Easy to Make Fabric Frames

About a year ago we stood starring at a stack of unfinished wood frames and a pile of gorgeous fabric scraps when we had one of those peanut butter and chocolate kind of moments...

What would happen if we tried putting the two of these things together?

We think our frames are every bit as fabulous as a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup AND they don't add anything to our hips!

Look for fabric with small patterns. We also found that fabrics with darker backgrounds were easier to work with than light colors.

We combined our frames with distressed pieces of metal for one-of-a-kind magnet boards. Finish a frame to match your decor. It's also the perfect way to highlight a holiday project with coordinating fabric.

Instructions for making these frames are also posted on our website.

First you'll want to gather:
Unfinished Wood Frame (our rim measures about three inches across)
Fabric (enough to completely cover the front of the frame)
Black Paint (spray paint or brush on)
Decoupage Glue (we recommend Mod Podge - Matte finish)
Wide Foam Brush
Razor
Sandpaper
Sanding Block
Distress Ink
Distress Chalk

Step 1:
Paint all the edges of the frame. We find that spray paint works great, especially when you're painting several frames at the same time. Over-spray typically doesn't affect your final project since you're covering the frame with fabric. Just be careful if you're using a light-colored fabric. Let the paint dry.

Cut your piece of fabric to be slightly larger than the frame.

Step 2:
Use the wide foam brush to apply an even coat of decoupage glue to the front of the frame. Be sure that the coverage is equally applied to all areas of the frame. The trick here is to not use too much glue, though not enough will cause the fabric to lift.

You'll need to work quickly since the glue will start to dry. Once all the glue is applied, pick up the cut piece of fabric and place it over the frame. We typically start in one corner and move in a clockwise position to make sure that fabric properly covers the entire frame. Try not to reposition the fabric more than is necessary. Smooth the fabric into place rubbing out any air bubbles that might appear. Rub your finger along the edges of the frame to ensure proper adherence.

HINT~ Be sure to lay your frame in front of you in its upright hanging position. This will allow you to properly place the fabric.

Step 3:
Let the glue completely dry. Use a razor to cut off the excess fabric around the outer edge of the fabric. It will cut easily if you hold the excess fabric taut while running the razor blade against the wood frame. Cut out the center in a similar fashion. Start in one corner by feeling the edge of the frame with your finger and creating a small incision with the blade. Once the hole is large enough, you'll be able to hold the fabric tight while continuing to cut away the excess fabric.

Step 4:
Sand all the edges of the frame. We like to use a sanding block (it saves the hands). Just wrap a piece of sand paper around the block and your sanding block will last longer. It is helpful to place the frame over a sink or between two tables especially when sanding the center of the frame. Always sand away from the fabric. If you're sanding the outer edge, start with your sanding block on the edge of the fabric. Slide it towards the back of the frame. Don't sand side to side. You'll notice little stray fibers sticking out; keep sanding! The inner corners can be a bit tricky. You might want to use just the sanding block (without any paper) to clean up the inside corners.

Step 5:
Distress the edges. We like to apply a vintage look to everything we make. Our favorite distress ink color for this project is Vintage Photo. You might want to experiment with different colors based on your personal preference and fabric choices. This pad wont fit into the inside corners of the frame. Use a cat-eye (like our favorite Chestnut Roan fluid chalk by Colorbox) to darken the corners.

Hint ~ A Q-tip works great for getting color into the corners of the frame. Rub a little ink color or paint on to the Q-tip and dab on the frame.

Step 6:
All that's left is to apply a a couple coats of decoupage glue and you're ready to enjoy your efforts. Make sure that you let the ink dry before adding glue to the top of the project. If ink streaks into the middle of the frame you can typically pull the brush back to the edge and remove it. As you apply the glue, the distress ink will darken the fabric; this gives instant age to your project and makes the frame look like it's been around for years!

How to display a SbM Magnet Board

We've had several requests for a review on ways to display our magnet boards. These different options work equally well with our 8x8 or 12x12 boards.

1. Easel
Probably the easiest and fastest way to get the project out and in front of your face. If you're using the easel with a Memory Tree, look for something that won't collapse while your kids are playing with the set. We offer our own version...which beautifully displays either board size.2. Ribbon
Not much to this option. The holes have been predrilled, you just need to push through the paper design. We recommend holding the board up to a light and pushing from the front to back of board. Use a thumbtack...a toothpick...a paperclip...or whatever is handy! The holes are purposely small. If you're considering thick, chunky ribbon, you might want also use a couple of metal book rings.
3. Magnets
Here's a great option for displaying your project on a filing cabinet, refrigerator front or other metal object. Just make sure to use several super-strong magnets on the back of your board.
4. Frames
We LOVE the customized look that these unfinished frames give to our different projects. We purposely sized our metal boards small enough to fit into most standard frames. Click on the links to learn how to make your own.

Collage Frame Instructions:
Fabric Frame Instructions:
There are our ideas. Hope it inspires you. Be sure to share your own creations!

Fabric Frame Instructions and GIVEAWAY!

You have patiently waited... it's time to roll up your sleeves and create your very own fabric frame.

First you'll want to gather:
Unfinished Wood Frame (our rim measures about three inches across)
Fabric (enough to completely cover the frame)
Black Paint (spray paint or brush on)
Decoupage Glue (we recommend Mod Podge - Matte finish)
Wide Foam Brush
Razor
Sandpaper
Sanding Block
Distress Ink
Distress Chalk

Step 1:
Paint all the edges of the frame. We find that spray paint works great, especially when you're painting several frames at the same time. Over-spray typically doesn't affect your final project since you're covering the frame with fabric. Just be careful if you're using a light-colored fabric. Let the paint dry.

Cut your piece of fabric to be slightly larger than the frame.

Step 2:
Use the wide foam brush to apply an even coat of decoupage glue to the front of the frame. Be sure that the coverage is equally applied to all areas of the frame. The trick here is to not use too much glue, though not enough will cause the fabric to lift.

You'll need to work quickly since the glue will start to dry. Once all the glue is applied, pick up the cut piece of fabric and place it over the frame. We typically start in one corner and move in a clockwise position to make sure that fabric properly covers the entire frame. Try not to reposition the fabric more than is necessary. Smooth the fabric into place rubbing out any air bubbles that might appear. Rub your finger along the edges of the frame to ensure proper adherence.

HINT~ Be sure to lay your frame in front of you in its upright hanging position. This will allow you to properly place the fabric.

Step 3:
Let the glue completely dry. Use a razor to cut off the excess fabric around the outer edge of the fabric. It will cut easily if you hold the excess fabric taut while running the razor blade against the wood frame. Cut out the center in a similar fashion. Start in one corner by feeling the edge of the frame with your finger and creating a small incision with the blade. Once the hole is large enough, you'll be able to hold the fabric tight while continuing to cut away the excess fabric.

Step 4:
Sand all the edges of the frame. We like to use a sanding block (it saves the hands). Just wrap a piece of sand paper around the block and your sanding block will last longer. It is helpful to place the frame over a sink or between two tables especially when sanding the center of the frame. Always sand away from the fabric. If you're sanding the outer edge, start with your sanding block on the edge of the fabric. Slide it towards the back of the frame. Don't sand side to side. You'll notice little stray fibers sticking out; keep sanding! The inner corners can be a bit tricky. You might want to use just the sanding block (without any paper) to clean up the inside corners.

Step 5:
Distress the edges. We like to apply a vintage look to everything we make. Our favorite distress ink color for this project is Vintage Photo. You might want to experiment with different colors based on your personal preference and fabric choices. This pad wont fit into the inside corners of the frame. Use a cat-eye (like our favorite Chestnut Roan fluid chalk by Colorbox) to darken the corners.

Hint ~ A Q-tip works great for getting color into the corners of the frame. Rub a little ink color or paint on to the Q-tip and dab on the frame.

Step 6:
All that's left is to apply a a couple coats of decoupage glue and you're ready to enjoy your efforts. Make sure that you let the ink dry before adding glue to the top of the project. If ink streaks into the middle of the frame you can typically pull the brush back to the edge and remove it. As you apply the glue, the distress ink will darken the fabric; this gives instant age to your project and makes the frame look like it's been around for years!

I think I mentioned that I already found a perfect spot for my new frame. Of course, now I want to paint my walls a new shade of teal. Considering that I never finished the paint job that I started two years ago (maybe it was three) I doubt I'll attempt this room!

Now for the important stuff...
Who wants to win one of these beautiful frames? I bought enough fabric to make the winner their own frame. They can pick either size (we offer sizes with a 12x12 and 8x8 opening). Just add a comment (including the size of the frame that you want) to this post and we'll pick a winner late Wednesday night and post the winner's name on Thursday.

Best of luck to you!

Coming Soon!

Yes, I know that I promised several of you the instructions for making our fabric frames. I thought I'd have time to get this posted before taking off for my Time Out for Women event. Once again, my 'to do' list was much longer than my available time to accomplish said tasks. I was able to get my hands on a few yards of the fantastic teal/brown fabric that was voted most favorite at Swiss Days. I whipped up another frame using this darling fabric. (This one is going to look PERFECT in my kitchen!) The pictures are all taken. Now I have to decide between the clearing the cobwebs in the 'ol brain long enough to write up the process, or catching 4-5 hours of sleep before the kids need their mother to shoo them out the door for school. Sorry guys, bed won!

I pinkie-swear that I will share every last detail (of how to make this frame --of course!) before the weekend is over!

And, because I hate to break a promise, I'm going to make it up to one lucky reader. How about the chance to win your own vintage frame in matching fabric? The winner can choose between our 12x12 or 8x8 size. I personally think our Old Clock Memory Calendar looks like it was made for this fabric!

Check back on Sunday...or Monday to learn how to make your own frame. Be sure to leave a comment if you want the chance to win. We'll pick a winner on Wednesday.

Oh, and please think happy thoughts for Suni and I. It's going to be a BUSY weekend!

Swiss Days, 2009 - 30 days & counting!

Wow! The temperature might be cranked up a notch or two, but as we turn the page on another month, summer is quickly fading. Not sure where the time goes, but that seems to be a regular theme in our lives. Swiss Days is exactly 30 days away. We're excited for the event and (knock on wood) feel like we're on track to having everything ready.

If you're the kind of person who likes surprises, stop reading this post and be sure to write C7 on your calendar, forearm or even forehead, for that matter. That's where you'll find us thirty days from today!

If you'd like to sneak a peek at some of our exclusive Swiss Days offerings, keep reading and check back as we unveil more fun products in the days to come.

As an extra enticement, we'll be offering a Swiss Days coupon to our Stories by Me customers. If you are already on our mailing list, have no fear. A coupon will be arriving via email in the next couple of weeks. Wanna' be added to our list? Just drop a line to mythoughts@storiesbyme.com with the phrase Swiss Day Coupon in the message.

Here's a sampling of several exclusive magnet boards that will be available at Swiss Days. These beauties feature vintage designed fabric and distressed metal. No two are alike. If you like them be sure to come early because there will only be fifty!

Project: Memory Tree Frame

As promised, here are simple instructions to help you create your own personalized frame to go with our Memory Trees.

Supplies to Gather:

8"x8" or 12" x 12" wood frame

Black spray paint (matte finish)

Assorted pictures, printed on a laser printer

Mod Podge decoupage glue

Sponge brush

Razor blade

Rags - one dry and one damp

Sandpaper

Distress Ink and/or chalk

Krylon Matte Finish Spray (1311)

Step 1: We started with a simple, unfinished 12" x 12" frame from a craft store. Using black spray paint (we prefer a matte finish) paint the outside and inside edges of the frame. You won't be covering the edges with pictures so the paint finishes those edges for you.

Step 2: Layout the pictures around the frame to get an idea of where they will fit. We like to mix black and white with sepia toned pictures to give the frame variety.

Step 3: Once you have an idea of where you want the pictures, start gluing them into place. Using the brush, apply a thin layer of glue to the frame in the area where you want picture #1. Place the picture on the frame and rub it with the dry cloth, making sure to work out any air bubbles. Next, apply a thin layer of glue where picture #2 will go. Be sure to overlap picture #1 a bit. After placing picture #2, gently wipe any excess glue off with the damp rag. (Don't rub too hard or you could rub your picture off.) Use your dry rag to rub the picture into place and smooth out any air bubbles. Continue applying pictures all the way around the frame. Allow the glue to dry for a few minutes before moving on.

Step 4: You are likely to have pictures that hang over the frame edge. Take your razor blade and carefully trim the excess paper away. (BE SURE THAT THE GLUE IS DRY OR YOU RISK TEARING YOUR PICTURES!)

Step 5: Use your sandpaper to soften the edges and help the pictures blend in with the wood on the frame.

Step 6: If you would like, use some Distress Ink or chalk to add to the 'aged' look of the frame. We recommend rubbing the edges of the frame, both inside and out, to give your frame some character. Allow the ink to dry and give the frame several light coats of Matte Finish Acrylic Sealer. This helps protect your project.

Voila! You now have your own family frame which is a perfect way to display your Memory Tree and add to the stories that you have to share.