Fancy Frames

I decided to make these frames as Christmas presents for all my friends this year. Everyone really seemed to like them. I tried to either do a theme that was relevant to a specific friend or a favorite color. These frames are sooooooooooo easy and really just take on a life of their own out of your creativity. There is no specific design. There are no specific do's or don'ts. Just create!

• I found frames at a craft store in the discount isle. I purchased them for $1 each. If you can't find them in the discount isle, they are around $2.99 for a medium sized frame in the wood dept. of the craft store.
• I matched (or mismatched) scrap booking paper depending on the person I was making it for. Then I used 99 cent paint (matched to the paper) as the base.
• I found ribbon in the discount isles and dollar bins of different craft stores, also matching colors to the individual frames.

1. Remove glass and frame backings and set aside.
2. Use a piece of a sponge to paint the wooden frame (front & back).
3. I started with one piece of scrap booking paper as the base of the design. Measure & cut to fit on outside of frame.
4. Brush a thin coat of Mod Podge over the front of the frame. Lay pre-cut scrapbook paper over the front of frame. Smooth and rub on to get all air out. If bubbles appear, poke with a pin.
5. Brush a thin coat of Mod Podge over the Scrapbook base. Let dry.
6. Now use your matching or mismatching paper to make a design on the frame. Brush Mod Podge on the spot where your other paper is going. Lay paper pieces. Smooth. Brush another layer of Mod Podge over paper pieces. Let dry.
7. When design is finished, brush a layer of Mod Podge over the entire frame to seal. Let dry.
8. Cut ribbon into 4 - 5 inch pieces.
9. Tie in knots around one side of frame.
10. Trim to your liking.
11. Add any other embellishments to the frame for decorations with a hot glue gun: stickers (if flat then you will want to paint Mod Podge over them), pearls, gem stones, crystals, charms, ribbon, letters, etc.
12. Place glass and frame backing back on the frame.