This is a frame I made for one my best friends for Christmas. These make great gifts, especially since you can personalize it to fit whatever situation. It's really inexpensive and doesn't take very long to make. Not to mention that my friend loved it!
Items You Will Need
1. Frame. This particular frame was purchased at Michael's. I normally buy all of my frames for Walmart or Hobby Lobby since they are cheaper, but I was at Michael's and they are the only store I have found with this type of frame. Also, a tip for picking out a frame, make sure to look over the frame carefully before to buy it to check if there are any cracks or anything. I try to find frames that don't have cracks, the edges are smooth, and the wood is a little bit of a lighter color (just to make painting a little easier).
2. Paint. This can be found at any craft store or Walmart for pretty cheap.
3. Picture. Again, I recommend using the instant prints at Walmart if you don't already have a picture. Or you can always print one from your computer as well haha
4. Q-tips. A good way to paint the polka dots.
5. Paint-pen or sharpie. To write the quote. Either works just as well as the other. I used a black sharpie for this frame and the outcome is just the same as if you use a paint pen. But paint pens can be found at Walmart or any craft store in the paint aisle.
6. Brushes. I like to use sponge brushes when I paint large areas of wood, the color comes out more even
How To Make It
1. If your frame is really rough, especially around the edges, I recommend taking a piece of sand paper and lightly sanding the frame to make it smooth. Not only will it look a lot better, but it will be a whole lot easier to paint. Also take out the glass or plastic in the picture section of the frame before you do anything with paint.
2. Paint the entire frame the color you would like to be your base color. However, keep in mind that the color you paint your polka dots needs to be seen over the base color, but I really don't think that will be a huge problem. Make sure you paint the frame evenly. Wait for the first coat to dry and then paint another coat. Repeat until you are happy with the outcome. It normally only takes about two coats and I don't like there to be any sign of wood at all. Also, whether or not you want to paint the back side of the frame is up to you (I always do because it looks more professional in my opinion)
3. Once the base is completely dry, then take a Q-tip, dip it in the paint that you wish to be the polka dot. Carefully draw the outline of the polka dots on your frame, replacing the q-tip when necessary, since it will become frayed after a few uses. Once you have your outlines, begin to fill them in, still using a Q-tip. You will have to do several coats in order for the color to be even. Be sure to wait for each coat to dry before you start another coat, otherwise the first coat will get messed up. Normally the coat is dry by the time you finish with the rest of the polka dots. Another option: if you are worried about the way your polka dots will turn out, lightly draw them on the frame with a pencil first and then paint. Also, no worries if you mess up a little on the polka dot and paint outside the line, just make the polka dot a little bigger. Optional: to give my frames and polka dots a little bit of more color, I outlined some of them in the color I wrote my quote with. You can either do this with a Sharpie or paint pen.
4. All the paint on the frame is completely dry, then you can write the quote you wish to write. The one I used was from Starkid's Holy Musical B@tman, since it's an inside joke between my friend and I. And the quote was fitting for our friendship. Later on I might post some of my favorite quotes that I have used, so be on the lookout for that :) Anyways, you can either write out lightly with a pencil your quote if you are worried about bad handwriting like I am, or you can go straight to the Sharpie or paint pen. When using a Sharpie or paint pen, if you are left handed, be sure not to drag your hand or anything in what you just wrote, especially with a paint pen since they tend to be a little bit more watery than a Sharpie. Let this completely dry.
5. Once the frame is completely dry, add your picture and enjoy!
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