Thursday, March 3, 2011

Cutie Patootie Picture Frame!

I decided that this week I would do a simple, no sewing required project that is quick and easy to make up. It's been an insane week with tons going on, and we all need a simple project now and then right? I have been making these for years now, and they are always well received. The thing I love about them (other than the fact that they are simple and really inexpensive) is that you can easily customize them to any gender or decor. So here goes!

Project: Cutie Patootie Picture Frame
Time: Less than an hour, not including drying time.
Skill Level: Easy Peasy!

Gather your supplies. You will need (in no particular order):
1. An unfinished wood frame from Michael's
2. 2 pieces of coordinating scrapbook paper. The heavier types work best.
3. Mod Podge and a foam brush
4. Glue and/or glue dots
5. Ribbon and any other embellishments you wish to add.
First, trace your frame. These frames are a bit finicky, no two are alike. Therefore if you are making multiple frames you will need to trace and cut the paper for each individual frame. If you don't, it may not fit. (Ask me how I know.) Your paper should be face down, with your frame also face down. Also, make sure to keep in mind where the little hole for the dowel rod is, you don't want to get your whole frame done only to find out that you have glued your paper on upside down. (Again, I speak from experience.)
Cut your paper out. You will want to have the top half with one paper and the bottom with another. It doesn't matter if the two halves don't quite meet in the middle.
See? Don't quite meet. No big deal, I promise. Apply a layer of mod podge to the frame and smooth your paper down flat. Watch out for bubbles! Let dry well.
When your frame is dry, use sandpaper to sand the edges. This will remove any extra paper and give you a smooth edge.
Close view of my nice smooth edge...
This is an optional step, but one I really like. Take a sponge and using stamping ink, distress the edge. I feel like it just gives it that extra little something.
After you have gone all around the sanded edges with your ink, apply a top coat of mod podge. This will give your frame a nice finish and make it more durable.
See? I told you those gaps wouldn't be an issue. Add a strip of ribbon using glue or sticky strip. Wrap the ends around to the back for a nice finished look. You can secure in the back with staples or glue dots if needed.
Add any embellishments you would like! I used a simple bow with the same ribbon and tacked it on with a glue dot.
Add a picture of your cutie patootie and display! Total cost?
Under $2 if you already own the mod podge. Enjoy!
I'm Linking To:
Pink Hippo Party

6 comments:

  1. Stumbled upon your blog via Chic & Crafty. Your frame is truly cutie patootie, I love it! Would like to invite you to link to my Sunday blog bash K.I.S.S. I also host a page The Homespun Slate @ The Tattered Tag where you can link your Etsy shop. Happy to be a new follower of your blog. :)

    The Tattered Tag

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  2. Ashli ~ this is 110% Cutie Patootie! I love the distressed edges, pretty ribbon, and super-cutie in the frame! ;) Thanks for sharing on Chic & Crafty!

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  3. Thank you both, I'm so glad you liked the frame! Christina I'll make sure to hop over to your blog on Sunday, thanks for the invite!

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  4. That is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing such an easy to understand tutorial. I think even a klutz like me could do this. I'm definitely putting it on my to do list. :)

    Cheers,
    Tracy http://allthumbscrafts.blogspot.com

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  5. This is soo sweet! Love the antiquing you did to the sides and the combination of the papers! Beautiful.. as is your little one! Thanks for sharing with the Pink Hippo Party! I am your newest follower~

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  6. Thank you for sharing your great project by linking up to my blog bash K.I.S.S. @ The Tattered Tag. Please remember tomorrow is another fun blog bash, so drop by and link up more of your creativity! :)

    Drop by The Tattered Tag

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