For the month of March the Benton Residence decided to make a fabric picture frame for St. Patrick’s Day. We chose shamrock fabric and green ribbon for our frame. Please make sure you read the entire lesson plan before starting the project. This will make the project easier when started and ensure that you have all the materials needed.

MATERIALS NEEDED:
Glue gun
Glue Stick
One foot square fabric
Ribbon
Scissors
Pillow Stuffing
Photograph or Picture you have selected to frame
Paper matte picture frame,
sized to fit your item to be framed

Step 1: The local fabric store will have all the necessary materials for the project except the frame. It will cost about ten dollars for all the materials. You may have to buy the picture frames in a set of three at the craft store; this will cost about five dollars. Remember you can save the other picture frames for a different occasion. The paper matte picture frame is designed to be modified, or decorated with the fabric and glue.

Step 2: Set up all you materials on a large table. Remember to cover the table with newspaper to project the surface. Plug in the glue gun. It is safer to purchase a low heat glue gun. It is cooler so you may avoid burns.

Step 3: Place your picture in the frame, there is usually a slot on one side of the frame. Slide the picture into the slot so the picture is face up. With the framed picture facing you, glue ONLY the inner edges of the frame. You must leave the outer edges of the framed picture glue FREE in order to “stuff the frame” later.

Step 4: Place the fabric print side down on the table. Now place the picture frame face down on the fabric, so the back of the picture frame is facing up. Press down on the fabric firmly to seal it to the frame where you put the glue. (The picture will be covered with fabric, but that will be on the outside edges.).

Step 5: Next, keeping the picture frame upside down place stuffing between the picture frame and the fabric. You want the picture frame to look quilted when finished, so experiment on how much stuffing you would like to use. Fold one side of the fabric over the back of the picture frame; make sure the stuffing stays on the other side. Cut off the extra fabric if needed. Pull tight (just like you are wrapping a package) glue the fabric on back of the picture frame using the glue gun. Repeat for all four sides. Once completed turn the picture frame over. Remember, the picture area will be covered with fabric.

Step 6: Carefully cut the fabric away from the picture opening. Remember you secured the border with glue so the fabric will not come off the frame. To finish the frame, decorate with green ribbon or small green items such as buttons or charms.

This craft project can be used for any holiday of special occasion by simply changing the pattern of the fabric and accessories you use to decorate the picture frame. Pastel colors would be appropriate for an Easter picture, or autumn colors for a Halloween or Thanksgiving picture. Framing a picture of you and friend or family member makes a great birthday present. Try gluing on different items like sea shells, or old pieces of jewelry. Experiment and have fun!