These photo frame decoration ideas are perfect for beginners! Make a gift or unique home decor with these 40+ picture frame ideas.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate. Some of these techniques are easier than others, but none of them are exceptionally hard. Basic crafting skills are necessary, like using a paintbrush or punches and stenciling.
I’ve taken you on a stroll through the craft store, and we’ve learned how to decorate birdhouses, vases, trays, wood slices, wood blocks, boxes, plates, wood plaques, and more.
Today’s trip is going to be fun because you are going to the unfinished wood crafts section again – it’s time to decorate those cheap wooden picture frames!
If I’m being honest, my favorite are the $2 – $3 wooden frames (they usually hold 4″ x 6″ photos). These frames are inexpensive of course, but they are also the perfectsize for decorating.
Tips for Decorating Frames
Don’t be afraid to jump in. If you mess up, simply purchase another frame and start again!
Where to Get Frames
You can get frames at Michaels, Jo-Ann, Walmart, Dollar Tree, and a variety of other smaller craft stores.
The best places to buy bulk frames are Amazon.com and Oriental Trading Company. The most inexpensive frames online are a little bit over $2, and if you have a large project (like summer camp, bible school, or a craft night) it’s more practical to buy them online anyway.
Let’s not forget thrift stores and the Goodwill. Check them regularly, especially if you are on a budget!
Craft Supplies
I use a variety of supplies to enhance the frames: scrapbook paper, paint, ribbon, stencils, Mod Podge, tissue paper, napkins, brads, wood shapes, and more.
I don’t use a separate sealer on top – just Mod Podge. And sometimes I use Dimensional Magic to accent certain areas and/or wood pieces for a little interest.
Preparing Your Surface
Sand the surface if desired. You can use the frame as-is or basecoat with paint first. It’s up to you!
Paint and Mod Podge to Use
You can use regular craft paint (like FolkArt) as well as spray paint or chalk paint. The only type of paint I would shy away from is latex, at least if you are going to use Mod Podge (they don’t work well together).
You don’t HAVE to paint, but I personally love to paint so I always do.
As far as Mod Podge formulas, you can use regular Matte, Satin, or Gloss depending on the finish you are going for.
Of course the Sparkle and Glitter formulas are a nice touch to a frame, especially during the holidays. It’s really up to you.
Are you ready to decoupage onto some wood frames? Grab some great ideas below!
1
Colorful Geometric Frame Using Tissue Paper
Learn how to decorate a frame with tissue paper and Mod Podge. If you’re a beginning crafter, this is the perfect project for you! It’s so easy, even a kid could do it.
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2
Paper Napkin Decoupage
Learn how to decoupage a paper napkin to a wood frame with using the iron on method and Mod Podge.
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3
Comic Book Frame Anyone Can Make
You’re going to use Mod Podge and squares from your favorite comic books for this DIY photo frame! If the idea of cutting up comic books doesn’t work for you, use color copies (preferably laserjet) for the task.
This frame uses one piece of scrapbook paper and some Mod Podge for the main pattern, then a wood laser cut piece layered on top.I painted the laser cut piece and added Dimensional Magic for some interest. Any project where I can incorporate DM? I’m in!
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5
Woodburned Stencil Frame
If you’ve never tried wood burning, it’s very satisfying. Learning to burn wood takes a little bit of time, but the effects are pretty amazing. You can also add paint to your photo frame decoration for some interest! Don’t forget to visit my beginner’s guide to wood burning – it will help you on your journey.
Learn how to make a resin frame using epoxy and Legos! This resin picture frame is so easy. What will you put in your creation?
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7
Pallet Picture Frame and a Photo Transfer
A photo can be directly applied to a pallet with Mod Podge to use it as a picture frame – they sell these surfaces at the craft store. Stain it and then add on top. You can also do a photo transfer directly to the wood!
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8
Make a Faux Leather Frame (With Paper Bags!)
Make a faux leather frame using paper bags and Mod Podge. It’s such a sophisticated look for less. No one will guess that you decorated a frame with a paper bag!
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9
Distressed Chalk Paint Frame
Distressing a frame with chalk paint is always a favorite because it’s hard to mess up. The whole point of this style is that it doesn’t look uniform! This frame decoration idea uses two colors of chalk paint as well as an antiquing wax on top.
Want a whimsical frame for a portrait? Decorate a wooden frame with buttons! The best part is you can customize the button colors to go with the photo, or the season . . . or your decor.
If you’re going to this seashore this summer (say that three times fast), try a DIY picture frame using some of the seashells you collect.Kids will love using brightly colored paint for this project – and there’s also Mod Podge and glitter, so that’s a big win as far as I’m concerned.
What a sweet way to get the kids involved in a picture frame project! They’ll use their handprints to make the sun. This DIY frame is perfect for an end-of-the-school-year idea.
You can make a DIY picture frame display that packs a punch by using four separate frames and gluing them together. But I wouldn’t attach them with Mod Podge; instead use a hot glue gun or strong craft glue.The Mod Podge comes in handy when you are decorating the fronts. These have a fun Greek / sorority theme.
You can use this method with one frame or combine them to make a set for multiple kids! It’s very cute to use the crayons . . . I like the idea of using an ombre effect to decorate.
I already showed you a frame decorated with crayons . . . what about colored pencils? This is another fun gift idea for a teacher or someone who loves coloring (or just crafting in general).
I absolutely love map crafts! In this project, you’ll add maps to a frame with Mod Podge. You can use the same technique for book pages or other thin papers as well.
You can easily decorate a picture frame using wood shapes! The polka dotting above is achieved with patterned scrapbook paper and Mod Podge. I love the addition of the photos to the corners with teenie tiny clothespins.
Washi tape is removable from wood surfaces and walls! This is a fun way to have frames on the wall temporarily, that you can change out at any time. What a great idea for apartments!
If you’re looking for a DIY photo frame project that takes the shortest amount of time possible and still looks good, you’re going to like this washi tape version.Look for patterns that are easy to continue based on the tape you’re using. Decorate several wooden frames in a matter of minutes with this technique!
This is an easy way to upscale dollar store picture frames! You’ll paint them and then add some metallic craft paint for accents. No one will ever know these started as $1 plastic white frames!
This is a great craft to do with scraps of paper, right on the front of a wood frame. Pick a color to paint, then make a bunch of paper rolls and glue them on the front. So colorful and unique!
A twig frame is a beautiful, rustic way to showcase your most favorite photos. For some extra authenticity, choose twigs from your own backyard or neighborhood. It works well as a group activity and can also be made kid-friendly.
If you play a sport or your kids do, this is a fun idea! How can you integrate their supplies into a “frame” project with photos? This is great inspiration.
Learn how to make a photo frame with ice cream sticks and washi tape! You can decorate any frame with washi tape using a similar method. This is such an easy craft for kids or adults.
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32
Painted Mosaic Styrofoam Tile Picture Frame
Grab some foam plates to create little tiles that look like mosaics – but aren’t! Paint and then attach to the front of frames (that you can make, or use wood frames).
This Mod Podge wrapping paper to frame is the perfect gift idea on a budget – all you need are a few supplies and some creativity.
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Are you ready to grab some wooden picture frames from the store and then try these photo frame decoration ideas? I’ve provided you with some inspiration – now let me know what you try in the comments!
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