Picture frames have come a long way over the years. These days you can find all types of styles that meet every preference, but unfortunately they don’t always meet every budget. The fancier the frames the higher the price tags, and not everyone can afford jeweled frames or those embellished with eye-catching bobbles and beads. Everyone can afford fancy frames – if they know how to decorate ordinary cheaper frames.
If you appreciate the beauty of fancy picture frames, you’ll love the following easy decorating ideas. I absolutely love picture frames with faux jewels, unique colored beads, and other ornamental additions. Try these easy decorating ideas, and surround your photos with something that looks far more expensive than it actually was.
Base Frames and Adhesive
It isn’t necessary to buy costly frames for decorating. Purchase basic wood or metal frames that are inexpensive. As long as they’re sturdy they’ll work well for this project. I recently purchased 8 x 10 wooden frames from K-Mart and paid a mere $3.00 for each one. They’re solid wood frames with glass, and they’re perfect for decorating.
If your preference is metal, this type can also be found for a reasonable price at K-Mart. I noticed metal frames with wide edges for about $6.00. Some were available for less and slightly dented, but the dents don’t matter since they’ll be covered during decorating. Watch for scratch and dent items that you can obtain for practically nothing. In most cases the damage will be covered once decorated.
Super glue usually works to secure nonporous items, but clear drying Gorilla glue is the best choice. Visit The Gorilla Glue website, and take a look at the Gorilla glue pen. The bottle is designed for precision use, and the glue dries strong and clear. This is the type of glue I use for all of my craft projects that require adhesive with super glue strength.
Michael’s sells many different types of beautiful glass beads, and they’re good for more than making jewelry. I’ve found inexpensive bags containing wide varieties of beads in various colors, sizes, and designs. Some of the beads appear to be seconds, and some don’t have holes, but it doesn’t matter since they’re going to be glued to picture frames.
Swarovski Crystals
I have a weakness for Swarovski crystal, and I recently discovered Swarovski crystal beads meant for jewelry. I found beautiful purple flowers with Swarovski crystal centers, and they’re perfect for embellishing picture frames. Check major retail craft stores for these very special crystals, or shop online to obtain the lowest possible prices. A combination of Swarovski crystal pieces and glass beads make a lovely decorated picture frame, and they aren’t as expensive as you probably think. I paid about $4.00 for a six piece set, and they’re the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever found.
If you love flowers, consider decorating wood frames with the heads of artificial flowers and small sprigs of baby’s breath. Choose your favorite flowers that will fit around a frame of your choice, and attach them with hot glue or Gorilla glue. Begin by covering the wood with artificial foliage, and cover the foliage with dozens of color-coordinated flowers.
Other Embellishments
Anything that catches your eye can be used for decorating picture frames. Consider items such as flat buttons, self-adhesive scrapbook stickers, lace, ribbons, seashells, polished stones, or colored aquarium gravel. These items will get you started, but if you look through your local craft store or online craft source, I’m sure you’ll discover many more items that can be used for decorating inexpensive picture frames. With very little expense you can turn them into extraordinary works of art that will enhance your very special photos.
