Picture Frame Crafts & Ideas

While redecorating, cleaning out the attic or closets, you’ll more than likely find picture frames that have been stowed away and forgotten or conveniently kept from sight. Instead of throwing them out, selling or donating those picture frames that don't seem to fit into your decor, try some of these crafty ideas to reuse them. Get the entire family into the act for a truly unique and fun activity.

Dust and clean all frames and remove stickers or price tags with rubbing alcohol. Make small repairs with crafters glue or small nails if needed. Discard any broken glass to avoid injuries – no need to replace glass, as many of these craft projects listed below can be successful without it. If the glass and frame are in good condition, simply reuse the frame in a different capacity.

Leave a small or medium frame in the kitchen to insert a recipe behind while preparing dinner. This unique holder will keep the recipe card safe and dry. Insert a poem or unique welcome and hang on the guest bedroom door. Spice up this special welcome by hanging the frame with ribbon instead of wire or on a nail. Leave a message for your guests within a frame that directs them to where extra towels or toiletries are kept. Insert instructions on how to work the washing machine, furnace or other appliance not frequently utilized. Or type up emergency phone numbers, frame and place near each phone.

Larger frames with glass intact can become trays. Add your favorite post cards, maps, photos or sayings under the glass and secure the backing. Select two doorknob pulls and screw into the frame on opposite sides. Apply felt or cork to the underside of the tray to avoid slips or scratches. If the glass is not in tact, add fabric, contact paper or utilize an old placement as the base of the tray. Turn frames of any size into mini chalkboards by spraying the glass and/or paper backing with chalkboard spray. Add colored chalk and you have an instant message board, car game or reminder system. An ornate frame that begs for attention will get noticed by replacing the glass with a mirror. Hang in a small nook or even on top of a larger mirror to really show it off.

For a fun activity and a take home party favor, consider utilizing extra frames as a project. Provide crafters glue, frames and lots of add-ons such as glitter, wrapping paper, scrapbook supplies, tiles, buttons and paint. Cover a working area with newspaper and let each crafter invent and take home their own picture frame. All that’s needed is imagination. Frames without glass can still be reused. Spray paint them gold or silver and use as a centerpiece to surround a vase, a grouping of candles or even to separate the condiment and napkins on the table.

For a truly unique showcase, frames with no glass can highlight a grouping of 3D objects. Mount a teddy bear, shells, teacups, card or other souvenirs directly on the wall and surround with a frame. The older and more weathered the frame, the better this technique can look. Insert a piece of cork, cut to fit the frame, and hang as a message center or use as a pegboard for keys, hats or catch-alls. Use this corkboard idea on small frames to create coasters. Glue something soft to the back so it doesn’t scratch your table. And lastly, even broken frames, painted in a variety of colors and hung in a geometric form on a blank wall can be a simple work of art that is inexpensive, trendy and definitely an eye-catcher.

Before discarding, sit back and imagine the recycling and fun you can create with old or outdated picture frames.