How to Make a Fabric Covered Picture Frame

If you have some lovely fabric on hand you are seeking to use in a creative way and a photo or two you would love to showcase, this might just be the perfect craft project for you. These picture frames are so simple that kids can make them, and yet the finished product is worthy of gift giving.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Two identical pieces of sturdy cardboard, the size you want your finished frame
• Two pieces of fabric, each two inches larger than the cardboard
• Craft knife
• Polyfill quilt batting
• Hot glue gun or other adhesive
• Optional: additional piece of cardboard or length of twine or cording

1. Slice a window in one of the pieces of cardboard that is large enough to view your picture through. Do not cut it larger than your picture, though. Although it might be simplest to cut the picture window in a square or rectangle shape, you can also cut it in a circular or oblong shape.

2. Cut the polyfill batting to fit the piece of cardboard with the picture window. Cut the outer edge of the polyfill slightly larger than the cardboard, as this will round out the edges. Line up the batting to the cardboard and cut out the picture window area so that it is even with the cardboard.

3. Glue the batting to the front of the cardboard with the picture window. Allow the adhesive to dry completely.

4. Adhere one piece of fabric to the flat, uncut piece of cardboard using your glue. Measure the second piece of fabric against the piece of cardboard with the picture window, and cut an X in the middle where the picture window is. Glue the fabric over the batting and onto the cardboard.

5. Glue the piece of cardboard with the picture window to the uncut piece of cardboard. You should glue them together so that the fabric is on the outsides and the bare cardboard sides are adhered together. Allow the glue to dry completely.

6. Cut a wedge shape from a piece of cardboard and glue it to the back of the frame so that your frame will stand on a tabletop. Or attach a loop of twine or cording to the back near the top and you can hang the frame on the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• While you can certainly use two pieces of the same fabric, it is also fun to mix and match fabrics.

• Make three frames similar in size but varied in shape and attach them to a length of ribbon for a lovely wall hanging.

• Don't let kids use hot glue guns or craft knives unsupervised.