how to decorate a photo frame

With our phones filled to the brim with snapshots of precious memories, it can be hard to know what to do with them all. Whilst photo albums and scrapbooks can help you gather a whole trip in one, or read the story of a true friendship, framing an individual photo print speaks volumes. 

When you frame a picture, you’re saying that this moment in time, this person, this experience, was so exceptionally special to you. And what better way is there to commemorate this picture than in a personalised picture frame?

A decorated photo frame transforms a regular picture frame into a truly personalised work of art. It provides even more beauty and context to an already gorgeous photograph. 

So whether you’re looking for a special gift for Mother's Day, a unique wedding present, or a way to express your love language to someone you hold close, there is a photo frame gift for every occasion - and nothing better than a DIY decorated photo frame, from the heart. 

Keep reading as we explore how to decorate a photo frame in five easy steps, along with answering all the questions you might have about photo frames and decorating them. 

Step 1: Print your photograph

The first step of the DIY decorated frame project is to print your photograph!

Choose your style and size

Stuck on what photo print style you should choose? Long gone are the days when you just got a basic photo print. If standard glossy photo prints are your style, then fabulous, but there is a whole range of other styles to choose from too! 

For a vintage Polaroid look, why not go all out with retro photo prints? Or, if you’re looking for more of a matte finish with a glow, explore lustre photo prints, instead!

Once you’ve picked your style, it’s time to explore sizing. Photo prints come in a wide range of sizes, from 6”x4” all the way to A4 - just make sure it’s going to fit into a frame! Follow our helpful guide which explains different photo print sizes, if you’re feeling a little stuck! 

Get it printed

So now you’ve chosen your style, you need to get your photos printed. Whether your pictures are on your phone, on a disposable camera, or downloaded onto your computer, you can head into a Max Spielmann photo store for instant photo printing and film processing.  

Prefer to do it from home? No worries! Order your prints online for same day photo printing, ready to collect in as little as 20 minutes - or order for delivery in just 1-2 working days.  

Step 2: Choosing the right frame

The second step is to choose your frame! 

Consider the material

Photo frames come in many different materials, such as wood frames and metal frames, as well as in a wide range of stylistic finishes, like glitter frames and antique-style frames. Find the best material and finish that really matches the style of your DIY additions. 

When DIY decorating a photo frame, we recommend exploring very neutral, wide frames - giving you more opportunities to completely customise your design! 

Find the right frame size

Want to know something really handy about photo frames? They tell you what size photo print will fit inside! Forget taking your print around the store and measuring up - simply make a note of what size print you have and read the labels on the frames in-store, or in the descriptions online. 

If you’re feeling a little stuck, or can’t remember the size of your print, follow our guides for measuring a picture for a frame and how to choose picture frame sizes. 

Step 3: Inspiration for your photo frame 

Now you have your frame and photo print, it’s time to start designing. However, you might not know where to start. Find inspiration and ideas here, for ways you could decorate your photo frame:

Seasonal and holiday themes

Are you creating your DIY photo frame as a gift or memory of a certain season or holiday? 

If so, you can incorporate this into your design. Baubles and snowflakes for a personalised Christmas gift, eggs and pastel shades for an Easter celebration, pink and hearts for a unique Valentine’s present… There is so much that you can do! 

Take elements that fundamentally speak to these times of year - perfect if you’ve had a family photoshoot that you wish to frame.

Personalised themes

Perhaps your photo frame is to commemorate a new addition to the family, a wedding, a birthday, or even a special anniversary. Be inspired by the personality of those you are framing in your design. Baby blues and pinks for newborn photos, wedding colours to match bridal pictures, or gold to pair with a golden anniversary gift… the options are endless!

Creative and unusual ideas

Looking to create a unique gift for your best friend, or something that really speaks to Dad for a Father’s Day present? Or maybe you just want to make something completely you?

Look at your photograph and ask yourself, ‘What makes this person, or this memory, special?’... That's your inspiration. 

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, and allow yourself to be inspired to use unconventional items and things that are truly personal. This could be anything from seashells to lollipop sticks, feathers to concert tickets… there really are no rules when it comes to DIY-ing from the heart!

Step 4: Gathering supplies

So you have your photo print, your frame and your design… but what now? The fourth step in your DIY photo frame project is to gather your supplies.

Basic supplies needed

Start with the basics, such as: 

  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Paint
  • Paint brushes 

These are the things that will provide the base to your design. 

Decorative elements

Now, your decorative elements are completely up to you and what you’re been inspired to make. Think of this like a mini-scrapbook activity and include things like:

  • Washi tape
  • Buttons
  • Ribbon
  • Beads, gems and sequins
  • Fabric 
  • Scrapbook paper
  • Glitter
  • Feathers
  • Marker pens
  • Memorabilia (such as tickets, receipts

Remember to not completely overdo it and hide your photo, but at the same time, be creative and make it completely your own. 

Step 5: Putting It All Together

Finally, it’s time to put your DIY photo frame together and get it ready to give away as a gift, or keep in pride of place at home! 

Assembling and final touches

If you’re painting your photo frame, you want to make sure it is completely dry before adding on any other embellishments. Once you’ve done that, use your glue (either PVA, stick or hot glue gun) and add all your personalised touches. If you’re layering embellishments, make sure they are dry and secure, before adding more. 

We recommend leaving the whole frame to dry flat in a cool, dark space (out of natural sunlight and away from radiators) for 24 hours before using. This way, you will know for sure that all your glue is dry and your embellishments are secure. After this, feel free to add more if you feel like you haven’t added enough or if bits have fallen off. 

Packing your frame as a gift

Giving your DIY decorated photo frame as a gift? Well now is the time to pack it up! 

We recommend packaging your decorated frame in a box with some tissue paper, to prevent it from getting damaged during transport. Make sure to wrap the box with a ribbon and add a sweet note alongside it, letting your special person know how much they and this gift mean to you. 

Frequently asked questions about decorating photo frames 

What can I use to decorate a picture frame?

Anything you like. DIY decorated photo frames are all about adding your own personal touch. Read our supplies section above to get inspiration on what you could use to decorate a picture frame. 

How do you embellish a plain picture frame?

Plain picture frames are fantastic because they give you more opportunities to decorate them! From sequins to feathers, you can use any arts and crafts supplies to embellish a plain picture frame. 

How to decorate a house with a photo frame?

Have you ever considered making a gallery wall? A huge trend recently, gallery walls allow you to strategically decorate the walls of your home with quirky prints and special photos, by incorporating various different style frames. 

What should I put in my picture frame?

You don’t just have to put photo prints inside a picture frame! Instead, you can create a collage, print a special quote or even a page from your favourite book. As long as it is flat and the size of your frame, the options are endless. 

How to make cheap picture frames look expensive?

Texture often makes all the difference when trying to make a cheaper picture frame look more expensive. Explore sanding surfaces and adding additional texture, like plaster, stains and paint to make it look far more expensive. 

 

Want to make more special photography and personalised gifts? Find inspiration and information over at the Max Spielmann blog, or feel free to ask one of our helpful in-store photographers, today!