Make a Custom Picture Frame

This project is by Chris from A Glimpse Inside, showcasing techniques that may be new to you. This guide will take you step-by-step through the process of making a stylish and functional frame that perfectly displays your cherished memories.

Materials and Tools Needed

  • Half-inch Baltic birch plywood
  • Glass for the frame
  • Cardboard for a template
  • Wood glue
  • 3.5-inch screws
  • Angle grinder
  • Router with a Roman ogee bit
  • Sandpaper (220 grit)
  • Minwax stain (Jacobean or similar)
  • Turn oil for finishing
  • Quarter-inch plywood for the backer
  • Picture framing wire
  • Pennant screws
  • Pan head nails
  • Gloves (for safety while cutting glass)

Step 1: Cutting the Glass

Start by cutting the glass to size. Use a straight edge and a glass cutting wheel to score the glass. Remember to wear gloves for safety! After scoring, snap the glass along the line to get a clean cut.

Cutting glass with a glass cutting wheel

Step 2: Preparing the Plywood

Next, take some half-inch Baltic birch plywood and cut four strips measuring four inches and four strips measuring three and a half inches. This plywood is ideal, but you can also use one by fours and one by threes from your local store.

Cutting plywood strips for the frame

Step 3: Creating a Template

To make assembly easier, create a cardboard template that matches the dimensions of the glass. This will help you visualize the frame as you build it. The three and a half-inch pieces will serve as the back of the frame, while the four-inch pieces will form the front.

Using a cardboard template for the frame

Step 4: Assembling the Frame

Assemble the frame by layering the pieces to create a rabbit for the picture to rest in. Use glue and screws to secure the corners, ensuring everything is square. Clamping the workpieces can help maintain alignment.

Assembling the frame with screws and glue

Step 5: Fitting the Glass

After assembling the frame, check the fit with the glass. If it’s not perfectly square, use an angle grinder and sanding blocks to adjust the wood until the glass fits snugly.

Fitting the glass into the frame

Step 6: Sanding and Profiling

Smooth the edges of the frame using 220 grit sandpaper. Then, use a router with a Roman ogee bit to add a decorative profile along the edge of the frame.

Sanding and profiling the frame edges

Step 7: Staining and Finishing

Apply a stain like Minwax Jacobean to give the frame a rich color. After staining, finish with a turn oil to enhance the wood grain and provide a protective layer.

Applying stain to the frame

Step 8: Adding the Backer

Cut a piece of quarter-inch plywood to serve as the backer for the frame. This will hold the glass and picture securely in place. Attach it using pan head nails.

Attaching the backer to the frame

Step 9: Final Assembly and Hanging

Once the backer is secured, attach picture framing wire with pennant screws for hanging. This will allow you to easily display your new frame.

Attaching the picture framing wire

Conclusion

Your custom picture frame is now complete! This unique construction method not only offers a stylish way to showcase your photos but also allows you to utilize simple techniques with minimal tools.

Completed custom picture frame in natural light

Video

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