How to Build a Custom Frame
I built this frame as part of the room I decorated for the soon-to-be-released book, Room Recipes.This project makes me a little giddy... I loved how it turned out. And I'm excited to show you how to build a custom frame! I hope you all enjoy my DIY and Home Decorating posts as much as I do. You and I both know that frames are expensive but I built this one for about 20 bucks. I love how it adds a pop of color to my room. Oh, and if you like the stenciled wall, here's how to stencil a wall quick and easy.
Get ready, here goes.
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First thing I did was make the cuts. Now, this photo is a little crazy. I would never put my arm in front of the blade while cutting! This was for the photo op only. Safety first!
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I put it together on the floor around my photo (which was already posted on art board) to make sure the fit was good.
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I then applied some Liquid Nails
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I was dreaming when I thought that might work. Ha. I ended up adding these brackets. The screws that came with the brackets were too long and would have gone all the way through my moulding. I bought shorter screws. Just FYI :)
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Then I used spackle to fill in the gaps. Why not caulk? You could use caulk but I like spackle because I can sand it. Personal preference. I won't be upset if you use caulk... much.
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I just use my fingers real casual-like.
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Then, I sanded. I like sanding sponges so I can get all up in the corners. Oh yeah.
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Now for the paint. I mixed my own chalk paint by simply adding some Plaster of Paris (mixed with a little water) to my paint. It was all very scientific.
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I've said it before and I will say it again "The best part about painting with chalk paint is that you don't have to do a good job!" Also see my Side Table Redo post.
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To mount it on the wall, I mounted the frame (sans photo) with some 3M Command Strips first. I then simply did the same thing with the photo. I used 4 pairs of Command Strips in all. As a side note, my husband feels that I have an unhealthy obsession with said Command Strips. (They are just so easy.)
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You might notice my new lamp.
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Target special. Loving.
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So what do you think? Leave a comment and let me know or show some love by pinning it.
I love a good pin!
I hope you try this fun project!
Check out these related projects:
linked up to
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Ally - I love this1 What kind of wood did you cut this from - is it from moulding? I so want to make this - thanks for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteYep, just regular ol' moulding. Do it! I want to see the finished product :)
DeleteAly I love this I've been wanting some large frames and this might just motivate me to make my own. Darling family pic too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amber, i hope you do try it. It's really easy! :)
DeleteLOVE this! What did you use as far as printing out that gorgeous photo? Was it a canvas, or did you get a poster print at the printers?
ReplyDelete<3 Hannah via welivedhappilyeverafter.blogspot.com
I had it printed at Costco and used spray adhesive to mount it on foam board from IKEA :)
DeleteCan't wait to try this! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'm officially following you in every possible way and I pinned the project.
Check my blog out! Love to get to know you better!
Kaylynn
AmongTheYoung.com
It was so great to meet you the other day! Thanks for the love! XOXO
DeleteWhat a gorgeous color for a frame! Love its grand scale! (thanks so much for linking up to Project Inspire{d}!)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing at Project Inspired @ Setting for Four. I pinned your lovely custom frame to our group linky pinboard!
ReplyDeleteI hope you are having a fantastic Easter, and can join me Monday evening 8 pm EST for Project Inspired #8! :D
I featured you today! http://www.settingforfour.com/2013/04/10-fabulous-diy-projects-creative.html Thanks for linking up to Project INspired! Hope to see you at the party tomorrow night!!
ReplyDeleteYay! You're a doll! Thanks!!!
DeleteSo pretty and such a great impact with the punch of color! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! Thanks for the tutorial. I'm planning on framing out our bathroom mirror, so how you blended the corners together was especially helpful!
ReplyDelete{lamourcheznous.wordpress.com}
Fun project, good luck. I recently framed out a bathroom mirror and it was so easy. I just used those decorative blocks an did straight cuts. You can see the mirror here: http://www.entirelyeventfulday.com/2013/02/bathroom-makeover-and-reveal.html One day I will post the tutorial :)
DeleteSo this has no glass on it to protect the picture?
ReplyDeleteGood question! Nope, but the photo was pre-mounted on art board so it's super stiff. :)
DeleteJust found your post on pinterest. What a beautiful color you used! I am just finishing two large chalkboard painted frames with mirrors for a bathroom for little boys. I used the Kreg jig to make pocket holes for my very first time and, have to say I am very impressed how solid they turned out and how easy it was. But, I like your idea using the brackets also. Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles,I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteUpholstery
This idea is fantastic to make a wonderful custom picture frame. You did a very nice work and your custom picture frame design looks fabulous. I will use idea for my Custom Frames Houston Texas.
ReplyDeleteTurned out great...But the first thing you did was purchase materials...maybe a list of what you used would be nice...but, the rest was very helpful.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if you don't have the fancy saw at home I believe when you purchase items at Lowe's they will make cuts for you.
Featured your article on Examiner.com today! Thanks so much for the inspiration. Can't wait to make my own now. http://www.examiner.com/article/create-a-masterpiece-for-your-masterpiece-diy-custom-frames
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! The fame and the photo are just perfect. Thanks for sharing with us, I have an entire basement with bare walls, can't wait to fix that!
ReplyDeleteI often wonder how do you get the measurements for the corners? At what angle do you cut? I would like to do a frame. thanks
ReplyDeleteIf you use a miter saw or a miter box, the angles are already preset. if you have have the hardware store cut it for you (which i have done before) just tell them you need a miter cut. :)
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