This project was built and designed by Chris from A Glimpse Inside. It’s a clever alternative to traditional picture frame construction that skips miter cuts and focuses on strong, clean joinery.
Perfect for showcasing artwork or personal photos, this frame combines thoughtful design with easy-to-use materials. It’s approachable for all skill levels and requires only a few tools.
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Starting the Build
Chris built this frame to display a print by Michelle McDowell Smith, a gift for his wife. The build starts with cutting the glass to fit the artwork, which requires careful handling and safety gear.
Wearing gloves is essential when scoring and snapping glass. After marking with a cutting wheel, the glass is snapped cleanly along the score line.
Selecting Materials
For the frame itself, Chris used Baltic birch plywood due to its smooth finish and consistent strength. If birch isn’t available, 1x3s or 1x4s from the local home center will also work well.
This project doesn’t require a miter saw or complicated jigs. The goal is to use simple materials and techniques that result in a great-looking frame.
Creating the Frame Pieces
To guide his cuts, Chris made a cardboard template matching the size of the glass. He then cut four wider strips for the frame face and four narrower ones for the back side.
The narrower strips created a built-in rabbet, giving the glass and artwork a place to rest. This layered approach eliminates the need for routing rabbets separately.
Each corner is built using a half-lap joint. This method adds strength and makes alignment easier, while giving the frame a clean, square look.
To confirm squareness, Chris checks the diagonals after clamping the frame together. Equal measurements indicate the corners are perfectly aligned.
Assembling the Frame
Once the pieces are prepped, the front and back layers are glued and clamped together. Screws are added from the back to hold everything in place without marring the face.
This results in a strong frame with a flush, clean appearance on all sides. Chris then double-checks the fit of the glass and backer panel before moving on.
Sanding and Decorative Edging
With the frame assembled, all surfaces are sanded smooth. For the profile, Chris uses a Roman ogee bit in a router to add a decorative edge around the outer frame.
This small detail adds depth and elegance to the piece. If you don’t have a sanding block, wrapping sandpaper around a sponge works just as well.
Applying the Finish
Chris applies a dark wood stain to bring out the detail in the birch grain. Once the stain dries, he follows up with a coat of tung oil for added richness and protection.
This combination gives the frame a warm, classic look while keeping it durable. The finish also helps highlight the subtle contrast between the frame and the artwork.
Final Assembly Steps
The back panel is cut from quarter-inch plywood to fit the opening. After cleaning the glass with acetone, Chris places the print, then the backer, and secures it with small pan head nails.
Picture hanging wire is attached to the back for easy wall mounting. The final look is cohesive and intentional, especially since the birch in the frame echoes the birch trees in the artwork.
Why Build This Frame?
This frame offers a unique method that skips tricky miter cuts without sacrificing style. It’s a rewarding weekend project that adds a personal touch to any room.
By customizing the size, materials, and finish, it’s easy to make it your own. Whether for art, prints, or photos, this frame is a practical and creative build.
Want to See the Full Build?
Please support Chris by visiting his website here: https://www.aglimpseinside.org