How to make a simple paper frame

This time I'd like to share with you a simple and easy way to make a paper picture frame, like the one shown in the photo above. Personally, I like using such paper frames for my quilling.

This is how the template for such a frame looks like. Please note, that not the absolute size but the ratios are important for this explanation. Using this template you can make a frame that has borders of equal width and height. The parts to be removed are marked in red, the inner bold rectangle shows the part of a picture that will be visible.

So, first measure a picture you'd like to frame. Add ten times the width of the frame border to both dimensions. For example, if your picture is 10x15cm with 1cm wide border, the resulting size would be 10+10*1 by 15+10*1 = 20x25cm. Draw a rectangle according to your calculations and cut it out. Then measure and mark the folding lines and corners as the template shows. Start measuring from the outer edges of the paper. Cut away the parts shaded with red.
To remind you, only the relative size of the parts is important. That is, if you want to make wider (and higher) borders, just multiply each number in the picture by the same factor.

Score the folding lines marked with blue dashes on the template. Use a special scoring tool, a thin embossing tool or simply a stick with rounded tip. Then fold as shown in the picture.
If you already have a picture to frame, glue it down now and then start assembling your paper frame.

Insert an end of each side border into its neighbor's end at the corners, one by one, like shown in the photos.


Generally, no adhesive is needed, but you may want to secure the frame with a small amount of glue.

If you want to make a frame with wide borders, the template will look like this (pay attention to the proportions):

And this one is for a deep frame, where the border's height is greater than its width.

The same principles apply for these templates as well: if you want another size, just multiply the numbers by a constant factor.
My other projects framed in home-made paper frames:
- Dandelion
- Lily flowers and dragonfly
- Orchid
- Moth and thistles
- Flowers and bumblebees
- to be continued... :)
UPDATE: Check out the template and instructions for making a more attractive beveled picture frame: How to make a beveled picture frame out of cardstock.
Comments
Maddie
bravo!!
Спасибо всем! Мне очень приятно, что вам понравился мой мастер-класс.
But i did something that i want to share it with you
I mixed 1 part of glue with 3 parts of water and i covered the surface I let it dry and the frame became hard I thing if you use the napkin tecknique you can decorate the folding partw of the frame
Thank you very much for the idea
I loved the model of the paper frame, I will be very useful because it can be used as frames and as a framework.
I'll keep giving a look around, and I hope your visit in my blog: www.magialilas.blogspot.com.
Goodbye!
This is really cool!! I made a couple of them it came out very nice and neat, thank you for the detailed instructions. Love ur blog...
Keep rocking!!
-
Madhu
Hope I can decorate my home well.
looking forward to more designs
-Rohini.
Here it is!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=148129&id=500504288&l=22e47dd2ac
Looking forward to see new creations of yours.
one can't comment on facebook unless they have an account on it, plus i'll need to add you as a friend since what i sent was an external link. if you are on facebook, i'd love to add you to my network :)
look out for my invite!
thanks for sharing your tutorial. I made one by folowing this^^
best regards,
ThaoNguyen.
Thank you for this really great worskshop! We were very much inspired by it and when we were thinking over the prize for the participants of the festival of children's land art works organized in our blog, it was the frame created by you which inspired us!
http://parentsideas.com/2010/08/itogi-i-prizy-konkursa-festivalya-detskix-rabot-v-stile-lend-art
Anastasia
LOVE the frame and going to try them. Would you share what is the thickness of the paper you use? Thanks ;)
It's a card stock about 140lb (300gsm), maybe less.
Thank you so much for your frame templates. I teach Art to grades 3-8 and these frames are perfect for our limited budget. We are currently doing white paper sculptures and they look great in the frames which are light enough to easily hang on a wall or bulletin board. We are indebted to you.
grandmajeanb
thank u:-)
Divya, just click the images, and please read the text for details.
I can't wait to make it !!
Thank you, I'll consider making a video tutorial.
thanks a lot for sharing this tutorial.
i tried A4 size printer paper and result is good.
thanks
swarna
mycraftworks.blogspot.com
Meira
Thank you for sharing! However, I'm a little confused with the dimension. If I wish to have wide border, like your 2nd template, how do I measure and cut the paper? For example my picture is 15cm x 10 cm. Is it 15+10*3 and 10+10*3?
Thank you. :)
I made a frame using the guide from the your tutorials and loved it!
it can be viewed here http://ahandfullofart.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-baby-album.html
Thanks abunch again for the awesome tutorial :)
hugs!
Manu
http://happilyevacrafter.blogspot.in/2015/06/quillography-home.html?m=1