Springtime Memory Photo Frames
By: Amanda Formaro
Difficulty: Easy
Age: 4 and up
Average User Rating:
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This photo frame makes a perfect gift for Mother’s Day or as a springtime craft. Kids will enjoy making this picture frame, which works beautifully as a memento
What you'll need:
- Cardboard or poster board or papier-mâché frame
- Decorative paper or fabric
- 12 colorful buttons (six for each flower; five of one color, one of another color)
- 12-inch piece of ribbon or string
- Photograph
- Scissors or paper cutter
- White craft glue
- Magnet (optional)
How to make it:
- Using photograph as a size guide, trim cardboard to make the four sides of the frame. A paper cutter will give you straighter cuts than scissors.
- Place your cardboard pieces around your photograph to be sure they are the right size. You will also need a piece of cardboard for the back of your picture frame. Use the pieces you just cut as a guide to determine the size of your backing. Trace and cut out back.
- Turn decorative paper or fabric right-side down on your work surface. Place cardboard pieces on paper or fabric and lightly trace around the cardboard with a pencil.
- Cut out the patterns you just created. Turning fabric or paper right-side up, glue them to the cardboard. When applying the glue, use a sponge, paintbrush or your finger to spread the glue evenly over the cardboard so that you don’t have gaps or bumps.
- Line up your cardboard pieces onto your backing to help you position your photo. Glue photo to the backing.
- Glue the frame pieces around the photo.
- Position buttons in each corner to create flowers. Use one color for the center of the flower, and five of another color for the petals. Glue in place once you have them where you want them.
- Tie a bow in the center of string or ribbon. Glue the tails to the back of the frame.
- You can also glue a magnet to the back of the frame if you like, or use the magnet instead of the ribbon hanger.
Tips:
- You can find papier-mâché frames at most craft and discount department stores. If using a purchased frame, use it as a guide to cut your fabric or paper and glue in place.
- For smaller children, instead of gluing fabric to the frame pieces, have them color, draw or paint a pattern on construction paper.
- If you already have several buttons on hand, pick your fabric or paper based on the colors you already have. Buttons can be found in the sewing department of craft and discount department stores in many different colors and package sizes.
