45+ Genius Crafts to Make with Picture Frames (for Adults)
Give old or thrifted frames a second life! Discover 45+ creative crafts to make with picture frames, including home decor, trays, seasonal crafts, and easy DIY gifts for adults.
Whether from the thrift store or Dollar Tree, there are so many crafts to make with picture frames! Using simple supplies such as glass paint, spray paint or glue you can upcycle picture frames into beautiful decor, functional accessories and thoughtful gifts.
Where to Find Frames to Craft With?
The thrift store is one of our favorite places to find interesting old frames. Sometimes you can even find brand-new frames!
Other places we’ve collected frames from include:
- craft stores (check the clearance section)
- dollar stores
- second-hand marketplaces
- curbside (keep a lookout on trash day)
- my own home!
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What Can you Make with Old Picture Frames?
There are so many things to create with old frames! From art and decor for your home, to functional ideas such as organizers and trays, we’re sure you’ll feel inspired by the collection below.
Easy Picture Frame Home Decor Crafts
1
A Fabulous Framed Wooden Flowers Craft
Check out this project2
Decoupage Frames to Create a Gallery
Use some Mod Podge and pretty patterned paper to transform dated frames. This is a great way to give a cohesive look to mismatched frames. Use them to display art or simply hang them on their own.
Check out this project
3
creativelybeth.com
Rainbow Button Art with a Free Printable
Use a frame to create unique wall art with colorful buttons! This is a fun DIY decor idea for a nursery or child's room.
Check out this project
4
Pressed Flowers Framed Art
If your frame has two panes of glass you can snadwich pressed flowers between them to create beautiful garden-inspired art. Then, use a paint pen to write a favorite phrase or poem on the glass.
Check out this project
5
Lovely Decoupage Seashells using Paper Napkins
Check out this project6
messylittlemonster.com
Kandinsky Circles Bead Craft for Kids
Simple enough for kids but relaxing for adults as well, this framed art using colorful beads looks beautiful as a suncatcher in the window.
Check out this project
7
Simple Cottagecore Inspired Decor
We dressed up this Dollar Tree frame with a bit of paint and then framed a rustic photo collage inside for boutique-worthy summer decor on a budget!
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8
celebratednest.com
Layered Frame Faux Floral Wall Hanging
This is such a unique and beautiful decor idea: gather empty frames in different shapes (I like the oval, circle an drectangle combo here). Paint them in coordinating neutral colors to use as a backdrop for a bouquet of faux florals.
Check out this project
9
Beachcomber’s Picture Frame with EasySculpt Epoxy
Put those found treasures on display with this upcycled keepsake picture frame idea.
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10
thevintagewren.blogspot.com
Vintage Frame Wall Gallery
Collect a variety of frames with interesting shapes, paint them a consistent color and arrange them on the wall to create a fun gallery. You can add words or other small decorative elements inside each one.
Check out this project
11
Farmhouse Decor with Dollar Store Cow
Combine wood and metal to create this unique DIY wall art for your kitchen! We used an empty thrifted frame, a metal cow and some paint to craft this elegant farmhouse decor.
Check out this project
12
Painted Trift Store Frames with DIY Boho Art
This DIY boho wall decor is the perfect option that’s easy and cheap! All you need is a spare frame from the thrift store, watercolor paints, and a design!
Check out this project
13
Faux Stained Glass Art
Remove the back of the frame and then use some glue and food coloring to create your own faux stained-glass art! The possibilities are endless.
Check out this project
14
salvagesisterandmister.com
Modern Farmhouse Picture Frame
We love the simplicity of this rustic idea using a wooden photo frame from the thrift store. This is the perfect neutral piece to add to a DIY gallery or an empty space on the wall.
Check out this project
15
DIY Driftwood Village Decor with Old Frame
While Sonja used an old window frame for this driftwood village, you can create the same idea using empty picture frames!
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16
DIY Colorful Art with Cricut Vinyl
If you have a Cricut machine, use a thrifted frame with the backing removed to create colorful art for your wall.
Check out this project
Functional Crafts to Make with Picture Frames
17
makingjoyandprettythings.com
Farmhouse Style DIY Wreath Hanger
Learn how to make this farmhouse DIY wreath hanger from an upcycled picture frame! A little bit of rustic style with a DIY touch.
Check out this project
18
craftidly.com
DIY Mosaic Picture Frame Serving Tray
Use a sturdy wood frame to create a lovely serving tray or to display on your coffee table. This mosaic tray uses broken dishes! Get the complete tutorial and links to supplies.
Check out this project
19
Pretty Photo Display with Felt Flowers
Repurpose an old picture frame into a pretty photo display with felt flowers.
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20
thesweetestdigs.com
Thrift store makeover: Mint framed mirror
Find an old frame at a garage sale or thrift store? Transform it with some mint paint and a piece of cut mirror. A one of a kind piece for your home!
Check out this project
21
salvagesisterandmister.com
Picture Frame Place Cards
Turn small thrifted frames into place card settings for your holiday or party tablescape.
Check out this project
22
DIY Framed Chalkboard Wall Art
Turn an old, outdated picture frame into a pretty and practical framed chalkboard wall art.
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23
confessionsofaserialdiyer.com
Fancy Chalkboards with Old Frames
While I liked crafting my simpler chalkboard above, these versions with the fancier frames and beautiful colors are just gorgeous!
Check out this project
24
theboondocksblog.com
Jewelry Organizer for Earrings
This easy DIY earring organizer can be made with an old frame and doily, both of which are readily available at the thrift store.
Check out this project
25
How to Make an Easy Frame Jewelry Organizer
Check out this project26
IKEA Nolmyra Chair Hack with Photo Frames
This amazing IKEA Nolmyra chair hack is constructed with two large wood photo frames! Learn how to make this unique piece of furniture.
Check out this project
27
WiFi Password Sign
This WiFi password sign is free to download and will be appreciated by many guests in your home! Print the sign, add your WiFi Network and Password and display!
Check out this project
28
DIY Dry Erase Board Tutorial For Memos
Upcycle old corks and a picture frame into a DIY dry erase board you can use for memos. Simple tutorial for inexpensive homemade to do board.
Check out this project
29
Simple DIY Christmas Card Display Idea: Create a Rustic Holiday Mantel With Us!
Check out this projectDIY Lanterns and Terraria Using Photo Frames
30
craftsyhacks.com
Decorative Lantern with Repurposed Picture Frames
This DIY lantern made with frames from the dollar store is such a creative idea. It's a beautiful, budget-friendly way to creative a pretty vignette for any season.
Check out this project
31
ourcraftymom.com
Coastal Inspired DIY Lantern
You'll need 6 cheap dollar store frames to craft this lovely lantern! Painted blue it's the perfect little display for coastal-themed decor.
Check out this project
32
ourcraftymom.com
DIY Picture Frame Terrarium
Check out this projectHoliday & Seasonal Frame DIYs
Most of the ones below have step-by-step tutorials or full project instructions so make sure to click on the ones you want to try below!
33
Valentine Heart Art
Valentine Heart Art – Using a thrift store frame and dollar store hearts create a simple Valentine’s Day Decoration!
Check out this project
34
Wood Heart Cutout Wreath with an Upcycled Picture Frame
Check out this project35
Framed St Patrick’s Day Craft
Check out this project36
Framed Easter Bunny Craft Idea
Check out this project37
Upcycled Plastic Easter Egg Wall Hanging
Check out this project38
How to Paint Buffalo Plaid Pattern
Sharing the step by step tutorial for painting buffalo plaid on a flat surface.
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39
Framed Glass Floating Signs – Minimalist Holiday Decor!
These framed glass floating signs are an easy, affordable and minimalist holiday DIY decoration.
Check out this project
40
Upcycled Ceramic Frame (with free Christmas Printable)
Check out this project41
Framed Christmas Tree Craft Using Found Art Frames
Decorate your home for the holidays affordably this year with this framed Christmas tree craft. You can use art frames you already have or
Check out this project
42
Simple DIY Framed Art with Christmas Stencils
Check out this project43
Upcycled Picture Frame Door Decor for the Holidays
Check out this project44
Easy DIY Picture Frame Snowman with Dollar Tree
The best question ever asked? Do you want to build a snowman? The answer is always YES! And these simple picture frames and paper doilies from Dollar Tree transform into a cute as can be DIY picture
Check out this project
Picture Frame Gifts & Keepsakes
45
DIY Nursery Wall Decor Idea – Easy Monogram!
Check out this project
47
Rock’n Father’s Day Picture Frame
Check out this projectIt is so much fun to repurpose old picture frames, isn’t it? And if still looking for inspiration, check out these 70 budget DIY projects for your home!
Which upcycled frame idea are you going to do first? Let us know in the comments!
Join our crafting community to find more nature-inspired DIYs and upcycled craft ideas. It feels good to repurpose, upcycle and create with nature!
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