Recycled paint chip photo frame

So far in my little poll Recycled Crafts are winning out all other crafts, with decor in second place.  There is still time to vote so let your voice be heard.  Of course if you want to add something not on the list, just leave a comment.  Now for the recycled/decor craft tutorial…after you’ve finished painting the room what can you do with the leftover paint chip samples? Why not make a frame that matches?  This frame takes a little time gluing on the strips but when finished gives a nice inlaid look. The strips are easy to cut in that paper shredder you are using for tax time.  So let’s get started!

You will need:

Paint chip samples in desired colors

Paper shredder

Fast tack, tacky glue

Scissors

Small pointed scissors

Mod Podge gloss decoupage glue

Small paintbrush

5 x 7 wooden frame (I used oval but you can substitute rectangle, etc.)

1.     Cut strips by putting your paint chip samples through a paper shredder. The paper shredder makes quick work of cutting the strips. If you don’t have a paper shredder you can cut them with scissors and a ruler—make the strips ¼” wide.

2.     Measure each strip to fit.  Lay each strip on top of the frame and around to the sides.  Bend the ends to the edges and cut the tips off using your fold lines as a guide.  Your strip should fit across the front of the frame, the outside edge and the inside edge.  Work on one strip at a time measuring to fit.  Please note that when you are gluing on the strips you will have to overlap some of them at an angle on the curved areas. 

3.     Run a bead of glue on each strip as you add them to the frame and press to adhere.  You may have to hold the inside and outside edges for a few seconds for the glue to set.  Continue working around frame overlapping on the curved areas a bit as needed till you reach your starting area.  Let dry.

Hold edges till glue sets 

Overlap strips at an angle around curves

4.     When the glue is dried use a small pointed scissor to cut any excess edges from around the frame.

5.     To finish, brush on a coat of gloss decoupage glue on the front and sides of the frame and let dry.  Brush a second coat of decoupage if desired.