How to make your own Framed Art

I like to do crafts from time to time. And when I moved to my new place I needed something on the walls to give the room some life.

Picture Frames - You can use any type of picture frame. You might have one laying around the house. You can even go to your local thrift store, swap meet or even the dollar store. I purchased my frames at Ikea quite a few years ago ( I didn't see them online, but who knows the store might carry them.

Paint - Now for paint you can choose any color that goes with the theme of the room you will hang these in or you can go with a color that you just plain like. You can also go to the paint department at your local hardware store and ask about their "opps" paint. This is where people have had paint mixed and something went wrong, but nothing is wrong with the paint itself. "Opps" paint is usually discounted too. Also depending on how many frames you are going to paint I would recommend only getting a pint or so of paint. But, if you really like the paint you might as well get a gallon

Sand Paper - To smooth the surface of the frame so the paint will stick.

Paint Brush - You will need a smaller and medium size paint brush. I prefer the sponge like paint brushes. You can usually get them at the Dollar Store.

Damp Cloth - To wipe down the frames after you sand them.

Digital Camera - You can take pics of anything your family, the outdoors or anything that interests you.

PC w/Internet - You can use your PC to find great images. Here are some great places to find pictures you can use for free

• Public-Domain-Photos.com
• Stock.Xchng
• Free Photos Bank
• Free Stock Images
• FreeDigitalPhotos.net
  

Printer - To print out the images you want to use in your frames.

1. Collect your frames.
2. Lightly sand the frames with the sand paper.
3. Wipe down the frames. (Make sure the cloth is rung out before using)
4. Open your paint and mix it.
5. Paint your frames. (Make sure to let them dry before putting in the pictures)
   
6. Go to one of the sites listed above to find the pictures you want to use.
7. Print out the pictures.
8. Cut the pictures to fit the frame if needed.
9. Hang your pictures.