Picture frame

Upcycled Picture Frame: Turn Old Wood into a Beautiful, Rustic Frame

Don’t throw out old wood scraps or unused materials—upcycle them into a charming, rustic picture frame! This project is perfect for adding a personal, handmade touch to your home decor while giving new life to discarded wood.

Materials You’ll Need:

  • Old wood (scraps or pieces from pallets, furniture, etc.)
  • Saw (if resizing the wood is necessary)
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood glue or nails and hammer
  • Measuring tape and pencil
  • Paint or wood stain (optional)
  • Picture frame backing and glass (from an old frame or purchased separately)
  • Hooks or a hanging mechanism (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Select and Measure the Wood

Choose your wood pieces based on the size of the picture you’d like to frame. If necessary, use a saw to cut the wood to the correct lengths. Measure and mark the pieces to ensure they fit together snugly around the picture.

Step 2: Sand the Wood

Once your wood pieces are cut, sand them down to remove any splinters or rough edges. This will give the frame a smoother finish and make it easier to handle.

start sanding
sanding woodfiller

Step 3: Assemble the Frame

Lay out the pieces of wood in a rectangular or square shape, depending on your design. Use wood glue or small nails to join the corners securely. If you’re using nails, pre-drill small holes to avoid splitting the wood. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly before handling the frame further.

Step 4: Optional: Paint or Stain the Frame

For a more polished or personalized look, paint or stain the frame to match your decor. You can leave it natural for a rustic feel or use vibrant colors to create a bold statement piece. Let the paint or stain dry completely before moving on.

start painting pva
painted pva frame

Step 5: Add the Picture Backing and Glass

If you have an old frame, reuse the backing and glass for this project. If not, you can purchase these separately from a craft store. Attach the glass to the front and secure the picture backing with small nails or clips, ensuring that the picture will fit snugly inside.

masking tape on glass
woodfiller cracks joints

Step 6: Attach Hanging Hardware (Optional)

If you plan to hang your frame, add hooks or a hanging mechanism to the back. You can use sawtooth hangers, D-rings, or even a wire for larger frames.

Step 7: Insert Your Picture

Once your frame is fully assembled and dry, place your photo or artwork inside, securing it with the backing. You now have a beautiful upcycled picture frame ready to display!

complete frame plain
complete frame upcycle bkgrd

Additional Tips for Success:

  • Mix and Match Materials: You can combine different types of wood or incorporate other materials like metal or fabric to add texture and variety.
  • Personalized Touch: Consider adding embellishments such as stencils, decoupage, or decorative nails for a personalized touch.
  • Eco-Friendly and Budget-Friendly: By using upcycled wood, this project not only helps reduce waste but also saves money compared to purchasing a new frame.

This upcycled picture frame project is a wonderful way to turn old wood into something both functional and beautiful. Perfect for displaying cherished memories, it’s an easy way to bring sustainability into your home.