Considering that Christmas is fast approaching, I thought it would be fun to present a project that would make a great gift – anytime of the year! My favorite thing to alter is a frame. There are many different styles and unfinished frames are fairly inexpensive. I’ll show you some examples to inspire you!

Here are some basic instructions and tips.

1. Sketch out what you’d like the frame to look like and plan what type of embellishments you will use.

    How you embellish the frame will determine the order that paper and embellishments are attached.

2. Decide how you’d like to “cover” the basic frame.

·        Paint it and then distress the edges with sandpaper. Heidi Swapp paint is my favorite because it is so thick and dries a little glossy.  

·        Crackle is also a great look – paint the frame a light base color, coat with crackle medium and paint on your darker main color. The base color will show through the cracks.

·        Cover the entire frame with patterned paper or cardstock. Trace your frame right on top of the paper, cut it out and adhere.

3. Have fun with embellishments!

• All kinds of chipboard shapes are fun – flowers, stars, hearts or even letters. Sometimes I like to Mod Podge chipboard before gluing it to the frame.  
• Add rub on words or shapes directly on the frame or onto the chipboard
• If you are thinking of using any type of fastener, such as brads or eyelets, create your embellishment first before adhering to the frame. I love the look of prima flowers with brad centers. If you want to use stitching, cut your paper to fit, stitch and then adhere it to the frame.
• Stickers, ribbons, patterned tapes, and buttons are other fun embellishments that look great.

4. Applying the finishing touches.

• If you are going to Mod Podge the entire altered frame you should use  Mod Podge as your adhesive to attach all the paper. This will help prevent the paper from bubbling up when you apply the Mod Podge over it as a sealer. Always apply the Mod Podge in a thin layer with a brush (a foam brush gives a smoother look). You can apply two or three layers, making sure the first layer is completely dry before adding another. Thin coats work the best. The big advantage to sealing your frame with Mod Podge is that the protective, clear layer makes for easier dusting and cleaning! It comes in glossy or matte finish – I like matte the best.
• Or you can choose not to apply sealant to the entire piece – just the embellishments.

What a great way to give all kinds of photos to friends and relatives! Take a look at these examples and then get to work on your own altered frames!

Together Frame by Carmen Lovell                 Altered Frame by Kelly Birrell

Altered Frame by Liz Goldhawk