How to Decoupage a Picture Frame

So you have a really good sized picture frame and something to put in... but it just looks so plain. What do you do? You could paint it another color. Easy but still plain. Maybe you want a frame that's more unique but you don't want to pay what a custom framer will charge to make that for you. One very simple way to update a frame is to do decoupage.

What is decoupage? Decoupage (pronounced "dey-koo-pahzh") is the art or technique of decorating something with cut-outs of paper, linoleum, plastic, or other flat material over which varnish or lacquer is applied. (Dictionary.com)

Remember this guy? 

This colorful collage was demo'd last week.
Here's a link to the post:
http://craftyincobb.blogspot.com/2016/02/crafty-lion-collage-how-to-make-your-own.html

Well, I want to frame it but don't it to be flat and plain. I want it to compliment the artwork. Because it's a paper artwork I've decided to cover the frame in paper and decoupage. All done it looks like this:

To make your own decoupage frame you'll need some supplies.



SUPPLY LIST -

• One frame (cheap is OK. I got mine on sale at Michaels and I think I paid $7 or so.
• Blickrylic Glossy Polymer or Modge Podge - any sheen is fine. Whatever you like.
• Paper for surface - thin is best so that it absorbs the adhesive easily.
• I bought artisan paper from Blick Art. There's a location by the SuperTarget on Woodstock Rd in Roswell or you can buy online - http://www.dickblick.com/category/decorativepaper/
• Thin Scrapbook paper from a craft supply store will work OK, too.

• Thick paint brush.
• UV Varnish to protect the paper color - spray or paint on

GLUING THE PAPER DOWN

• Cut your paper into pieces large enough to wrap the visible area of your frame.
• Paint your adhesive onto the surface of the frame - only where you will put your first piece of paper.
• Place the paper on painted area quickly. It will dry fast.
• Paint the adhesive down on the paper. Press where you need to so that the paper fills the grooves.
• You may find you need to use your brush over certain areas a good few times to get the paper to stay down. That's fine.
• Continue and do half of the frame. Try not to handle the wet areas.
• Let dry for at least a half hour and then do the other half.

HOW TO HANDLE CORNERS

• The paper doesn't have to be applied in 90 degree angles throughout.
• For more variety and texture you can angle the paper.
• For corners you'll need to angle the paper, as shown above.
• The paper will fold in on itself as you paint.
• If you find that there are exposed areas just cut small pieces and add.

• Corners get abused more than the other areas of the frame.
• To protect the corners I always add one extra piece of paper and glue it down.

ONE MORE COAT


• After all of your paper is glued down give it one more coat of adhesive to protect it.
• DECORATE - Feel free to add another color paper or paint for stripes or other patterns.
• UV VARNISH - This is very important, especially if you use a dark or deep color. If you do not put a UV Varnish on the surface and the artwork is exposed to heavy light the color will fade.

ALL DONE!



Put your art in the frame and now all you need to do is hang it for everyone to see!

I chose to keep the glass but you don't have to.

Like the artwork? The original will be available for purchase at my booth at the Acworth Arts Fest on April 9-10. It's local and worth going rain or shine. It's on the main street in Acworth and is a very family-friendly event (including a fun KidZone and bounce house). Click this link for more festival information: http://www.acworth.com/acworth-art-fest/.

Or, you can purchase a similar illustrated print in my Zazzle shop.

Patchwork Lion - Art Print by CraftyGraphics