Quick and Easy Beaded Picture Frame
From LoveToKnow Crafts
Nearly everyone has pictures all over their homes, but plain picture frames are, well, pretty plain. Here’s a simple, quick way to jazz up those store-bought frames with leftover seed beads.
Materials
- Store-bought picture frame, either plain wood or with a flat finish
- Sandpaper, if using a plain wood frame
- Tacky glue, such as Aleen’s or decoupage glue
- Foam brush for applying glue
- Seed beads, either all one color or assorted beads mixed together
- Paper plate, plastic tray or big sheet of newspaper for holding loose beads
- Clear project sealant (I used brush-on glaze)
Instructions
If using a plain wood frame, sand it lightly with sandpaper to get all the splinters out. Remove the back of the frame and the glass piece.
Using the foam brush, apply glue to all the surfaces where you would like beads to stick. You can put beads just on the front or on the front and sides, if there are sides that stick out on the frame.
Pour beads onto the frame, or pour beads out onto a plate, tray or piece of newspaper and press the beads into the glue on the frame. Take time to make sure that all the glue is covered.
Set the frame on a piece of newspaper or somewhere safe to dry. Wash out your foam brush and allow it to dry before proceeding.
Use the brush to gently apply sealant to all the places where beads are. Allow to dry. The sealant will hold the beads in place more firmly and make it a little harder to knock the beads off the frame once it is dry.
It will still be possible to knock beads off the frame even after this step. If this ever happens, repair the spot using the same procedure.
Once the frame is dry, insert the glass piece, your picture and the back of the frame.
Ideas for using this project
These frames are great for jazzing up an office or other drab space. This project is also a great way to unify a bunch of mismatched frames that are in the same room.
Of course, this kind of frame makes a great gift, too. Know someone who is crazy about pink (or green, or any other color)? Buy beads of just that color and make a decorated frame for them. Make sure you put a picture of yourself inside!
You could also make the project a little fancier by using different colored beads on each side of the frame. If you want to do this, work on one side at a time and allow each to dry thoroughly before you work on the next one.
It’s also possible to mix in larger beads along with the seed beads. You could even add a small charm or other special beads. Super glue or a glue gun may be required to get heavier beads to stick.
Another neat idea is to write a message in beads. You’ll want to work with glue that comes in a squeeze bottle and write your message in glue (one letter at a time works best). Add beads (or glitter) and allow to dry before decorating the rest of the frame with contracting beads, if desired.
Once you start playing with this concept, you will come of with all sorts of cute ideas for decorating picture frames with beads. Have fun!
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