written by marieann

I made an origami book recently and I really liked the folding process. Then one of my frames fell off the wall and broke. I was annoyed when I realized I could make my own! I whipped this up and I think I’m addicted. You could use such fancy papers or fabrics for SO cheap and ANY size. I ordered this great prints online and I’ll post a photo when I frame them up too.

Supplies:
Cardboard
Paper or fabric (if you use fabric, I suggest you starch it to make it more like paper, but at least press it)

Tools:
Glue stick (or glue gun)
Boxer cutter (you really need this, don’t just rely on scissors)
Scissors (too)
Ruler
Pencil (or fabric marking pen if you are using fabric)

Directions:

1. Decide on the size you want the frame to be based on your image. Cut out the center as well to make it the exact size you want. You need to use the box cutter because this really needs to be perfect.

2. Lay the frame down on your paper. Draw a line one inch outside the frame and one inch inside the frame. You also need to draw the lines of the frame on the paper too. Cut it all out.

3. Draw a line thru the outside corner (to make a right triangle) in each corner and cut those corners off. Draw a line thru the inside corners to where the frame begins make two 45 degree angles. Cut along those lines.

4. Fold all the inside pieces inside. It’s not too hard to do perfect because you just fold along the frame lines.

5. Put the frame on the paper, the inside flaps inside. Fold the outside flaps up around the cardboard.

6. Glue the paper down with the gluestick to the cardboard. I glued the inside first then the outside.

7. That’s all! I taped my cross-stitch piece to the back (with the glass I had too) and then attach something to hang it. I used the pieces from my broken frame but you could use whatever (like string).

You could use fabrics, silver paper, collage, or even make large frames for big posters.

Here’s an example of a decoupaged frame that could be made with this technique: