Handmade photo frame ideas: photo frames that make you want to create them when you see them
Picture frames are useful for displaying family photos, travel snapshots, dried flowers, or your favorite postcards as part of your interior decor.
These days, you can find all kinds of picture frames at 100-yen shops.
This article introduces DIY ideas for those who want to make their own picture frames.
From stylish frames that make great gifts to ideas perfect for children’s crafts, we’re sharing a variety—give them a try!
Handmade photo frame ideas: photo frames that make you want to create them when you see them (1–10)
A photo frame made by rolling origami
This is a stylish photo frame made by rolling origami paper.
It’s great as a gift for various occasions like Christmas, birthdays, or Respect for the Aged Day, so give it a try! First, wrap your favorite origami paper around a thick plastic straw to make paper straws.
Arrange them on a clear file folder cut into the shape of a frame.
Next, create a backing sheet from construction paper, make slits so a photo can be inserted, and set it into the clear folder—that’s it! Using patterned origami, or decorating with doilies, flowers, or ribbons, will make it even prettier.
Photo frame with flower box
If you’re looking to display your precious photos, how about a photo frame decorated with artificial flowers? Since you’ll use frames and floral materials available at 100-yen shops, it’s budget-friendly and easy to try.
To make it, simply remove the acrylic panel from the frame and use a hot glue gun to attach your chosen flowers from the front.
It’s also great to select flowers to match the purpose or to suit the season.
Filling the frame completely without gaps makes it look more luxurious, so give it a try!
Photo frame made of cardboard and felt
How about a felt photo frame that’s super easy to make? Create a frame out of thick paperboard, then use double-sided tape or glue to attach felt in your favorite color.
On top of that, decorate it cutely with washi tape, rhinestones, and more.
To hang it on the wall, add a ribbon or similar loop to the back, and you’re done.
It’s an easy craft that even young children can try, so give it a go! You can find felt at 100-yen shops, too.
Patchwork photo frame
This is a photo frame made by arranging a patchwork of fabric scraps.
It really brings out photos of babies and pets, so it’s a great gift idea! Patchwork, which you hand-sew stitch by stitch, may take time, but it will result in a heartfelt piece.
If you’re not confident in designing it yourself, using a DIY kit is a good option! If you have the time, adding embroidery or decorative parts could make it even more beautiful.
Totoro photo frame made with origami
The film My Neighbor Totoro has been loved across generations.
How about making a photo frame inspired by Totoro, the character that appears in the movie? All you need is origami paper.
First, make the frame portion where you’ll attach the photo out of origami.
Then glue Totoro and his friends—also made from origami—around the border, and you’re done.
By adapting this method, you can create photo frames of other characters, too.
It’s fun to dream about which character to choose next.
Another plus is that you can keep costs down and make plenty of them.
Unicorn photo frame
This unicorn-themed photo frame is a great project to try with your child! First, prepare a photo frame you can find even at a 100-yen shop, and apply double-sided tape along the frame.
Using double-sided tape keeps hands clean, so kids can join in easily.
Stick your favorite yarn onto the frame, then make the unicorn’s ears and horn from felt and arrange them at the top of the frame.
You can also add lace, pom-poms, flowers, or ribbons to give it a festive finish! If you use a hot glue gun to attach parts, be sure to work together with an adult.
Just wrap yarn! Easy photo frame
It’s a photo frame that’s easy to make by simply wrapping yarn around a cardboard frame! Prepare two pieces of cardboard; cut one into a frame shape so the photo area is open.
Cut the yarn to a suitable length, tie a knot at one end, and tape that end to the frame with cellophane tape.
From that starting point, keep wrapping the yarn tightly so there are no gaps.
If you cut slits at the four outer corners, the yarn will wrap smoothly without twisting.
Once you’ve wrapped the whole frame—switching colors if you like—decorate it by gluing on buttons, beads, or any parts you prefer, then attach it to the other piece of cardboard, and you’re done!
Glass mosaic photo frame
How about a glass mosaic photo frame with an antique-style finish that looks chic and upscale? The sparkling glass material will add a striking accent to your interior.
All you have to do is cut glass mosaic pieces and fix them onto a 100-yen shop photo frame with tile adhesive! Once the adhesive sets, spread grout—mixed with water—over the glass to fill the joints, then wipe off the excess grout with a wet wipe or similar, and you’re done! As long as you have the materials, it’s fairly easy to make, so why not give it a try?
Paper photo frame
A stylish paper photo frame you can make with paper in your favorite colors and patterns.
Start by creating a template.
Draw a 15 cm square (or any square matching your desired size) on thick paper, then add 1 cm marks at eight points around the corners.
Draw lines extending outward from the square, aligned with those marks, and your template is complete.
Next, place your paper over the square part of the template and secure it with masking tape.
Using a dot pen or similar tool, connect each mark to create guide lines, then score along those lines.
Finally, cut off any excess, glue the pieces, and assemble the frame.
Photo frame made with seashells
This is a photo frame made with seashells you picked up at the beach! It could turn into a wonderful piece that captures your summer memories in a nutshell.
First, make a backing for the photo frame using thick paper or cardboard, then attach thin slices of air-dry clay cut with a knife on top.
Next, arrange your favorite seashells on the clay! A good tip is to start with the larger shells and fill in the gaps as you go.
If you’re making it with kids, you can also add game pieces, marbles, or motifs they love! You can even paint it to give it a unique, personal touch.
Give it a try!