I love decorating our home with artwork, posters, and photos, but finding the right frame can be a challenge. Most frames come in standard sizes and if you want to hang something that’s an odd size you either have to make your own or get someone to do it for you. And since I’m always changing our artwork around, I end up with loads of empty frames stashed away in a cupboard. So today I’d like to share how to make the easiest DIY frames EVER!!!!
Not only are they simple to do (you don’t need any fancy tools), they’re easy to store too and best of all, you can switch out your art anytime without damaging the pic. The DIY frames can be “dressed up or down” to suit your decor style too ;- )
Okay, before I get to the tutorial, please do me a favor and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!
What You Need For the Easiest DIY Frames
- Magnetic tape
- Balsa wood
- Sharp Craft knife
- Ruler
- Glue
- Paints and decorative bits (optional)
How to Make the Frames
Start by cutting the balsa wood into strips using a craft knife. Balsa wood is really soft and easy to cut. You can cut the strips to any length you like, just make sure they’re at least 2 cm (7/8″) wide.
You’ll need four equal-sized strips for each frame. Two for the bottom and two for the top.
Customizing Your Frames
Use whatever you like to decorate the frames. Our décor tends to be rustic bohemian, with a bit of crazy thrown in for luck :D I used blackboard paint on one of the frames. That way I can write or draw on the frame if I want.
Another frame got a lovely coat of rose gold followed by espresso. I distressed the frame lightly and then added thumbs tacks.
And on the third, I used a stencil and some silver paint to decorate a balsa strip that had been painted brown. A few silver beads complete the look.
The possibilities are endless. Just go with what feels right for you.
You can frame a moment. But you can´t frame life. ― Armin Houman
Once you’re happy with the look, flip the decorated balsa strips over and glue the magnetic tape all the way across on each strip. The magnetic tape I used had a sticky backing, which wasn’t sticky at all, so I glued them down.
And that’s it. Those easy DIY frames are ready. Simply put the image face up on one of the magnetized balsa strips, and then add the second strip on top of the first. The magnets will clamp the picture in place. Do the same at the bottom of the picture. To hang the frames just tie some twine around the top.
Don’t you just love that old camera? I found the black and white print at the Graphics Fairy and grungi-fied it a little. You can download the free printable here. If you don’t have any twine then ribbon will work too………
or leather …….
And since the frames don’t even take 1/2 hour to make, you can play around and let those creative juices go wild ;-)
These DIY frames really are super easy to make and they don’t take up a lot of storage space either.
And when you want to frame something else, just pull the magnets apart, store the piccy somewhere safe and add another one. Easy Peasy ;-) But I would love to know what you think? How would you customize the frames to suit your decor?
If you like the idea, don’t forget to pin it for later.
BTW if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us come up with more amazing craft ideas to share with you ;-)
And as always, here’s wishing you a beautiful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit.
Last update on 2026-04-15 / Source Amazon Affiliates
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