How to Make Your Own Picture Frame & Crown Moulding

Create your own frame at low cost.

Creating your own picture frame to hold your artwork or family photos is not only a fun craft, but something to keep and cherish forever. Another benefit of making your own frame is the flexibility to make it a certain size. Although framers can size pictures for you, it is expensive and sometimes a framer doesn't create what you had in mind. Adding your own crown molding design will also make your frame more unique and personal.

Things You'll Need

• Picture
• Matte
• Measuring tape
• Table saw
• Wood
• Router
• 3/8-inch Face molding bit with 1/2-inch shank
• 3/8-inch Rabbet bit with 1/2-inch shank
• 3/8-inch Cove bit with 1/2-inch shank
• Laser guided miter saw
• Picture frame clamps or miter clamps
• Wood glue
• Wood dowels cut into thin pieces (the same diameter as a nickel)
• Drill
• Wood finish and sealant
• Sandpaper (150 to 180 grit)
• Gouge
• Chisel
• V-gouge

Instructions

1. Measure your picture and matte to determine what length you'll need for your slats. Add an additional three inches to your measurements to compensate for the parts of the frame that will be cut and glued together later.

2. Decide the width you want your slats to be, double that number and add a half inch. For example, if you want your slats to measure two and a half inches wide, your final measurement for cutting will be five and a half inches. Cut your pieces to fit your measurements.

3. Use the molding bit on your router to cut grooves on both sides of the wood. Carve your crown molding design with your face molding bit on your router. Turn the wood over and use the rabbet bit on both sides of the frame where the glass will eventually sit. Carefully cut the piece in half lengthwise to create all of the pieces for your frame. Use a cove bit on your router to finish the outside edges of the four frame pieces.

4. Test your miter saw on scraps before you attempt to cut your frame pieces. Measure as close to 45 degrees as possible and cut your four pieces to fit onto each other. Apply glue to the cut edges and clamp them together. Allow the frame to dry for at least 24 hours and unclamp the frame.

5. Drill a hole in each corner of the frame measuring about 1/4 inch deep. Put glue into the hole and press one of the cut dowel pieces into the hole. Wipe away any excess glue that may squeeze out. Sand the wood to smooth out any imperfections. Apply wood finish and sealant in a color that matches your picture.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a chisel, gouger and v-gouger to carve your crown molding if you prefer to do it by hand. Carve your molding after you cut and rabbet the pieces.

References

• Knotty Plans: How to Make Your Own Custom Wooden Frames for Your Artwork, Portraits and Photographs
• Carving Patterns: Beginner's Guide