How to Use Paper Folding to Make a Newspaper Frame

Coming up with a paper craft idea is not as difficult as we make think. When it comes to using paper folding to make neat and even useful items, there are many ideas to be found. This project is on how to make a paper picture frame from old newspapers. Follow these instructions to create a newspaper frame that can be a fun project for children and adults alike.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Begin your paper folding by taking a sheet of newspaper and fold a it in half width-wise (top to bottom). Now fold that it into a strip that will be about 1 ½ inches wide. You will want to fold four strips; two strips will be folded along the width of a page, while the other two will be folded along the length of a page. You can also cut the strip lengths for whatever size you prefer your paper picture frame to be.

2. 
    

   Once you have a strip folded, lay the strip so that the opening of the fold will be facing toward the center (were the picture will go). Now take the last top layer of the paper craft strip (thinnest layer) and fold it under in order to create a corner.

3. 
    

   When you have your second strip prepared through the paper folding process, connect the edges of the paper frame sides so that the folded corners meet each other. Now staple the corners together to hold the newspaper frame sides together. When you have all four paper frame sides lined up and stapled in place, you’ll have a paper picture frame.

4. 
    

   Your next paper folding step will be to make a hanging loop for your newspaper frame by taking a smaller piece of newspaper, about 3”x3” and folding it or rolling it into a thin strip. Form the strip into a paper craft loop and then tape the loop to the back side on the center part of the top of the paper frame. You can also choose to use ribbon to make your hanging loop.

5. 
    

   Now you’re newspaper frame structure is complete and ready to hang.

6. 
    

   The newspaper frame look may be okay to use for some frames, but for others, you may desire to give it a more decorative look. You can paint your paper picture frame with water paints, tempera paints, spray paints or you can color it with crayons or markers.

7. 
    

   Add a special touch to the paper frame by attaching stickers, gluing ribbons, sequins, buttons, tiny flowers, etc to the front of the paper frame.

8. 
    

   When the paint and glue are thoroughly dry, place your photo inside the newspaper frame by sliding it in between the two layers of newspaper, where you left openings from your paper folding. Your picture should set well in the paper frame; but if it needs extra support, you can tape the back of the photo to the back side of the newspaper frame to secure it in place.

9. 
    

   Hang your completed paper picture frame where you would like to have it and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• You can use regular paper or even magazine pages in place of newspaper for this paper craft idea.

[deepthinkin]

on 11/10/2009 Excellent photo illustrations. I appreciate that since sometimes it's hard to picture instructions without them. Your how-to explanation for this craft good too. I'm going to do this project with the kid. Thanks!

[tracysmith159]

on 10/26/2009 Very nice frame to put your picture in and recycle the newspaper.

[cclofmead]

on 10/25/2009 What a clever idea! I will have to save this so I can make a newspaper frame! 5*

[edwardvance]

on 10/25/2009 Very nice article on making a paper hanging frame! 5*

[godfather25]

on 10/24/2009 Nice article on using paper folding to make a newspaper frame.