Picture Frame Crafts with Leaves

My Mom and I gathered some leaves for a festive inexpensive fall craft.

You'll need:
Glue gun and glue sticks
x-acto knife and cutting mat or a stack of newspapers to cut on
glass cleaner
some dollar frames
some paint markers to cover any knicks in the frame
leaves in different colors
construction paper (acid free)
scissors

I didn't actually show how I did this but I basically bought these frames from the dollar store and took out the picture that was in the frame. I had to use the x-acto knife (to take old glue off) and the cleaner before I decorated and re-glued. Some frames were easier to work with than others. The two glass frames are really nice and fairly easy to work with. The hardest one was the two black smaller framed ones. However those can lend a very cute shadow box look to your craft project. The set of three pictures that were standing up on the table were the simplest to work with. The inner borders came with the frames so it looked fairly professional when they were done yet also had a small feel of shadow box as well since the leaves were not pressed down with glass.

I used low heat glue gun for the leaves to anchor them in place onto the construction paper. Then I glued the paper to the back of the frame to keep it from sliding. Just a dot will do. I'm sure there may be some procedure to preserve the leaves before you put them in the frames but I just put them in newspapers and under a heavy book for a few days to dry before using them in any projects.

Some things I thought of were to put a clear coat of acrylic paint on them after they were dried. I however like the natural look better than a shiny leaf.
You could also use real or fake flowers and leaves for a spring look. Have fun! Thanks for watching!

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• crafts
• leaves
• picture
• frame
• decorating
• video
• blog

[MosaicMaiden]

Great Idea!

Thank you for sharing! :)

[sindepeye]

You're welcome! :D

[warboop]

Wonderful What fantastic art you have made I love it they would make wonderful gifts .5/5***** Love the ending that was sweet.xo:):)Huge smiles

[sindepeye]

lol thanks so much! I had fun making it :)

[meandrousart]

Very cool. :) It's nice making your own decorations, instead of just buying, huh? Really satisfying. I agree with you that the natural look is a lot nicer than the shiny coated look. n..n

The lady at the end is so cute! XD

[sindepeye]

hehe I'm glad you liked it! :)

[PierceGalley]

Yo you did a very nice job still. I only have one question. What happens when those leaves get all old and worn 3 years down the line? Maybe you should spray some spray can clear coat on there and then sand it down with 2000 grit sand paper. Then buy a compound polish like Meguiar's scratch remover and rub it in with a cloth. That'll bring you came to a whole new level. Just my 2 cents.

[serraplainart]

simple, inexpensive, unique and gorgeous! thanks for sharing this creative idea.

[sindepeye]

Oh great idea!! yep sure could :) let's do it!

[Parrotcare101]

ur adorable! Can we do that with my birdie feathers?!