Our memories are precious to us, and they deserve to be beautifully displayed. Not only are photo frames a way to keep the highlights from our life close and on display, but they are also a great way to decorate a room and make it feel more like a home.
The problem is that photo frames can be surprisingly expensive — and their cost can especially add up if you have a large number of memories that require framing. One easy way to get your living space appropriately framed up without breaking the break is by making the frames yourself!
Simple Photo Frame Ideas You Can Do It Yourself
Recycled Color Pencils
If you’re an avid fan of coloring, then chances are you have wondered what to do with your beloved colored pencils when you sharpen them too short to be usable. This recycled photo frame is for every overzealous sharper out there that wants to add a splash of color to their life. Get the idea from Ava’s Alphabet.
Ceiling Medallion Frame
This next one is not so much a DIY tutorial, as it is a quick idea that you could pull off with a fixture that you may already have laying around in storage! We love the way that this blogger at 12th and White turned a ceiling medallion into a photo frame and statement piece — so creative!
Aquarium Jewels
You can buy these simple but beautiful jewels at any local dollar store. While they are technically intended for use in an aquarium, they can also be put to work in various arts and crafts —such as in a DIY photo frame! Get the glistening details at Dollar Store Crafts.
Rolled Magazine Pages
If you were crafting in the 2000s, you may remember a trend of making bowls out of magazine rolls. This same technique can also be added to a photo frame for a look tha really stands out. See an example over at the Craft Guild.
Glitter Frames
Glitter makes everything better, and why should photo frames be an exception? This tutorial from Smitten is very easy to follow, and can be achieved with only a wooden frame, some glue, and of course, lots and lots of glitter.
“Brag Book” Photo Frame
And now for something a little bit different! If you are looking for a way to display multiple photographs, this creative accordion-like solution might be the right one for you. The way that this tutorial from Nalle’s House ties his photo keepsake together with a cute bow is adorable.
Candlestick Frame
The butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker? We might not be able to provide you with the other two, but if you follow this adorable frame tutorial then you can certainly call yourself a candlestick maker for a day. Follow the guide from Refresh Restyle to to see how a candlestick can make a photo frame truly stand out.
Antique Window Frame
Have you ever seen those vintage windows around at garage sales or antique stores? Even if you recognized their aesthetic appeal, it’s also likely that you wondered what kind of purpose they could serve. Well, now you know at least one of their uses — a photo frame! Take this example from Felt Magnet to see how antique windows can be transformed as a photo frame that can serve as a focal point.
Clothespin Photos
It seems that we just don’t see clothespins around all that often anymore. If you are also having a hard time finding a practical use for the unused clothespins that you have laying around the laundry room in the basement, there is one artistic use that you may not have thought of before — arrange them in a circle and use them as a way to display your favorite photos, like in this example from i Creative Ideas.
Yarn Frame
If you have been wondering what to do with the yarn that you have leftover from your various crochet projects, it’s time to put it to good use by adding it to a frame. Yes, you heard us correctly — a frame! This touch of texture is especially handy if you are creating a feature wall that mixes a variety of photographs and art prints. Here is a good tutorial from Simply Real Moms.
Foam Frames
Foam may not be the first material that you think of when you think about DIY frames, but foam frames are both trendy and cheap to put together. You can even spray paint them yourself to create a frame that will go with any room’s decor. Get the details from Sugar Bee Crafts.
DIY Gilded Frames
If you’re unfamiliar with what “gilding” is, here’s a brief intro: gilded refers to applying (either fake or authentic) golden alloys to a surface to create a beautiful metallic look. While frames like this would usually cost a pretty penny at the homegoods store, you can create the effect yourself with a little bit of elbow grease. Learn how here.
Egg Carton Flower Frame
This is one of the most creative DIY photo frame ideas that we have em,ver seen! Next time that you are about to throw an egg carton into the recycling bin, put it to the side and keep it for later. With a little bit of creativity, you can transform it into flowers for a beautiful frame. Get the look here.
Frame Lantern
Sometimes one photo just isn’t enough. If you are looking for a centerpiece for your table that is capable of showing off your most fond memories, this lantern made from photo frames should do the trick. And, it can be put together with just a little bit of hot glue!
Vintage Clock Frame
If you have an old vintage alarm clock sitting around that no longer functions, don’t send it to the junkyard just yet. With a little bit of tweaking, it can be transformed into a beautiful frame! See how here.
Cereal Box Frame
There is more that can be done with a used cereal box than just the mazes on the back. They can also be made into a surprisingly durable photo frame. The best part is that there is no need to go to the store to pick up additional surprises — you can make these frames from simple materials that can be found around your house. Find out how from Instructables.com.
Antique Mirror Frames
This next idea is similar to the vintage clocks that can be turned into a frame, but even fancier! If you’re lucky enough to come across these vintage mirrors at a garage sale or a thrift store, you should be aware that they can be easily used as beautiful photo frames.
DIY Frame Within a Frame
Take a look at this “frameception”! The only thing that can be better than a frame is two frames! We love this creative idea that comes courtesy of Crafty Nest.
Simple Frame Makeover
Sometimes, if you’re looking for a different kind of frame, you don’t want to go to the work of creating an entirely new one. Sometimes, the frames that are already in your house will do just fine — they just need a little makeover! Here is an example of how a regular wooden frame got transformed into a beautiful deep blue statement piece.
DIY Wooden Frame
If you’re decorating for a farmhouse-esque room, then this frame idea from Shanty 2 Chic might hit the spot for you. The distressed look is easier to obtain than you may think.
Map Photo Frame
This one is for the geography lovers out there! If you have some old map paper sitting around, here is a use that you may not have considered for them. If you use them to adorn the edges of an old frame of yours, you will be left with an end result that is full of personality. Get it over at Alyssa B. Young.
Book Photo Frame
If you would like to see your books put to a better use than simply sitting on your shelf, you will be pleased to know that they actually make a great photo frame, as well. Get a hold of this unique photo frame idea from Better Homes and Gardens.
Twig Frame
Our last selection is a classic one. An authentic twig frame is the perfect way to bring a taste of the outdoors inside. Plus, when you use twigs that can be found in your yard, you will decide which size frame you would like to put together. Get the look over at Easy Peasy Creative.
So there you have some of the best DIY photo frame ideas out there — the only thing you have left to do is make the memories to fill them with! No matter what these memories may turn out to be, one thing is certain — there is no better way to make a house feel like a home than to fill it with beloved photographs, complete with a beautiful frame.