Cheap and Chic Scrapbook Paper Frames...try saying that three times fast!

These DIY frames are cute, easy and fun to create. Best of all they make great gifts year round for any occasion. The style choices are endless since they are covered with scrapbook paper. I say there is a scrapbook paper out there to match anyones style.

SUPPLY LIST

* Unfinished wooden frame ( I purchased these from Michaels for $1.50, I think they are $1 in the States). These ones are 8 x 8.

* Scrapbook paper of your choice (I used My Minds

Eye Sweet Dreams Holiday Ave Collection)

* Mod Podge and foam brush

* Craft knife

* Sandpaper or sanding block ( I find a nail file can work in a pinch as well)

* Ink pad, stain or paint

* Embellishments (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start by taking the picture part out of your frame.

If you want the sides and back of your frame to be a certain colour then give them a nice coat of acrylic paint or stain them and let dry. Leave the front of the frame unfinished. For my frames I left them unstained until I stained them with my ink pad in a later step.

2. Next cover the front of the frame with a nice even layer of mod podge. Let that dry for a minute and add another layer. I think of the first layer as a primer so the second layer has something to stick too and not just soak into the wood.

3. Place your paper down onto the frame and press down, turn frame over and run a roller or credit card over the paper to smooth out any bubbles.

4. Turn over the frame and once paper has set (about 10 min), begin trimming the excess paper from around the frame and inside of the picture part. Don't worry if it's a bit sloppy, next we will be sanding the edges a bit.

5. Sand the edges of the frame as well as inside where the picture will go.

6. Once you are finished sanding you will be left with some white areas on the paper. Take your stain or ink pad and cover these areas. In order to get to the small tight areas on the picture part of the frame I dip some paper towel into my ink pad and then dab onto these hard to reach areas. Let the ink dry.

7. Lastly cover the front and sides of your frame with two coats of mod podge. I let the frame dry 10-15 minutes between each coat.

And there you have it some cheap and chic DIY frames. Have fun, and don't forget to make some for yourself. They look great in a set of three!!

Here's some pictures of the ones I made.