Building yet another Picture Frame

This past weekend one set of my parents were here. I got out the mop to start mopping the floors, and decided that they'd MUCH rather me make them a picture frame than have clean floors, so I headed back into the garage. Clean floors are so over-rated anyways.

I've written out instructions before here on how to build a frame, but I thought I'd give an updated tutorial on how to build THESE flat picture frames in a 4x6 size.

Step 1: If you tend to be absent minded like me, write down your measurements. Each mitered edge adds an extra 1.5" to each side, so add a total of 3 inches to each measurement.

Step 2:  Mark off your 1x2 where you're going to cut, and if you have a long piece of wood like I did, enlist the help of a trusty assistant to hold the other piece of the board while you make your cut.

Oh, you don't see my trusty assistant?  Here, let me show you a close up:

Hey...I work with what I've got!

Step 3:  Make your first cut on either side, making sure that the 45 degree angles are opposite of each other.  You can either flip your cut piece over and saw from the same side, or you can rotate your miter saw to 45 degrees opposite of what you just cut.

Step 4:  Take your cut piece of wood and line it up on your existing board.  Mark off the end.  You want your side pieces and top and bottom pieces to be the same exact size.  It's okay if you're a little off measurement wize, so long as your corresponding sides are equal.  It's better to error on the size of too small than too big though.  Too big and your picture won't stay in the frame.

Step 5:  Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the 2nd measurement.

Step 6:  Glue all four pieces together.  Be generous with your glue, but make sure to wipe off the excess that gets between the edges, especially if you're using stain.  Nail the frame around the four corners.  I used 1 1/4" nails.

Step 7:  Admire your edges.

Step 8:  Stain / Paint your frame.  For this frame, I used this stain:

Step 9:  After your frame has finished drying (I left it over night), decoupage pretty paper onto the back of the frame.  I had an old 4x6 picture frame that I was about to toss out, so I took out the glass from the inside of that and glued it to the back of my frame using Quick Grip.  After that, I stapled in a thick piece of scrap paper to the back, making sure to leave room at the top to be able to slide a picture in and out.  That way the picture is interchangeable.

 Here's a few pictures of the front of the finished product.  These frames are relatively easy to make and they make great gifts!  They're a great idea for a homemade Christmas gift.

Yes, I know...the picture is missing.  I was too anxious to get pictures of the frame before my 'rents got here!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!  Stay tuned for more fun stuff coming up this week...'till then, Happy Monday!

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