How to Make a Picture Frame

A picture frame is undoubtedly one of the most valuable and essential items for preserving your cherished images. Crafting your own frame is a fantastic way to decorate your home in a unique style, while also creating a piece that complements the photo it surrounds. If you want to learn how to make your own picture frame, follow these steps.

Determine the mat size. A mat is typically a single-colored paper or cardboard border that surrounds the photo inside the frame. Using a mat will make the photo and frame appear more professional and polished. It also makes the photo stand out better. Before you begin measuring materials, decide how wide you want the mat’s border to be.

• Usually, a mat’s border width is about ¼ to ⅓ the shortest width of the photo.

Measure the photo size. Once you've determined the width of the mat, proceed to measure the dimensions of the photo. Double the width of the mat you’ve decided on, then add it to the length and width of the photo. The result will be the outer dimensions of the mat.

• The inner edge of the mat will be the same size or slightly smaller than the photo being framed.

Cut the outer edge of the mat. After measuring and marking the paper, you'll need to cut out the mat. Thin mat materials like paper or folded paper can be cut using a utility knife or scissors. Thicker materials, such as thin cardboard, are also often used for mats and can be cut this way, but the mat will look more professional if you use specialized cutting tools.

• Cut the outer edges. Cut the outer portion of the mat based on the measurements you’ve taken.
• Use a ruler to mark the spots where you will cut.
• It’s also a good idea to use a square ruler to ensure the corners are aligned before cutting.

Cut the inner edge of the mat. The inner edge of the mat should be the same size or slightly smaller than the photo you intend to frame. On the back side of the mat, draw the measurements you took from the photo. Reduce the initial measurements slightly if you want the mat to overlap the photo a little. Use the proper tools to cut the mat.

Place the photo inside the mat. With the back side of the mat facing down, position the photo in the center of the empty space on the mat. Tape both top corners of the photo to the mat vertically, then apply horizontal tape across the top, with one piece adhering to the mat and the other sticking to the photo.

• Now your photo will be securely attached to the mat, yet flexible enough to prevent it from warping or wrinkling.

Choose the material. You’ll want to select materials that not only match your needs and aesthetic preferences, but also provide high quality and complement the photo you want to frame. There are various types of wood, adhesives, metals, and nails available at stores, and it’s important to choose carefully to create a masterpiece. Here’s some additional information about each material to help you decide:

• Wood type. The type of wood you choose will largely depend on your personal preferences and the intended use of the frame. You can use plywood or raw wood. Plywood gives a more detailed, refined appearance, which suits larger or traditional images and interior designs. Raw wood offers a simpler, more minimalist look, best for smaller images or modern interior styles.
• Wood variety. You should also decide what kind of wood to use. Many hardwoods are suitable for this purpose, so your choice will primarily depend on personal taste. The easiest method is to use the same type of wood as other furniture in the room where you plan to display the frame. This ensures a cohesive look.
• Metal. If you prefer to cut the frame from metal instead of wood, follow a similar process, but use a circular saw with a diamond blade to cut the metal. Join the frame’s edges with L-shaped metal corners and screws, using a drill to make holes before securing the screws.
• Glue. It’s best to use wood glue. Other adhesives can be used if wood glue isn’t available, but wood glue is specifically designed for this purpose. It’s inexpensive and typically available at craft or hardware stores.
• Nails. The size of the nails used depends on the size of the frame. A large, thick frame will require larger and longer nails, while smaller frames need shorter nails. Be sure to use the correct type of nails to ensure the wood pieces stay firmly attached and do not come apart easily.

Measure the frame size. Measure the length and width of the outer edge of the photo mat. These measurements are necessary for the inner edges of the frame. To calculate the length and width of the outer edges, use the following formula: L = E + (2 x C) + (2 x W).

• L is the length or width measurement to use for cutting the wood. E is the length or width of the photo mat. C is the gap around the mat (a very small size, around 1.5mm). W is the width of the material that makes up the frame.

Cut the frame. Cut the frame pieces based on the measurements you calculated using the formula above. You’ll need two long pieces and two short pieces to assemble the frame. Remember the old saying: measure twice, cut once. Accuracy is essential, as any mistake in the wood measurements will cause the frame’s edges not to align properly, or they might not fit together at all.

• After cutting the frame pieces, be sure to cut the corners at an angle so that the pieces can fit together. Cut the angles opposite each other to ensure one side is shorter than the other.
• You can use a circular saw to cut the 45-degree angle, or mark the angle with a pencil and use a hand saw. The second method is less accurate and not recommended.

Cut the rabbet for the frame. This is the inner edge of the frame that will hold the glass in place. You can create it by using a straight drill bit to carve the edge into the back inside of the frame, or by creating a thinner frame and attaching it to the back of the main frame.

• The second frame should be larger in both length and width so it can hold the glass securely, preventing it from falling into the frame.
• Make sure the rabbet is deep enough to hold the glass, the photo mat, and the nails that will be used to secure the materials of the frame.

Frame decoration (optional). You may want to personalize your frame to make it better suited to the room where it will be displayed, or to emphasize a certain aspect of the photo or artwork that will go inside. Before attaching the glass, image, and backing, you can paint or stain the wooden frame. The choice of color is entirely up to you. Here’s how you can paint or stain your frame to give it a unique touch:

• Painting. If you choose to paint your frame, make sure to use the correct type of paint for wood. Latex paint will give a smoother, shinier finish compared to other types. You can paint the frame in a solid color or create a custom design. Use long, even strokes and multiple layers to ensure the paint adheres evenly.
• Staining. There are various stain colors available. Try to choose a color that complements the other wood items in the room where the frame will hang. It’s recommended to test the stain on scrap wood first to see how many coats are needed and how it interacts with the wood grain. Staining works best before assembling the frame to ensure an even color throughout. Use a brush to professionally finish the wood surface. After the stain dries, you can apply varnish for a glossy finish.

Assembling everything. Put the materials together like a puzzle to form a square or rectangle. Adjust as necessary, but be careful not to alter the angles too much, as it may cause the frame pieces to misalign. Here’s how to assemble the frame:

• First, glue the frame pieces together using clamps and a square to hold the materials in place. Make sure the corners are properly dried before proceeding.
• Once the glue has dried, carefully nail the corners to secure the edges. The nails should go into one side of the frame, pierce through, and into the opposite side, aiming for the center of the wood. Drive the nails perpendicular to the joint between the two pieces.
• Use wood filler to fill any gaps.

Install the glass. The glass needs to be cut to fit the frame’s rabbet. While you can do this yourself, it’s simpler and more affordable to have it done by a professional glass cutter, as you’ll need special tools and skills to safely cut glass.

• You don’t have to use glass. Plexiglass (acrylic) or any type of clear plastic can work as well. Other materials may not look as elegant but are more shatter-resistant if the frame falls.

Insert the image. With the frame face down on a flat surface, place the image and mat inside the frame. Once everything is properly centered, use glazing points or nails to hold the image, mat, and glass securely within the frame. This is the final step in creating your frame. Now you can think about decorating the frame and selecting the perfect spot to hang it.

Decorating a Picture Frame. You can enhance a picture frame by adding decorative touches. One option is to paint the frame with a touch of golden metallic paint, giving it a traditional look. Another choice is to attach small accessories like seashells or buttons with glue, adding a unique touch to the frame. This is a great way to make the frame complement the theme of the picture it holds. Here are some other creative ways to decorate a picture frame:

• Repurpose broken jewelry and glue them onto the frame using craft glue. For instance, if you have a broken flower from a ring, a damaged pendant, or an eye-catching earring, you can affix them to different areas of the frame or combine them to form an intricate design.
• Frame the picture with a page from a meaningful book or newspaper article. To do this, trace the shape of the photo mat on the back side of the page using a pencil and cut it out. Mark the center of the photo’s position and cut around 3mm from the outer edge to prevent the edges from showing. Then, simply flip the cut paper, place the photo underneath the mat, and secure the frame in place. For added durability, you may press the glass into the paper mat.
• Stamp the picture frame. Find a charming frame that matches the subject of the photo—for example, if it’s of your little daughter and she loves stars, choose a stamp with star motifs. It works wonderfully if the frame is painted white or in a soft shade, as the stamp will stand out and contrast with the frame.

Hanging a Picture Frame. There are two main ways to hang a picture frame after decorating it. Ensure that the frame is completely dry from any glue used before proceeding. Whether you choose one method or the other, precise measurement and alignment are key to ensuring the photo hangs evenly. Below are the two main ways to hang a picture frame:

• One way is to attach a metal or sturdy material wire across the back of the frame. This can be done by placing hooks or nails on each side of the frame’s back and attaching the wire at both ends.
• Another option is to attach a hook to the frame, allowing you to hang it on a nail placed on the desired wall.