How to Make Birchbark Picture Frames

Birch bark picture frames are made from the bark of birch trees, which is a beautiful white color with interesting patterns of darker shades of brown. Birch bark is very delicate and thin, so birch bark picture frames are made by attaching the bark onto an existing frame. If you have a birch tree nearby, consider making your own birch bark picture frame by following these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Smooth, flat wooden picture frame
• Birch bark
• Glue gun and glue

1. Measure the length and width of the existing picture frame you want to cover, so that you can be sure to get enough bark.

2. Peel the bark from a birch tree. You can peel the bark easily with your fingers. Birch tree bark usually peels off naturally, but still take care to remove pieces carefully so that you have them in long strips. Otherwise, the bark will fall apart, as it can be as thin as paper. Take care not to peel off deep layers. You can also gather them from the ground.

3. Lay the bark out to dry. Check it for bugs or moss, and remove any that you find, unless you like the look of the moss. As it dries, it may curl slightly. This is natural. If drying inside, let it dry overnight. If drying it outside in hot sun, it should be dry in one or two hours.

4. Place a thin layer of hot glue on the existing picture frame. Lay the bark carefully over the glue. Do not worry if it is overlapping the edges.

5. Let the glue dry completely, then use sharp scissors to trim the bark so that it does not overlap the edges, if you wish. Hot glue dries quickly, so you should be able to trim it within 10 minutes of gluing it.

6. Glue more bark on if you want to add interesting layers or patterns to the frame. For example, add squares of darker bark to the corners of the frame. You can use the scissors to cut these out from the bark before you glue them.

7. Spray the frame with a clear craft sealer to protect the bark. Let it dry overnight, then add your photo to the frame.

Tips & Warnings

• Use tiny twigs to further decorate your frame. Glue them over the birch bark in an interesting pattern.

Resources

• More ideas for decorating with birch bark

[ourlittlebox]

on 7/9/2009 It’s so great to see our DIY birch bark picture frame on eHow. We feel soooo honored! For more DIY-ideas and interior design inspirations have a look at: www.ourlittlebox.com.