Picture perfect

DIY projects from Your Home and Garden

Upcycle some old photo frames and not only will you win points for your environmental stance, but you can also create original one-offs.

How to make upcycled picture frames
Wall painted in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in Resene Blue Moon

I’ve had some family photos I’d been meaning to frame set aside for ages, but I was looking for the right frames. I couldn’t find them, so I took some thrifted ones and made them better than they were before. It was an easy and fun craft afternoon.

You will need

Materials:

Picture frames
Wooden beads, full and half
Glue. Either wood glue or hot glue
Paintbrush
Painter’s tape
Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat for the wooden frames
Resene Laminate and Melamine Primer for laminate frames

Your choice of paints. I used:

Karen Walker Chalk Colour in Resene Blanched Pink
Resene Kashmir Blue testpot
Resene Hacienda testpot
Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel in Resene Guardsman Red and Resene Manuka Honey

Instructions

Learn how to make upcycled picture frames:

How to make upcycled picture frames - Supplies used Supplies used
A close-up of all the supplies used in this upcycled photo frame project.

Step 1 - sand and clean the frames Step one
Sand and clean all your photo frames.

Step 2 - prime the frames Step two
Prime wooden frames with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer. If your frames are laminate coated, then use Resene Laminate and Melamine Primer and allow them to dry.

Step 3 - add some fun details Step three
Now it is time to add some fun details. I added full beads/balls to the edges of the curved frame using instant bond glue but you could also use a hot-glue gun. I positioned half the beads on the front of the square frame using PVA, I recommend using PVA wood glue for this, so you have more time to space them evenly.

Step 4 - prime any extra additions to the frame Step four
Prime any extra bits you have added to the frame.

Step 5 - allow to dry Step five
Allow everything to dry before decorating. I used a variety of Resene colours and finishes. They don’t need to match – just have fun and play around.

Step 6 - paint the frames in a variety of Resene colours Step six
For the blue ball frame, I applied two coats of Resene Kashmir Blue. For the oval frame, I used two coats of Karen Walker Chalk Colour in Resene Blanched Pink. For the arched frame, I used two coats of Resene Hacienda. Allow the paint to dry completely between each coat.

Step 7 - paint the stripes Step seven
To create the stripes, paint a lighter colour first. I used Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss in Resene Manuka Honey. Allow a good amount of time for it to dry. I used painter’s tape to create stripes, then painted Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss in Resene Guardsman Red onto the exposed parts of the frame. The frame will need two coats of paint, allowing time to dry between coats.

Top tips

For glossy varnished frames, you can skip the sanding and just seal with Resene Waterborne Sureseal then topcoat.
Crafty tip: Put down a Resene drop sheet with a leak-proof backing to catch any paint drips.

Colours mentioned in this article...