I recently wrote a post about curating your home decor and became inspired to create an upcycled frame project that rounded out the messy table in my room. This upcycled frame project was one of the easiest (and most satisfying) DIYs I’ve done — it’s fun, beginner-friendly, and budget-conscious.
I combined three things I love: reusing what I already own, thrifting something with potential, and creating a one-of-a-kind piece that fits my home.
In this post, I’ll walk you step-by-step through how you can create this upcycled frame project using thrifted finds, paper or fabric, and free printable art.
Check out the video for a visual of the complete project
Supplies for Your Upcycled Frame Project
This list of supplies is short and you might likely already have some, or all, on hand already.
- Larger simple sign or frame
- Smaller frame to fit inside of the larger frame
- Decorative paper or fabric
- Hot glue pot or hot glue gun
- Free printable art or original art
- Mod Podge type sealer
- Paint brush to apply sealer
- Scissors or paper cutter
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Canva account or a way to size your artwork
Choose Your Frames to Upcycle: Large + Small Combo
This piece of the upcycled frame project will need two different size frames. The smaller one should fit inside of the larger one with some room to spare around the edges.
I chose an old sign that I had that said “Hello” on it. It was perfect for the area that I needed it for. The smaller frame I found thrifting and it was $3, my only expense of the whole project.
You can thrift something or look around your home for old picture frames that aren’t in use anymore. Either way, choose 2 frames that you love when they are together.
Decorative Backing: Paper or Fabric
Your personality really gets to come through in this part of the project. There are limitless options for scrapbook paper these days and the good news is, you don’t have to purchase an entire book to find something you love. You can purchase individual pieces at your local craft store to keep this project on track for being budget friendly.
Better yet, try using some old book pages. Perhaps you have some books that may never get read, or visit your local library and visit their sale section and snag something for mere pennies.
Another fantastic option is fabric. Fabric brings in texture, luxury and personality. If you are anything like me you probably have some amazing pieces of fabric you have been holding onto, waiting for the perfect opportunity to showcase it. NOW is the time to use it!
Whether you choose paper or fabric for this curated project, both are cost effective and easy to source.
Pro tip: Choose a pattern that is detailed and a bit “busy”; it will help hide any mistakes if you don’t measure and cut with 100% accuracy. (You can see in the video where I had to use extra paper to cover the mis-measurement.)
Adhesive Options: Glue Pot, Gun, or Alternative
You may be wondering what a glue pot is…it is an electric pan that melts glue pellets into liquid glue to use on all kinds of projects. It is especially handy for smearing glue when your project requires quick action in bulk.
I used a glue pot for this project, but a glue gun will work just as well.
If you don’t have either a glue pot or glue gun, use any strong glue you have on hand that will support the weight of your smaller frame once glued.
Printable or Personal Art: Choosing Your Centerpiece
There are so many resources for free printable art, so it could get overwhelming to choose just one piece.
Let the space you have picked out for your original upcycled frame project help you decide what kind of art will work best. Also, be sure that you love how your art looks with the fabric or decorative paper you have chosen.
Some of my favorite pieces of art, are pieces my children have created. This is a great way to display a piece that you are fond of from your sweet little one. Or perhaps you are an artist yourself and can whip up something perfect for this project.
Sealant Options: Mod Podge & More
You will need a type of adhesive sealer to complete this project. Mod Podge is a great choice and can be purchased at craft stores or even your local dollar store in some cases.
One of my goals was to use what I already had on hand, so I used Mod Podge. You can also use school glue (preferably Elmers) mixed with water. Just use 1cup of Elmer’s Glue to 1/3 cup of water to thin it out a bit.
You could also use a clear sealant like a polycrylic sealer or even a varnish sealant. Just something that is clear, so you can keep the pattern of your fabric or paper visible.
Paint Brush
Again, to keep this project quick and easy, just grab any paint brush you have laying around. It doesn’t need to be expensive. In fact, the cheap little sponge brushes work great for this.
Scissors & Measuring Device
These are pretty straightforward items, so you can use your best judgement. If you have a paper cutter for more precision then grab that when prepping for this project.
A ruler or a tape measure will work for this. If your bigger frame is larger than 12 inches, then a tape measure would be a better tool for the job.
Canva Account
If you don’t already have a Canva account, but needed an excuse to snag one, you should definitely do that now (you will be hooked).
If you don’t have a Canva account and don’t want one, you just need a way to be able to size your free artwork (if you are choosing a printable version). This can be done in a number of other kinds of computer software like, Microsoft Word or MAC Pages.
Use anything that you are comfortable with to download and resize the artwork you chose.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Upcycled Frame Project
Check out the video for a visual to the complete project
Now that you have your materials, you’re ready to start this easy wall art DIY — a budget-friendly way to make your home feel more personal.
Step 1
Just like when you are baking, begin by pre heating your glue gun or glue pot (385 degrees F). Next you will measure the interior of your larger frame.
If you have a frame with glass in it, you can gently remove the glass and measure it for a precise fit.
Step 2
Measure your paper to fit inside your larger frame. Be sure to measure and mark on the back of the paper, so if you make a mistake you will not have to get a new paper. Cut out the paper.
If for some reason you did not measure precisely and your paper or fabric has left a gap, not covering the surface completely, don’t panic (I did the same thing). Simply cut a thin piece of paper/fabric the same length as the side with the gap and place it underneath the main paper/fabric.
Even if the paper/fabric that is standing in the gap doesn’t line up perfectly, you will barely be able to see it once the project is completed.
Step 3
Coat the larger frame opening, with your adhesive/sealer. Work quickly, so that the adhesive won’t dry before you place the paper/fabric on.
If you are using a frame with glass in it, apply the adhesive directly to the glass.
Pro tip: By placing the paper/fabric directly on the glass, you ensure that your smaller frame will adhere. Hot glue can stick to glass, but can easily be removed once dry.
Step 4
Apply the paper or fabric to the surface of the large frame opening. Coat the applied paper/fabric with your adhesive/sealant by brushing it on liberally. Do not worry if the paper starts to wrinkle as you apply the sealant. This will happen, but it will lie back down once it dries.
Step 5
If you haven’t already chosen and sized your art for the smaller frame, you can do this while the sealant is drying on your fabric/paper. Place your art inside of your smaller frame.
Step 6
If you chose an easel back frame for your smaller frame, remove that now, by gently prying it off.
Step 7
Once your sealer/adhesive is completely dry, you are ready to mount your smaller frame inside your larger frame. Dry time will depend on your sealant and environmental factors like humidity.
Before you glue the smaller frame in, place it in and center it. Once you have centered it, make a light mark on each edge to help you position it correctly after you have applied the glue.
Step 8
Apply your hot glue quickly to the back of the frame. You only need to apply this to the corners and edges of the frame.
While your glue is still pliable, position the frame according the marks you made in step 7, being sure that you adjust quickly to make the small frame level before the glue hardens.
Congratulations! You Finished Your Upcycled Frame Project!
You did it! You completed your upcycled frame project! Wasn’t that so easy and fun?!
This project can be done with more than just two frames. You can layer in three, four or even more for a unique and layered look.
With so many options of decorative paper, fabric, art and frames to choose from, the hardest part about this upcycled frame project is choosing only one combination.
These make great customized gifts for friends and family. You can use a photograph instead of art in the smallest frame. You could even create a mini gallery of upcycled frame projects on one wall.
If you tried this project, let me know in the comments below. Or if you have any tips that I missed, I’d love to gain some of your upcycling expertise.
