Special Occasion Picture Frame

I love love love any excuse for me to be crafty. I wish I had more time to craft, but I usually only have time to make homemade gifts for friends and family on special occasions and Christmas. This usually means late night crafting after the toddler is in bed. One of my favorite craft projects are homemade picture frames. They are pretty simple and you can completely customize it to any occasion for gift giving. You don't need much, and all supplies can be found at local crafting stores. If you call yourself a lady, you should already have the necessary tools laying around in one of your many 'crafting drawers.' ;-)

Here's what you need:*Modge Podge
I use the matte finish, but it comes in glossy too.

*Picture Frame
My favorite is from ArtMinds at Micheals. I like a frame that has more space around the cut out to add your pattern and embellishments.

*Foam Tipped Brush
You can use a paint brush but I prefer the foam for a more smooth finish.

*Scissors

*White Spray Paint

*Scrapbook Paper

Whatever colors or patterns you would like, one sheet or several different ones

*Scrapbook Embellishments

Rhinestones, stickers, ribbon, etc. Anything you would use to make a scrapbook page.

1. Start by removing the glass insert and backing from the frame. Lay the frame face down and spray paint the back including the removable backing. I usually just use a flat white paint. Let dry completely before moving to the next step.

2. Lay your scrapbook paper face down on a flat surface. Make sure you know the pattern and what part of the paper you plan on using.

3. Spread a thin layer of Modge Podge on the front surface of the wooden picture frame. Lay the frame down on the scrapbook paper and press down firmly. Lift the frame up and smooth the paper out on the front, making sure there are no raised spots or bubbles underneath. Let dry completely.'

4. When the paper is secure to the frame, carefully cut around the outside edge of the frame, leaving enough paper on the edges to fold over the sides of the frame. You will have to cut out the center of the paper where the glass will go as well.

5. Spread a thin layer of the Modge Podge on all the edges of the frame and wrap the paper around. You will probably have to trim the paper to fit the sides, and hold the paper in place until the Modge Podge starts to secure the paper to the wood.

6. Trim all the paper around the edges. Don't worry about the back, since the back is painted. Just trim the paper until you have a nice even look around all edges and inside the cut out for the glass.

7. Apply another thin coat of Modge Podge to the front and sides of the frame once your paper is applied. You want to make sure the top coat isn't too thick or the paper will start to bubble. Make sure the coat is evenly distributed and allow to dry completely.

8. Finally, add any embellishments you want to add to your frame. I used two kinds of paper for the frame pictured above. I carefully ripped the burlap print so it looked like a rough edge, and sealed it with the Modge Podge. I LOVE making baby frames, so I added baby Mia's name to this one, and framed my good friends baby shower invite.

So go get creative, and have FUN! :)