How to Make HUGE DIY Custom Picture Frames--SO EASY!

Hey friends! This week, I didn't have a huge furniture project to share, but I did have a huge picture frame project to share!

I have been wanting to add some large artwork on the back wall of my dining room for a while, but just wasn't sure what I wanted.

So I searched my phone for some interesting photos and just decided to frame pictures of my pets! If you're interested in seeing how easy it is to make your own custom DIY picture frames (without any fancy tools!), I hope you enjoy this video!

Grab the project details and check out the blog here:

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Tools & Materials:
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Tools:
Utility Knife
Straight Edge
Screwdriver
Hammer
Saw To Cut Plexiglass (*only needed if you want a specific size. See notes below.)

Materials:
Pictures to Frame
Cardboard

00:00 Introduction
00:31 Is making it yourself actually cheaper?
01:41 Supplies and material options
03:35 Sand and stain wood first...or not
03:50 Step 1: Determine frame sizing and dimensions
05:27 Step 2: Build Inside Frame
06:14 Step 3: Build Outside Frame
07:06 Step 4: Cut Plexiglass
07:37 Step 5: Cut Mat Board
08:55 Step 6: Put It All Together and Add Hardware
09:58 Complete Picture Frame Project

[mrkshply]

Thank you! I've been looking for a way to make frames that didn't involve clamps or tape, and you're the only person who figured out the answer. Your frames look great by the way. I love how you break the rules.

[sociology]

I can't resist pointing out that I make my own frames for MUCH MUCH less than a custom frame would cost. I just framed a print that was about 16 x 20 inches in cherry for about $15 ALL IN.

[lumbauer]

I worked in a custom framing shop for several years in and after college-- any frame store worth visiting will happily cut your mats for you (without making you buy frames or other things), and at least where I worked, it wasn't that much more expensive than just an uncut mat board. There's definitely some skill and equipment involved that can guarantee results that look good. This is a thing that's really easy to mess up, and if you have to buy 2 (or more!) mat boards, that's definitely more expensive than a custom cut one!

Also, it would not have been hard to convince me at least to cut the mats like that -- I love the "weighted" look, and even if I didn't like it, if a customer comes clearly knowing what they want, I was always happy to go with their plan -- there are obviously plenty of decorating styles, and framers know that more than most!

That said, there is a TON of markup in the custom frames themselves, and it can definitely be worth it to build your own, especially at larger sizes like these!

[bryans]

This is perfect. My wife is an artist and I build the frames for her, and I picked up some great tips.

[RFakonWolf_Art]

I collect posters and I'm tired of buying or ordering custom frames for them. Your video is very inspiring for me to make my own frame so I can collect and display as many posters as I want. ❤ I'll try my best to make it possible.

[pteddie]

I love the look of these pictures of "your kids" on the wall.
Thanks for sharing this video with us.😀

[Catstagram-qs]

Wow, this DIY tutorial is fantastic! I love how easy and creative it is to make custom picture frames. The step-by-step instructions are super clear, and the end result looks amazing! I can't wait to try this out for my own photos. Thanks for sharing!"

[Alaska-mejc]

Thank you! Your so cool. I am an abstract painter and because i use very large canvases, i have to make my own frames. I appreciated this video

[dyan]

Nice frames ☺️ For cutting the matt board, you can buy a matt board cutter that slides along a straight edge and cuts the matt with a bevelled edge. That makes getting the cut straight a lot easier, and also gives it a really nice effect with the bevel.

[johnkelley]

The frames and photos look very good! It may cost more to make your own frame but you get the size and style you want. Thanks for sharing this tutorial.

[rneustel]

Thanks for sharing! Your fur babies are adorable, especially the sweet pooch!!

[mariannerady]

super impactful! I'd love seeing more of these smaller projects bc I am not someone who will build large furniture pieces <3

[jpinke]

Great tips! Especially reusing the plexiglass in Walmart poster frames! Genius!

[ronnorris]

i did custom framing for years and now retired. Glad to see this video and to show how easy it is to do your own picture frames. Thanks for sharing but please the middle one is a little upside down. Hard for an ole man to set on his head to enjoy.🤣

[craiggoodwin]

Shara, I knew Lucy would be a Star one day. So here you are idolizing her! Love your frames. Now you have me looking at the walls in my house. I've been building frames of all sizes for years always trying to pursue the perfect matching 45. I'm still working on that. Your artistry and taste really shines here. Thanks for Sharing!

[user]

Appreciate you prefacing with explaining this project might not be worth undertaking, cost-wise, for some people and providing alternatives. Your channel is clearly centered around practicality and is just one reason why I love it. Also, I personally don’t mind smaller build guides like this as it’s still considered a “home” build in my mind. I also find it useful to watch your approach to various builds as ideas in them can be applied elsewhere. Simply put, I’ll watch any video you make, so keep ‘em coming! 😆

[Xander]

Really nice to see different ways to do this kind of thing vs big table saws, jointers, 1000 clamps, etc.. Great work! 😊

[Woodworking]

Looks great. Matt cutters are pretty inexpensive and easy to use. Well worth the price because it save so much time!

[SaintLucifer]

Your tip to buy the cheap poster frames from Wallyworld to repurpose the plexiglass was sheer genius! Thank you so much, I’ve been way overpaying for plexiglass from the big box home stores .

[MrHarley]

Simple, yes. Tasteful, absolutely! As always, great idea Shara.