How To Preserve Your Memories With A Handmade Photo Frame

Memories are the glue that hold that holds our sense of self together, guiding us through the rough periods of our lives and helping us appreciate the good. As Cicero said, ‘Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things.

In short, it’s what makes us who we are. 

It’s for this reason that the most important memories are worth cherishing. And in the family home, the moments you value the most should be proudly displayed for all to see in photo form. 

But sometimes purchasing a frame from your local supermarket isn’t a grand enough gesture to show how much a photo truly means to you. In these cases, your only option is to create a frame from scratch. 

Not only is it a symbolic gesture to show how much work you’re willing to do to maintain those happy echoes of the past, but with a little effort, it may even help improve the interior design of your home. 

To help you get started making a photo frame worthy of your memories, take a look at this guide. 

Step 1 – Buying Materials 

There are several methods to making a picture frame, but for this guide you’ll need:

• A mould in the shape of a picture frame (can be purchased from Amazon)
• Mitre box (can be purchased from Screwfix)
• Handsaw
• Wood glue
• Clamps
• Stapler
• Wiring (can be purchased from Ormiston Wire)
• Picture hanger
• Hammer
• Cardboard
• Sandpaper

Step 2 – Use Your Mitre Box

First measure exactly the size you’d like your frame to be. 

Then clamp your mitre box onto a sturdy surface like a dining table. Make sure it’s fastened securely – you don’t want the saw cutting its way through! 

Step 3 – Cut Your Wood

Now it’s time for the important bit. Measure your wood and use a pencil to mark exactly where each section needs to be cut. Remember you’ll need four sections of wood to make a complete frame. 

Now the simple bit – place your piece of wood into the frame and start sawing!

Step 4 – Piece Your Frame Together

Once you’ve finished sawing, you should have four pieces of wood ready to be glued together. As soon as they’re glued, clamp them in place for a few hours to ensure the glue has dried.

Step 5 – Use Your Cardboard

You’re almost there – now all you need is to give your frame a back. 

Cut your piece of cardboard to the correct dimensions and slot it in the frame. 

Make sure the cardboard fits firmly in the frame and doesn’t slip out. 

Step 6 – Let ‘Em Hang! 

For the finishing touch, connect your picture hanger to the back of the frame. Now it’s ready to be hung anywhere in your home. 

If the frame you’ve made is large, you’ll require two picture hangers and some wire. Simply put one hanger on each side of the frame, wind wire on each end and, voila, your frame is ready. 

And that’s it – our guide to handcrafting the perfect picture frame. We hope it makes your memories even more special.