How to Mod Podge or Decoupage a Picture Frame

I love using scrapbooking ideas to decorate my home. The colors of scrapbooking supplies and papers give me inspiration for the color schemes in the rooms of my house. I also like to use the actual scrapbooking supplies to make accents around the house. The most recent idea I had was mod podging a picture frame with scrapbooking paper. I had seen this idea many times before, but the frames looked too cutesy for the last room I was decorating - our master bedroom (don't we all put ourselves last?). I wanted our bedroom to have a more classic look to it. So I checked out some of the latest designs and ordered a few new supplies. The frames turned out so great that I wanted to share my idea with you. Check out photos of my frames to help guide you as you complete your masterpiece.

1. Purchase some plain wooden frames at a local craft store (I used 2 different sizes - they only cost me $2 and $3 each). You can even use old frames you already have.

2. Pick a paper that matches your decor. I chose to do a plain, but textured paper in a solid color (yellow) so that my rub-ons would stand out.

3. Get some rub-ons that fit your style . I chose my rub-ons from miniMARKS because of the more classic style.

4. Trace the frame onto the backside of the paper. Don't forget to trace the outside and the inside opening. After tracing, cut the outside and the opening, keeping the cut on the inside of the traced outside line and on the outside of the traced opening line (you want the paper to be exactly the size of the frame or slightly smaller).

5. Paint the frame (if it came unfinished) with craft paint. I used the contrasting color of black. You don't need to paint the whole front of the frame because it will be covered. Just concentrate on painting the sides and inside of the opening.

6. Once the paint is dry, using craft glue or mod podge (I have actually used Elmer's glue too), paint the backside of the paper with glue using a paint/craft brush or spread around with your fingers. Quickly lay the glue side down on top of the frame. Using a bone folder or popsicle stick, press along the paper to get rid of any bubbles and even out the glue. (At this point you could just go to step 8 if you are not doing rub-ons or other decor on the paper).

7. Cut your rub-ons out and lay them on the frame where you would like them. Once they are in the correct position, rub them on using the bone folder or popsicle stick.

8. Paint the edges of the frame and inside the opening edges with the same paint you already used to paint the frame. This gives it an antique or distressed look (you could sand it too). I usually use a foam brush and lightly brush the paint along the edges.

9. Cover the whole frame with the craft glue or mod podge, painting all over and pressing out any bubbles that might form on the paper. Make sure you cover the rub-ons and sides of the frame as well. The mod podge will protect the frame and give it a glossy finish. Use matte mod podge if you do not want it shiny.

9. Let completely dry. If you will be hanging these in a high moisture area, I would then spray or paint with a clear finisher for more protection. Then your frame is ready for a picture!

This project can be great for a gift idea or to add that personal touch to any room. I love that you can use your scrapbooking skills to make such a perfect decoration!

Let me know how yours turns out!

Robin M. King is a photographer and long-time scrapbooker. She is a contributer to ScrapbookFinds.com, a comparison shopping tool for scrapbooking supplies. Read her ScrapBlog and ?Ask Robin? questions.

Puzzle Picture

There are a lot of jigsaw puzzles to choose from today. Pictures of everything from beach scenes to mountain views, avant-garde art to reprint masterpieces, and everything in between. Not only is there a variety in the number of scenes you can choose from, there is also a variety of sizes and border shapes available. Puzzles are a fun challenge to put together. They can also be a very nice gift. Here is a way of preserving them to create that gift.

MATERIALS

1 Jigsaw puzzle

2 Craft paint brushes

(sponge brushes if you are going to wash it out with soap and water, dry it and use again for the next coat of paint)

1 Roll of wide paper tape (inexpensive painter's tan tape)

2 Pieces of flat cardboard (approximately 2" larger than the expected size of the completed puzzle)

Decoupage liquid (sold in any craft section)

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Decide which puzzle would be best according to the interests of the person who will be receiving the gift.

2) Put the puzzle together on one of the flat cardboard pieces. Find a place where it will be out of the way since it usually takes a while to get the puzzle completely connected.

3) When the puzzle is finished, brush on decoupage over the entire top picture surface and allow to completely dry. Be sure to get the decoupage liquid in the crevices between the pieces. This acts as a surface sealer and also helps in sticking the puzzle pieces together. The decoupage will dry fairly quickly and will dry to a clear finish.

4) Place the other piece of flat cardboard on top of the dried puzzle.

5) Tape the edges of the bottom and top pieces of cardboard together at several places on all the edges. The completed puzzle will then be sandwiched between the two pieces of cardboard. A few pieces of tape here and there will do to keep them the puzzle in tact until it is turned over.

6) Carefully and quickly flip the taped cardboard/puzzle/cardboard over to the other side. The completed puzzle will now have the back of the puzzle showing.

7) Gently remove the tape and remove the top piece of cardboard.

8) Cover the entire back of the puzzle vertically with tape strips. Gently press and rub the taped areas to make it stick better. Then repeat by taping the entire area again, placing the tape horizontally across the puzzle (tape on tape). And repeat once more, placing the tape diagonally across the puzzle, pressing and rubbing as you go. You should now be able to pick up the puzzle as one piece. However, if you want to be extra cautious, place the other piece of cardboard back on top of the puzzle. Then flip the cardboard/puzzle/cardboard trio over once more. There's no need to tape the edges again before flipping it this time.

9) Now that the taped puzzle shows the picture side again, paint the decoupage over it's surface again. Be sure to get the decoupage liquid in the crevices between the pieces. Allow to completely dry and paint the picture side with the decoupage once more. Allow to dry completely.

10) Frame the puzzle as you would any other picture.

NOTE: The puzzle becomes a gift of shared-time memories as well if the person it is meant for also helps you put it together. Just surprise them later by gluing it together and framing it.

Regenia G. Butcher is an author on a site for Creative Writers (http://www.Writing.Com). She is also a crafter and is currently working on a "quirky" word reference book. She usually not only sees the glass half full, but rejoices that there IS a glass. You can visit her portfolio at: http://www.sensity.writing.com