SCRAP YOUR OWN FRAME
By Amy Kingsford
Supplies:
Wooden Frame
Coordinating Patterned Papers and Scraps
Misc. Elements, Alphas, Ribbon
Decoupage
Adhesive (such as Hot Glue)
Scissors or Exacto Knife
Paint, Ink, other medium (to treat your edges)
Paint Brush
Step 1- I like to approach my frames much like a scrapbook lo and do a brief sketch before beginning…this may or may not help you…but give it a shot. You can use a collage technique or a block design, or you can use a simple layered design like the one I’ve used here.
Step 2- Once you’re set on a design begin by treating the edges of the frame (inside and out). You can use ink, paint , wood burning or leave them unfinished…its up to you. But you’ll be happy you completed this step first, once you get your frame all put together.
Step 3- Cut out the paper pieces of your design, using an exacto knife or scissors, and have all of the embellishments you wish to use ready to go.
Step 4- Now because some of the frame will be coated in decoupage and other parts like your elements and ribbon will not need to be sealed, consider working in order as far as your layers are concerned.
Step 5- Apply each of your paper layers, by first applying a thin coat of decoupage directly to the surface you wish to adhere your layer, using a medium to large size paint brush. Then carefully position the layer, so it corresponds to your design and flatten it out, making sure to remove all bubbles and allow it to dry. You may find that you need to do some trimming on each of your layers…this should only be done only after each layer is secured to a surface and before you have applied decoupage over the top of the paper, to avoid tearing.
Step 6- Now apply a generous layer of decoupage over the top of the layer, making sure to seal your corners and edges and paying close attention to any puckering along the way. After the decoupage is dried you can continue with your other layers.
Step 7- Once you’ve applied and sealed all of your paper layers, use adhesive to apply your ribbon, flowers, embellishments, and alphas. If you too are using paper elements that will not be sealed, but you are concerned about their durability (like the two children in my frame), then coat them in decoupage before hand and let them dry before applying them to the frame, this will give them a bit more stability.
Step 8- Often wood frames that you buy at craft store, etc, do not come with glass in them but you can use glass from an old out-of use frame of the same size and it will likely fit the opening.
Step 9- Now Your ready to place your photo inside your frame and put it out for everyone to see!
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