How To Make Picture Frames With Minimal Tools

Crafters that do not possess tremendous skills or a workshop with a bevy of tools tend to stay away from attempting to make picture frames, mainly because both components are considered necessary for any level of success. While this may well be true for those attempting to create a work of art with differing angles and textures, the basic picture frame is little more than a square, rectangle, or triangle. In their simplest form, picture frames are are nothing more than a concentric light-weight shape the will hold a photograph of the desired size. The most important aspect of making a picture frame is the crafter's sense of proportion and the will to create an aesthetically pleasing project.

How to make picture frames with minimal tools is perhaps easiest addressed by attempting a simple wooden picture frame. This application is the least expensive, and can be completed with just a few tools - a hammer, a small hand saw, and a mitre box. Crafting supplies like wood glue and small nails or brads are incidental, as leftovers can be used on other projects. All of these are absolutely necessary, and the total cost for all should be less than $30. A mitre box is a wonderful tool for any crafter to own, they are incredibly simple to use and without them it is nearly impossible to join two corners in a 45 degree angle.

The wood used in making a simple picture frame can be purchased at a home improvement store, lumber yard or craft store. It can range from fancy wood molding to to quarter or half-round, and can be decorated by wood stain, paint, or even some creative appliques. Simply cut the wood to the desired length, place the wood into the mitre box, cut the corner angles and sand the wood edges. The pieces can they be stained or painted, and left to dry. Later, connect the pieces using wood glue and corner nails, and again let the frame set for 24 hours. Take a piece of cardboard to use as a backing and cut it to 1/4 inch smaller in size than the picture frame. Attach the cardboard to the back of the picture frame firmly but loosely using several small brads. This allows for a photo to slide in and out of the frame easily. All that is left to do is to attach a mechanism for hanging that can be purchased at a hardware store or even jury-rigged.

Making picture frames with minimal tools is a good deal of fun, and a great way to introduce children to the world of crafting. Don't be discouraged by the first one that you attempt if it does not go as planned - try another and let your imagination run with it!