil design(s)
• Paint brushes
• Adhesive
• Fabric
• Braid
• Beading
• Roping
• Ribbon
• Decorative papers
• Miniatures
• Seashells
• Buttons
• Ribbon or dried flowers
• Jewels
• Other decorations

1. Find picture frames in the correct size for the photographs you want to highlight. You may have some old ones around the house that you can refurbish. You might be able to pick some up through yard sales or at thrift stores. Another option is to make a trip to a local dollar store.

2. Decide the "style" of picture frame design that you want. Perhaps all you want to do is paint the frame in one or more colors that fit into your home decor. Maybe you just want to add a metallic, glitter or pearl effect. Another option is to hand paint your own design on to the frame. You can opt to add some interesting texture to the frame. Another idea would be to glue decor on to the frame such as decorative braiding, roping, or fabric. You might add jewels, decorative buttons, seashells or themed miniatures to give the frame a three dimensional look.

3. Gather together the supplies you will need to gather in order to complete your chosen design and go shopping to obtain those that you do not already have on hand.

4. Draw a rough diagram of how you want your frame to look. This will give you a starting point to begin your design.

5. Take the picture frame apart. Make sure that it will continue to function properly once you have completed your design. Examine where on the frame you can add your design without effecting how the frame functions.

6. Paint the frame first, if you are giving it new base color(s). Let the frame dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

7. Paint a design on to the frame, if that is part of your plan. For example, you might opt to paint paisleys in various sizes and colors for a man's den. For a child's room, you might opt to paint figures of their favorite cartoon or movie characters. For a kitchen, you might choose a kitchen-oriented theme such as fruits and vegetables, chefs, or roosters and hens. Paint on to the frame the name of the person whose photo will be inside the frame. Let each design dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

8. Stencil a design onto the frame. Although related to Step 7 above, stenciling is a slightly different technique that really requires no artistic talent; just a stencil design that can be obtained from any craft store and the appropriate type and colors of stencil paints.

9. Add texture to part or all of the frame, if that is part of your design. For example, you might use paper mache to create an interesting dimensional effect or crackle the paint to give the frame a worn look. Perhaps you want to add additional layers of wood or other materials in spots around the frame. The ideas for this are almost limitless.

10. Give the frame an antiqued look by sandpapering off some of the paint in strategic areas around the frame.

11. Put a protective coating like an acrylic paint or spray over any parts of the frame that are painted.

12. Adhere paper, fabric, braid, roping, beading or other decorations to part or all of the frame, if that is part of the overall design.

13. Adhere other decorations to the frame, if that is part of your overall plan. For example, if your home decor is nautical, you might adhere seashells, starfish, and/or other things like fish netting to the frame. If you home decor is Victorian, you might add jewels, decorative buttons, or ribbon or dried flowers to the frame for a frilly, three-dimensional look.

14. Paint a design around the edges of the frame's glass to add extra interest. You can opt to use either opaque or translucent paint for this purpose.

15. Give the outside perimeter of the frame's glass a stained glass effect with craft store faux leading and stain glass paints.

16. Put the frame back together to make certain that it still functions properly.

17. Add a new decorative "hanger" to the frame if it is going to be hung on the wall. This could be made out of fabric, braid, rope or ribbon.

18. Hang a grouping of several smaller picture frames together on a long ribbon to make a wall hanging photo gallery.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep an eye out for picture frames whenever you are out shopping. Although you might not use them right away, if you can pick them up for a good price, store them until you are ready to use them.
• Make a thorough list of the supplies needed to complete your frame design before you go shopping.
• Be creative with your design ideas as the only limitation is your own imagination.
• Be certain to use the correct adhesives for the types of materials with which you are working.
• Be certain to use the right type of paint brushes for the medium with which you are working.
• Always follow the directions on the materials that you are using to the letter in order to avoid damage to your work, your home or yourself.