Easy Decoupage Frames

Take inexpensive frames and scrap paper and you'll have new stylish picture frames for your home! These easy decoupage frames are a simple afternoon project that add a pop of color to a wall or coffee table.

Materials:

• Unfinished wood frame
• Spray adhesive
• Scrapbook paper
• Foam brush
• Paint or water-based stain
• Scissors
• X-acto knife (razor blade cutting tool)

Instructions:

1. Position the frame on the paper where you want it and then trace it lightly with a pencil. Trace the outside of the frame and the inside. Then cut it out.
   
   
    
2. Next, paint or stain the back of the frame, the sides and the inside. Don't stain the top. I find that the spray adhesive sticks better to the unfinished wood better than when it is painted or stained.
   
   
   
   
    
3. Spray the adhesive on the backside of the scrapbook paper. Get it nice and even but not too thick. I use the regular adhesive. I don't buy the heavy duty or the fast drying kind because I want to be able to take it off if it is crooked and try again. The regular spray adhesive gives you a little bit of time to get it right before it is permanent.
   
   
    
4. Place the paper on the top of the frame and when it is straight, rub all over to make sure it sticks well and there are not any bubbles.
   
   
    
5. Use an X-acto knife or some other kind of razor blade to trim off any excess paper. Make sure the blade is sharp so it doesn't rip the paper.
   
   
    
6. I like to antique mine but you can feel free to skip this step. I use either watered down brown paint or water based stain. You can also use distress ink. Make sure there isn't very much on the brush. Practice on a scrap piece of paper first. Gently brush along the edges on the outside and the inside.
   
   
    
7. The next step is to seal it. Most people would probably use Mod Podge. It works great. I didn't have any this day so I used polyurethane. It works really well too. Either way you want to go will work. I use foam brushes because you don't get lines from bristles.
   
   
    
8. And there you have it!!! You can pick paper to match any decor and make it custom just for you.