Building a Picture Frame

On my to-do list this past weekend, along with the doors, was making a frame for my D. Mom (and taking pictures to put in the frame).

When I got my Etsy frames in the mail awhile back, I knew I could make them. I looked through Ana's site at Knock-Off Wood for guidance, and came across her plans for a 9 x 12 frame.

I wanted to make a 5x7 frame, so I modified the measurements and got to work. The frames are really easy to make, so let me know if you try them!

You'll need 1x 2's, a miter saw, a sander if you wish, a nail gun, 2'' nails, some wood glue, and paint or stain of your choice.

I was in a hurry to get the frame built before my D. Mom left on Sunday, so I don't have any pictures of me actually using the miter saw, but Chris brought the camera out while I was smoothing away my edges.

All of the edges are mitered at 45 degrees, so for the base of the frame, you need to add 3'' to your cuts.  So for my 5x7 base, I measured 8 inches (mitered 1 1/2 on each side) for the 5'' side and 10 inches for the 7 inch side.

To make the 2nd layer of the frame, turn your 1 x 2 up on the skinny side and make your cut that way.  You'll need to add an extra 3/4'' on either side for the 45 degree mitered cut.  So for the 'frame' around the frame, I made my cuts at 9 1/2 and 11 1/2 inches.

Next, take some wood glue to your edges and then nail them together.  For the outer frame, measure 1/4th of an inch around the backside/  Glue and nail your inner frame to your outer frame starting at that 1/4th inch line so that you leave room to insert your picture.  Make sure that your nail gun is straight, and that you're placing your nail where it connects both 'joints' of the frame around all of the edges.  Sorry again that I don't have pictures of this, I was on a time crunch!

I used the Minwax stain in China Red and applied it with a foam brush.

I took a quick time out for pictures, and this is what she looked like dry!  Since she's not hanging in my home, and since we were all on a time crunch, I don't have very many good pictures of the final product.  So, I'll leave you with a goofy picture of a life sized version of me in the frame!

No, my face should not be that large in any picture frame in anyone's home!!  I'm linking to these parties...go check them out!