In the last few weeks I’ve noticed the streets and malls getting busier. You can tell that Christmas is coming up. Unlike most people, you couldn’t pay me to step foot in a mall or shopping center right now.

I have a system. Around Black Friday, I swear off shopping malls and hobby shops. I plan out a month or so of craft projects and DIY gifts, wait for a great coupon and get everything I need in one trip. I do most of my non DIY-Christmas shopping online. It’s a stable process.

Homemade gifts are the best, especially ones that evoke emotion, which makes picture frames perfect. Think about who you want to gift these to. What room might they hang them in (consider the colors)? What are the best memories you have with that person?

Go to Michael’s or another Hobby Shop and get the supplies below to make your own.

 

Ribbon hanging frames supplies

• ribbon
• pencil
• scissors
• Mod Podge
• paint brush
• acrylic paint
• Xacto knife
• wood frames
• scrapbook paper
• hot glue and gun

 

Step 1: trace the wood frame

Flip the scrapbook paper over, backside facing up. Trace the front of the frame on the back.

Tip: pay attention to which frame you trace on which piece of scrapbook paper. Often, the frames are unique, even though they look similar. 

 

Step 2: paint the frames

Paint the frames a color that coordinates with the scrapbook paper you plan to decorate it with. I chose blue, green and yellow scrapbook paper, so I painted the frames those colors.

Let it dry.

 

Step 3: cut out the scrapbook paper framing

While your frames dry, cut out the traced frame.

Tip: Use scissors for the outside and an Xacto knife for the inside.

 

Step 4: glue on the scrapbook paper

Brush the Mod Podge onto the frame and adhere the scrapbook paper cut out.

Let it dry.

Tip: Sometimes the edges lift a bit. Use a small paint brush to ensure the are are securely fastened to the frame. 

 

Step 5: add the ribbon

Arrange the frames in a vertical line, so the top of the lower frame is lined up with the bottom of another.

Glue the end of the ribbon to the top corner of the lowest frame. Then, glue it up the edge of the frames.

When you get to the to top, leave some slack. This will be how the recipient will hang the frames.

Then, glue the ribbon down the opposite side of the frames like in the image above.

 

When you’re finished, pop your favorite memories into the photo slots. Your recipient will be so excited to hang up your frames!

I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave them in the comments.

Happy crafting!