Making Your Own Picture Frames

Handmade picture frames can add visual appeal to a wall hanging or picture.

Framed artwork and photos create a visual focal point for the wall of any home or business. Unfortunately, picture frames can often be expensive and thus limit an individual's ability to frame pictures in an affordable manner. Handmade photo frames are cost-effective, and can be designed in uncommon sizes or styles. With a few materials and basic woodworking skills, anyone can make handmade picture frames.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Wood in three different thicknesses
• Router
• Wood glue
• Wood clamps
• Table saw
• Hammer
• Glazier's points
• Cardboard

Instructions

1. Measure the height and width of the picture that you will be building a frame for. Select three different thicknesses of wood stock to use for the project. Depending on the size of the frame that you are making, stock may vary from 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick. The type of wood used is completely up to you.

2. Rip each thickness of stock to the appropriate width using a table saw. The thickest stock should be the widest and may vary in width from 2 inches to 4 inches, depending on the size of the picture being framed. The next thickest stock should be half the width of the first, while the third and thinnest stock can be the same width, or slightly less than the second. Cut four pieces of each thickness of wood stock to use for the frame itself. The lengths of the pieces should coincide with the measurements of the photo that will be framed, plus 1 inch on each end.

3. Shape the outside edges of each piece of wood stock using a router or shaping bit. Edges may be rounded, grooved or left square, depending on your preference.

4. Spread a thin layer of glue evenly over the backside of each piece of the second thinnest wood stock. Place a piece of glue-covered stock on top of the thickest stop, with back edges aligned. Clamp the two pieces together using a wood clamp every six inches. Repeat the process for all four sides of the frame and allow the glue to dry completely before removing the clamps. When the first set of stock has adhered together, glue the thinnest piece of stock on top of each inner frame edge and clamp it in place to dry.

5. Miter the ends of each piece of frame end to a 45-degree angle using a table saw and miter gauge. Ensuring that each corner joint is cut at the same angle will allow the frame to fit together in a perfectly square manner.

6. Construct a jig to align the frame by securing a piece of square wood stock on top of a flat surface. Coat the corner angle of one piece of the frame side with wood glue and align it with one end of the jig. Insert a coordinating piece of the frame into the opposite side of the jig and push it up against the glue covered stock to begin fusing the two pieces together to create a corner. Repeat the process for the rest of the frame and utilize small wood nails or staples to secure the frame sides permanently once the glue is dry enough to allow the frame to be moved.

7. Finish the frame with wood stain or paint. Insert glass that has been cut to size once the finish is dry, followed by any matting and a picture. Tap glazier's points around the rear interior of the frame with a small hammer to hold the picture in place and cover the rear of the frame with a piece of thin cardboard or butcher's paper to protect the framed picture.

References

• Ron Hazelton's House Calls: How to Build Your Own Picture Frame