How to Make Western Photo Frames

Make Western photo frames from simple items you find outside and in craft stores.

Making your own photo frames is a foolproof way to match your home decor. You can make simple Western-style frames from items found in nature, such as leaves and acorns, along with checked fabrics, rope and other embellishments that suit a country-western theme. Use heavy cardstock or cardboard for the frame base, then cover it in faux leather, faux fur or another specialty fabric, followed by your selected decorative items.

Things You'll Need

• Cardstock or cardboard
• Craft knife
• Scissors
• Craft glue
• Hot glue gun
• Buttons
• Fabric
• Natural materials
• Hole punch

Instructions

1. Measure the top and one side of your photo in inches to determine the size of the frame you will make, such as 5-by-7 inches.

2. Mark these measurements on a piece of cardstock to make a frame shape. Lay a ruler along the lines and draw a second line to make a 1-inch wide frame. For a stiffer frame, use cardboard in layers instead of cardstock.

3. Cut out around the lines on the inside of the frame with a craft knife. Repeat the process for the outside of the frame.

4. Lay the frame down on a new piece of cardstock and trace around it. Cut out the square to serve as the back of your frame.

5. Iron a piece of checked fabric and cut it slightly larger than your picture frame.

6. Lay your frame on a flat work surface. Apply craft glue to the front of the frame and lay the fabric on top. Smooth out the fabric and allow it to dry.

7. Cut the fabric inside the frame and wrap it under the edge. Affix it with glue and cut away the excess fabric. Glue on buttons or ribbons for embellishment. As an alternative to a fabric frame, you can paint the frame in an earth tone and glue on twigs, leaves or berries.

8. Place your picture in the frame and close the frame with double-sided tape. Poke holes with a hole punch in the top or use a hot glue gun to attach bailing wire as a handle to hang the frame on the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Dry natural materials in a dehydrator before using them in crafts.

• Never use natural materials that are poisonous.