StamperCamper's Corner

Here's a GREAT quick gift idea for not just the holiday but any time of the year. Start with a cheap frame. You want to pick a frame that is smooth...it is easier to work with. Watch the dollar spots at Target or Michael's for some great (and absolutely UGLY) frames that are just aching to be altered. Add some paper and ribbon and VOILA...you have a beautiful special frame for a present anytime! So how do you make one of these? It's easier than you think. My dear friend Jo showed me how to make one of these this summer and I've been having fun with these since. So get yourself an ugly frame, some GREAT designer paper, modgepodge and brush, and some embellishments and you are ready to begin.









Take your frame and remove any of the embellishments that came on it. You want to start with a smooth surface. Find a piece of designer paper that you like and make sure it is big enough to easily wrap around to the back of the frame. Lay the frame on the BACK side of the paper and draw inside the photo opening.









Now cut out a piece from inside the photo rectangle and then cut on the diagonal to each corner. Your paper is now ready to be attached to the frame. Get some modgepodge and a brush and apply a coat of modgepodge over the front of the frame.









Turn the frame over and place it on the BACK of the designer paper lining up the photo rectangle inside the photo hole. Press to stick the frame to the paper. Apply sticky strip on the edge of each flap and then start folding the back and attaching them to the inside of the photo frame. Work slowly so that the paper fits snuggly but does not tear.







Turn the frame over so you can see how nice the inside opening has turned out! Looking GOOD!!!! This frame has some hinges on the back that need to be trimmed around so take your pen and draw where you need to trim and cut or punch out. You need to trim the corners off (don't trim too far or that BRIGHT PINK will show) and use your sticky strip to secure. Do the same with the other side.









Okay...you are just about finished. Now do the shorter ends. You want to gently fold in the corners so that when you fold the edge up it doesn't stick out on the side. Again work slowly and you will get a nice finished edge. You will use sticky strip to secure these edges. Make sure all your edges around the back are secure. Flip your frame back over and now you can decorate your frame any way you want! I used some of our wonderful Satin Ribbon and a hat pin from the Pretties kit.



So what do you think? Here's the before and after! So go out to the store and find yourself some frames and see what you come up with! Oh, I should warn you...altering frames can be HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!!! So if you find some, better buy a bunch!

Happy Stampin'! -----