Recylce large picture frames into usable items.
Using or reusing large picture frames is a challenge when you no longer want to use the frame for it's intended purpose. An individual must "look outside the box" at the picture frame to deduce a way to use it in a new fashion. An obvious way to use large frames is to frame a mirror or cork board. More unique ways include building a flower box, table trays and stretcher bars.
Instructions
Flower Box
1. Place one large picture frame on the ground. Position a stake on the inside of all four corners. Pound each stake into the ground one inch.
2. Place several of the same size picture frames over the stakes until the box is a minimum of 8-inches and maximum of 10-inches tall.
3. Pound the four stakes into the ground until they are 1/2-inch taller than the frame box.
4. Line the bottom of the picture frame flower box with newspaper or landscaping fabric. Make sure the newspaper or landscaping fabric's edges are between four to six inches up the inside of each flower box side.
5. Fill the planter with potting soil.
Table Tray
6. Flip the large picture frame over so the back is on top. Place the end of the measuring tape on top of the small lip that holds the picture. Measure from the inside lip edge to lip edge for both the width and length of the opening.
7. Measure, mark and cut a piece of 1/4-inch underlayment to the dimensions.
8. Hot glue the cut piece of underlayment on the lip of the frame.
9. Shake a can of spray paint for 60 seconds. Hold the can 12-inches from the surface of the table tray. Spray paint the frame and the underlayment with a thin coat of spray paint. Allow the spray paint to dry 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the process for a total of three coats.
10. Sit the painted table tray on a flat surface so the glued side of the underlayment is down. Secure two handles to the tray directly across from one another. Position the handles in the center of two opposite sides.
Stretcher Bars
11. Measure the width and the length of the frame. Cut a piece of canvas four inches longer and wider than the dimensions.
12. Place the cut canvas on a flat stable work surface. Smooth out any wrinkles in the fabric with your hand. Flip the frame over so the front of the frame is on the bottom. Center the large picture frame on the canvas.
13. Fold the top edge of the fabric down and over the back edge of the picture frame. Staple the canvas to the large picture frame in the middle. Repeat the process with the bottom of the fabric making sure to pull the canvas tight across the frame.
14. Staple the canvas to the picture frame alternating from right to left of the center staple on the top and on the bottom. Alternate placing two staples in the top then two staples in the bottom. Repeat the process until the top and bottom of the canvas are secured to the large picture frame.
15. Fold the right edge of the fabric over the side edge of the picture frame. Staple the canvas to the large picture frame in the middle. Repeat the process with the opposite side making sure to pull the canvas tight across the frame. Staple the canvas to the picture frame alternating from right to left of the center staple on each side. Alternate placing two staples in once side then two staples in the other. Repeat the process until both sides of the canvas are secured to the large picture frame.
