DIY Holiday Frame Gifts

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The holidays are a time for pictures, and for those special handmade gifts that people cherish for years. So, why not combine the two?

Large commercial frames, however, are expensive, and cutting the notch in the back of each board requires a table saw or router. But I have found a way to avoid needing woodworking equipment — or paying high prices for large store-bought frames.

At most home improvement centers you can find 2’ and 4’ lengths of oak, pine and poplar boards in various thicknesses. By laying a narrow strip over a wider one, then tacking them together, you can create a notched board designed to hold the glass, your image and the backing.

After assembling this oak frame, I decided to stain it a holiday color, using Minwax® Water Based Wood Stain in “Green Tea.”

I applied the stain with a brush, then used a cloth to wipe off any stain the wood did not absorb.

Finally, I sealed the stain with the aerosol version of clear Minwax® Polycrylic® Protective Finish. The great thing about Minwax® Polycrylic® Protective Finish is that it dries in just minutes.

Which means it was ready to hang the same day.

I also made this frame, stained with Minwax® Wood Finish in “English Chestnut,” and decorated with holiday stickers I found at my local craft store.

So many frames, so many choices!

Until next time,

Thanks for stopping by!

Bruce