Make a Popsicle Stick Picture Frame

A simple and low-cost craft item for the kids to make. With a little time, and a great picture, you can give your special someone something to remember.

Steps

  1. Select a photograph (or draw a picture). If you are making this for Mother's Day or just for your mother, a good idea is a picture of you and your mom. Or, if it is being made for any other person, find a photo or draw a picture of something they like -- a pet, a favorite animal or place, or maybe you!
  2. Obtain some craft or popsicle sticks. You can look in dollar stores, craft stores or even collect your own from ice creams and ice desserts that use the same type of flat stick. If you plan to decorate the frame, buy decorating items while you are at the store or use what you have at home or in class already. Useful items include markers, colored puffballs, small fake flowers, sequins or glitter, etc.
  3. Trim the picture or make the frame to fit the picture. Starting with the back, you need to make the back as big as your picture. If your picture is long, use more sticks. If it is short, you'll want to use less.

    • Lay the number of sticks that you will need in a straight line.
    • Take a stick and lay it in a cross on top of the others. Use some glue to keep it in place. You may want to put another stick a bit lower on the frame.
    • If you want to make it a bit more finished-looking, you can lay more sticks on the other side.
  4. Glue or tape your picture to the frame.
  5. Glue four sticks down in an outer square framing your picture. Decorate this part with anything that takes your fancy. A suggestion is to glue four small fake roses or other small flowers around the border.
  6. If you want, add words to the frame: "Happy Mother's Day!", "Happy Birthday", "Thanks for being you", or whatever you wish to say!

Tips

  • You could decorate it with objects from the scene (shells for a beach picture, pencils/pens/thumbtacks etc. for a school picture)
  • You can scan your picture and type text onto the picture. Say something like, "I love you", "Happy Mother's Day", "Love, your name", etc.
  • Look in the scrapbook section of the hobby store to find miniature decorations for your frame.
  • If the picture is really big but you can't trim it because you'll cut out some important content, scan the picture into your computer, and resize it in "Paint" or other editing program on your computer. Then print it again. Your local library may have a scanner and printer if you don't have access to one at home or school.

Warnings

  • If you are using hot glue, there are obvious precautions to take, such as not burning yourself.
  • Use glue suitable for wood.
  • If you are using white glue, plan ahead because it will take a while to dry. If it is still wet, stop and wait for it to dry.
  • If you use superglue, be careful you don't accidentally glue something you don't want to. If you glue your hand, use acetone or nail polish remover.

Things You'll Need

  • Craft sticks. You can pick some colored ones up at the local dollar store, craft store etc. or eat your way through ice creams to get your own.
  • Glue. Pick carefully. See "Warnings" for more details.
  • Other supplies to decorate with - fake small flowers, colored puff balls, markers, glitter, etc.
  • A photo or hand-made picture. This is the most important part to make the gift unique and special.

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