Customizing Basic Picture Frames & Mat Board

I just love the look of fabric used to cover a mat in a picture frame or to cover a frame. I have a few that I have done that I want to share with you… It is such an easy and fast project, the hardest part is picking out the fabric you want to use… seriously!

I have two separate sets of these aluminum frames that I wrapped in fabric. They used to work with our decor in our last home, but you know how it is when you move… some things just don’t seem to work anymore! Rather than donate them I gave them a make over! I just used scrap fabric I had on hand, but if you don’t have any fabric a great option is buying quilting bundles called fat quarters… it’s fabric that has already been cut into squares and the fabric in the bundle coordinates with one another. They sell stacks at most fabric stores and I have seen them at Hobby Lobby too!

The process is easy..

• Cut some fabric to fit the frame, overlapping the edge by an inch or so
• Using a paint brush to apply some Mod Podge to the front and sides of the frame
• Place the fabric on top of the frame starting from the top edge working your way to the bottom smoothing out any wrinkles or air bubbles as you go (this is the “hardest” part)
• Wrap the fabric around the edges towards the back and wait for it to dry (or maybe waiting is the hardest part for you 😉 )
• Once dry cut a “X” slit in the photo opening, I just used a pair of sharp scissors
• Apply more Mod Podge to the photo opening edges and wrap the fabric around to the back
• Turn the frame over and trim the fabric around all of the edges to slightly overlap
• Apply Mod Podge to the frame back edges and press the fabric into it to finish it off

Pictures of mat board finished with burlap fabric:

You can then embellish the fabric with ribbon, paint, stencil, vinyl or really anything. However, make sure the fabric and embellishments are not too thick for your frame if you are using this process on your mat board…

Why not try some cool paper instead of fabric… I have found that paper can sometimes be little trickier than fabric because it can wrinkle very easily, but if you want to try it check out this Mod Podge blog Mod Podge Rocks it has a ton of great ideas and tips! Make sure the fabric and embellishments are not too thick for your frame if you are using this process on your mat board…

Your pictures will now have a custom look for a fraction of what it would cost at a store!

Use what you have around the house… upcycle a frame….

Do you have frames put away in storage because they no longer go with your decor?

You can make custom frames as gifts for all kinds of occasions!

Have fun with this project with your kids… let them embellish a frame for their room or make one for one of their friends!

Thanks for stopping by….

Linking Up To:

Metamorphasis Monday
Coastal charm
Vintage Wanna Bee
A Stroll Thru Life