How to Decorate a Picture Frame On Unfinished Wood

Transform a plain wood frame.

Transform a plain wood frame into a one-of-a-kind work of art. Choose themes in selecting materials to decorate a frame with, such as seasons, vacations or holidays. Children and adults can participate in this kind of project to create gifts to give to friends, family or teachers. Keep a craft box handy to collect decorative items and embellishments that can be used to make frames that will become conversation pieces.

Things You'll Need

• Wood frame, flat surface
• Mod Podge, glossy finish
• Beach sand
• Small sea shells, assorted shapes
• Embellishments
• Spray sealant, clear, glossy finish
• Newspapers or protective table cover

Instructions

1. Lay old newspapers or protective plastic on a work table. Lay the wood frame back side down.

2. Arrange small sea shells on the frame, working from the center out and all the way around.

3. Dip the foam brush into the bottle of Mod Podge and drip the sealant generously around the edges of the sea shells. This will secure the shells to the frame. The Mod Podge is milky in color and thick. It will begin to dry fairly quickly; readjust any shells that may move from the spot you placed them. Proceed all the way around the frame.

4. While the Mod Podge is drying, sprinkle beach sand into spaces between the sea shells. Press the sand with your fingers into the Mod Podge. Let the frame dry.

5. Take the frame outside or in a well ventilated area and spray the front of the frame with glossy sealant. This will give your project a shiny finish. It also adds extra security to the sea shells attached to the frame.

Tips & Warnings

• If children want to participate in this project, give them small wood frames such as 8 inches by 10 inches. This is a size they can complete in a reasonably short time. Let them insert a drawing or colored picture they drew that complements the frame.

• Other themes can be used to decorate a wood frame. These can include buttons, beads, pebbles, small natural objects or seeds.

• Another option in decorating a wood picture frame is covering the front with images or photos in a collage fashion.

• Purchase inexpensive frames at dollar stores or when they are on clearance or sales at frame stores.

References

• Creativity Portal: Ideas for Decorating Wood Picture Frames
• Wooden Handicrafts: Craft Ideas for Decorating Wooden Picture Frames

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read this Article in UK English