How to Make Standup Picture Frames
Displaying your photos is a great way to keep your memories close. Now, you can add to the experience by making your own standup picture frames to exhibit them. There is a frame style---the Plexiglas frame---that is relatively simple to make, but creates a sophisticated look. Moreover, it offers you the flexibility of making frames for multiple picture sizes. Finally, this frame beautifully compliments the clean architectural lines of most modern apartments or houses.
Things You'll Need
- Two pieces of Plexiglas
- Drill
- Nuts and bolts
- Plate holder
- Grease pencil
- Ruler
- Small clamps
Instructions
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Making Standup Picture Frames
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1
Buy the Plexiglas, the plate holder and the nuts and bolts to create a clear frame. You'll want Plexiglas that has been cut into standard frame sizes like 5 inches x 7 inches or 8 inches x 10 inches.
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2
Clamp the two pieces of Plexiglas together. They should be perfectly aligned.
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3
Mark each of the four corners of one of the pieces of plastic with the grease pencil. They should be about ¾ inch in from the corners.
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4
Drill a hole in each, right where you marked them with the grease pencil. You may have to use a hand drill. The tip should be thin. You'll end up with four holes, one in each corner on each piece of plastic.
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5
Unclamp the two pieces.
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6
Lay one of the pieces of plastics on a flat surface.
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7
Place a photo on the plastic so that it's exactly centered.
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8
Set the second piece of Plexiglas so that it's on top of the other piece of plastic. You should have a sandwich of sorts with the two pieces of Plexiglas on the outside and the photo inserted in the middle.
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9
Clamp the two pieces back together.
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10
Insert a bolt in each the hole in each corner.
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11
Secure the bolt with a nut.
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12
Remove the clamps from the frame.
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13
Open the plate holder up.
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14
Set the Plexiglas on it so that the picture stands up.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you're going for a completely modern look, you can find clear plastic plate holders. You can also try black lacquer or metal.
The frames don't have to stay plain. Try experimenting with dried, pressed flowers or gluing decorations on to the front. Adding plastic or ceramic chards from broken plates is a fun idea.
You can also make matching accessories like a clock to display with your photos. You just need to buy the clock parts. Then drill the Plexiglas for the clock parts. Place it on the plate holder stand when you're done.
