Fabric covered frames and a Feature…

About 7 years ago, we found out we were going on assignment with my husband’s work—overseas!!  I was excited, but nervous and wondered where in the world I would find craft supplies to keep myself busy while I was there.  As I was shopping at fabric stores and loading up before we left, I saw a beautiful fabric covered frame on display.  I loved it!!  It was $45, so I left it there and set out to making one myself.

These are so easy to make, and can be dressed up or left more simple.  I found the best frames to use are ones with a wider wood width.  Ikea sells these Malma mirrors for only $3, and we just use an exacto blade and take out the mirror—it works perfectly, and it’s only three dollars!!

So you will need a frame, sponge brush, Mod Podge, fabric, paper for a template, scissors and exacto blade.  If you want an antique looking finish, you’ll need some burnt umber type color acrylic paint.

Make a template of the frame out of paper, and then cut out of fabric. *Make sure you give yourself extra room in the center of the frame, because you can trim it down later*

Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge with the sponge brush and then lay your fabric on the frame.  Use the sponge brush and another thin layer of Mod Podge to spread the fabric smoothly over the frame.  If you are going for a distressed look—wrinkles in the fabric will make it turn out perfect.  If you are looking for an antique look, this is when you would use a mixture of water with a little bit of brown acrylic paint and brush it on the frame and then wipe off any excess paint with a cloth to get your desired look. If you are not going for either of those looks—be sure to smooth out all the lumps and bumps.

Let it dry for a few hours and then you can touch up any edges that aren’t completely glued down with more Mod Podge.  After that dries, use scissors and an exacto blade to trim up the edges.

Here’s what my collection of fabric frames looks like together on the wall…

I made six of these to take overseas with me years ago and I’m so glad I did, because when times were rough—they reminded me of home.

This is the first frame I made, and my favorite, which showcases the Family Proclamation to the World from the LDS church which you can read here…

These are fun, and can be dressy or casual depending on how you display them.  Here’s the one in the girls’ room again…

**UPDATE** I didn’t include in my original post what I did to the back of the frames to secure the picture!!

Here’s a picture…

I bought metal photo tabs from Hobby Lobby (look in the scrapbook section)  and then used screws to secure them in place.  Adding some thick cardboard helps the picture stay flush.  I also added an alligator hook at the top to secure it to the wall.

Now here's a little secret...I have quite a few of these frames around my house, and I when I finished the 9 frames for my collage, I got so anxious to hang them up, that I just secured all my pictures with good old scotch tape on the back:) That's the truth!!  All of my pictures I hang are copies, not originals, so if the tape ever ruined them I won't be crying:)

I have some really cute boy fabric frames that you can see next week when I show off my boys’ room!!

I have to say that the blogging community I’ve come in contact with the last couple weeks is full of really nice, and unbelievably talented ladies!!  So I was more than pleasantly surprised to be featured today at So Creative!!  Thanks Heather!!

I also received another Liebster award from Shabby Sweet Tea!!  She has an amazing chicken wire hutch that I am going to try to make soon if I can get my hands on another piece of furniture:)…thanks for the inspiration, and the shout out!!

I am linking to the following parties!