Picture frames are one of the most useful decoration items that can be bought or made for the home. However, the price of frames is usually very expensive for the quality of product you get. It's possible to make a simple wood frame from a few construction materials and some thin wood. Within a couple hours, you can have a wooden frame that looks just as good as almost any other frame made that you could buy in a store. Even a youth 12 and up can make this simple frame.
Instructions
1. Measure the dimensions of the picture you want to frame. You could also utilize standard picture dimensions such as 3 by 5, 4 by 6, 8 by 10 and so on. Mark a rectangle on your wood using these dimensions. Also measure out four frame pieces. These must be about 2 inches thick, and about 1 inch longer on each side than the picture size.
2. Design details if you want the frame to have any--such as rounded edges, carvings and words. Make sure the bottom frame is able to rest flatly on a surface if you're planning to place it on a table.
3. Use a saw to cut the shapes from the wood. Make sure to get clean lines. If the saw is dull, it can cause the wood to tear and that's very hard to sand out. It's very important that you use a sharpened saw for cutting out the frame. Sand all of the wood.
4. Take the four frame pieces and put them around the back frame piece in the way you want the final frame to look. Make sure everything lines up properly. If it doesn't, trim or sand it down until it does. Glue the frame pieces together. Once dry, glue three sides of the frame to the back piece. Leave one side open to slide the picture through. This can be the top side or a side piece.
5. Paint, stain or detail your frame. You can use your imagination in this step to create a truly unique frame. If you want the frame to stand up, take a small dowel rod about 2 to 3 inches long and attach it to the back of the frame so that it holds the frame up when standing on a table. Each frame will have a different point at which it's stable, so it will probably take some experimentation.
