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45+ Crafts to Make with Picture Frames: Creative Ideas to Inspire You

Picture frames are versatile crafting materials that can be transformed from their original purpose into countless creative projects. Whether you have a stack of old frames lying around, or you come across some neat ones at a charity shop, these frames can spark your imagination and lead to delightful handmade creations. Below are over 45 inspiring craft ideas that incorporate picture frames, perfect for adding a touch of personal flair to your home or giving as thoughtful gifts.

1. Shadow Boxes

Transform a standard picture frame into a shadow box to display keepsakes and mementoes such as ticket stubs, postcards, or other cherished items. Simply remove the glass and fill the frame with your selected treasures.

2. Cork Board

Glue a piece of cork board to the back of a larger frame to create a functional and stylish bulletin board. Personalise it with fabric or decorative paper to match your decor.

3. Coffee Table Tray

Remove the glass from a frame and replace the backing with decorative paper or fabric. Attach handles to the sides for a chic coffee table tray.

4. Recipe Display

Turn a large frame into a recipe display by adding a piece of patterned or chalkboard vinyl. Write or print your favourite recipes for easy access in the kitchen.

5. Wall Art Collage

Creating a collage of smaller frames can make a stunning wall display. Mix and match frame styles and colours for an eclectic look.

6. Photo Wall

Use multiple frames to create a photo wall. Decoratively arrange them on the wall with family photographs or scenic prints for a personal touch.

7. Calendar Board

Transform a frame into a calendar by adding a piece of chalkboard inside. Write the month and dates with chalk for a functional and stylish planning tool.

8. Decorative Mirror

Remove the glass from an ornate frame and replace it with a mirror cut to size for a unique mirror design that doubles as decor.

9. Vintage Key Holder

Attach hooks to a wooden frame for a vintage-inspired key holder. Mount it near your entrance to keep your keys organised in style.

10. Fabric Organiser

Add a piece of stretched fabric to the back of a frame and use it to hold lightweight items like envelopes and letters. This is an attractive and practical solution for clutter.

11. Headphone Holder

Use a frame to create a stylish and practical headphone holder. Attach risers inside the frame to support your headphones, keeping them untangled and organized.

12. Interactive Memory Board

Incorporate twine or wire across the back of a frame to clip on photos and notes with cute mini pegs. This interactive memory board is perfect for displaying evolving memories.

13. Light Box

Create a light box by placing LED string lights inside a deep frame. When illuminated, it creates a beautiful display perfect for any occasion.

14. Book Page Display

Use an antique frame to display a page from a favourite book or novel. It can serve as a lovely reminder of beloved literature.

15. Floral Arrangement

Create a beautifully framed floral arrangement by filling a deep frame with faux flowers. This adds a pop of colour and vibrancy to any room.

16. Custom Dry Erase Board

Place a piece of glass or acrylic inside a frame for a custom dry erase board. Write reminders and notes with dry erase markers, easy to change as needed.

17. Simple Wall Clock

Transform a standard picture frame into a decorative wall clock. Use clock mechanisms available at craft stores to create a unique timepiece.

18. Gift Wrapping Frame

Decorate a picture frame and use it to wrap gifts. Attach a piece of ribbon to accommodate a gift card and make the presentation extra special.

19. Upcycled Memo Board

Use an old frame and highly decorative fabric or wrapping paper to create a memo board. Pin notes and reminders to keep your tasks organised.

20. Seasonal Decor Displays

Change your decor with the seasons by using frames to display themed artwork or photographs. You can easily swap artwork for different times of the year.

21. Custom Puzzle Holder

Frame a completed jigsaw puzzle to preserve your hard work. An old frame can provide a beautiful backdrop for your puzzle art.

22. Pet Photo Gallery

Create a designated area in your home for pet photos. Frame your furry friends’ pictures with a few decorative touches for an endearing display.

23. DIY Trivia Board

Create a trivia board by framing a piece of custom art or background where guests can stick trivia questions at a party.

24. Place Card Display

For weddings or events, use a frame to hold beautiful place cards. This decorative touch adds charm to any dining setting.

25. Decorative Napkin Holder

An old frame can be transformed into an elegant napkin holder by adding a decorative element to the back.

26. Inspirational Quote Board

Frame your favourite quotes or affirmations by printing or hand-lettering them onto decorative paper. These framed quotes can motivate and inspire.

27. Button Art

Create a unique design using an arrangement of buttons within a frame for a playful piece of wall art.

28. Miniature Garden

Create a miniature terrarium inside a deep frame by housing a small garden scene made from artificial plants and decorations.

29. Child’s Art Gallery

Encourage creativity by framing your child’s artwork. Regularly swap the pieces to keep the gallery fresh and inspiring.

30. Vintage Postcard Display

Collect vintage postcards and frame them in a collaborative way to showcase travel memories or interests.

31. Embrace Minimalism

Choose a minimalistic frame and keep it simple by displaying one beautiful photo or artwork, allowing it to stand alone with impact.

32. Decorative Stepping Stones

Use a large frame to mould stepping stones by placing leaves, flowers, or other items into wet concrete that sets in your frame.

33. Bead or Gem Art

Create a faux gem or bead art by gluing colourful beads onto the backing of a frame to form a visually striking mosaic design.

34. A Simple Bookshelf

Screw a piece of plywood into the back of a larger picture frame to create a simple shelf where small plants or books can rest.

35. Pinboard

Use a corkboard inside a picture frame to create a stylish pinboard for notes, schedules, and reminders.

36. Wine Cork Display

Collect wine corks and frame them creatively to celebrate memorable occasions like anniversaries or parties.

37. Hanging Planter

Transform a deep-set frame into a horizontal hanging planter for small indoor plants, creating a nature-inspired look.

38. Family Tree Display

Use frames to design a beautiful family tree layout by framing photos and labelling them with names and relationships.

39. Quilted Frame

Integrate fabric pieces to create a quilted look within your frames. It’s an excellent way to showcase beloved textile patterns.

40. Inspirational Travel Map

Decorate a world map by pinning favourite travel photos or postcards within corresponding frames.

41. Upcycled Table Decor

Repurpose a frame as a rustic table decoration, adding flowers or candles as charming centrepiece additions.

42. Themed Holiday Display

For holidays, decorate various frames with festive themes, such as holidays or birthday celebrations, to show your love for the occasion.

43. Mosaic Art Frame

Create a vibrant mosaic by breaking up colourful tiles or glass, adhering them to the frame, and showcasing a photo within.

44. Travel Photo Board

Utilise a frame to hold small travel-related memorabilia, accompanied by photos from your adventures.

45. Vintage Post-It Note Holder

Make a decorative holder for your Post-It notes by attaching a small pad to the rear of a frame with an added pen slot.

Conclusion

With a dash of imagination and some basic supplies, picture frames can be the building blocks for countless DIY projects. Whether you are searching for a creative outlet or a way to organise, these 45+ craft ideas will inspire you to upcycle and innovate with those frames. So gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and get crafting!