Project Idea #2 - Funky Picture Frame

We are offering a class this month on how to make a funky picture frame. It is always fun because we don't use typical tesserae. We use everything but the kitchen sink! These make the best gifts because you can personalize your's for the person you are creating it for.

Try using jewelry, buttons, scrapbooking decor, beads, and glass tiles. Here is a quick walk through on how to make a picture frame with pizazz.

Materials Needed:

1 Picture Frame (make sure it has wide framing of at least 2" on all sides)
Liquid Nails
Wheeled Cutters
Scissors
Glass Tiles
Assorted Trinkets
Grout
Gloves
Paper Towels
Toothpicks
Toothbrush

First of all don't spend a lot on a picture frame. We have a store here called Big Lots. They have amazing frames that are perfect for this project. I bought the one that I used for $2. They are sturdy and have the correct framing width. Before starting remove the glass and back of the frame.



Now start gluing the trinkets onto the frame using Liquid Nails. I say this adhesive because you can stand things up on end with little problems with this thick adhesive. For the one that I made, I used earrings and cut off the posts. I then stood them on end to give the ribbon effect. I then used the backs to make "flowers" in spots. After adding on your trinkets (the more the better!), fill in the empty spots with the glass tiles. I used the Aventurine Metallic color Henna on mine so I could keep the overall gold tone of the frame.

Using the Liquid Nails is great for this project but be careful not to use to much. Once this stuff gets on the tops of your pieces it is very difficult to get off even with acetone. Use enough to build a base for your funky pieces but use very little on your glass tiles since they don't require much to stay in place.

Now that you have covered the entire front of the frame, try adding a string of beads to the sides. Plastic ones work just fine. Let your frame set overnight to dry.

Mix your grout as you would for any other mosaic. While it slakes, you might need to tape off some of your items that you don't want grouted. On mine, I covered the elephants with tape since I didn't want it to get any grout in the grooves of each. Remember that it is going to be difficult to get the grout out of some of your areas.

Spread your grout on and work into the grout joints. Take your paper towels and clean off the grout. Use the toothpicks and toothbrush to clean off the funky trinkets that you used until it all nice and shiny!

The grouting is difficult and not actually necessary if you can fill the entire surface with no grout joints. I just prefer the look of a grouted piece.

Some frame ideas:

• Try adding Harley Davidson items for your Harley fan then use Obsidian and Mango Passion AfterGlow tiles.
• Create a breast cancer awareness frame with our Carnation tiles and pink ribbons glued on after grouting.
• Make a memory frame for the grandparents with small toys or special items of your kids. Then fill it with a picture our your child.