With a few decorative frames, a little paint and some creativity, "D-I-Why Not?" expert Jeff Meacham helps homeowner Tiffany turn a boring, blank walk into a breathtaking work of art.
The custom photo frames are ceiling medallions made of lightweight plastic molds in many sizes and decorative scroll patterns. These medallions typically dress up ceiling lighting and fans, but we've turned them into wonderful wall treatments.
Watch the video for techniques and read our how-to below for more fun creating your unique photo frames.
Here's what you'll need:
Ceiling medallions
Paint
1/2" or 1" angled paintbrush
Painter's tape
Cellophane tape
Double-sided mounting tape
Protractor with pencil
Craft paper
Rubber gloves
Scissors
Paint drop cloth
Selected photo prints
Here's how to make the project:
Set up your painting workspace in a well-ventilated area, such as your garage. Arrange your project materials atop a clean, dry drop cloth.
Dip a ½" or 1" angled brush lightly into the paint (avoid loading too much paint on the brush), and begin painting the medallion, carefully applying paint from the center to the rim, as shown below.
Decorator tip: Make sure you apply paint thoroughly among all the "nooks and crannies" of the medallion. You don't want to mount the frame on the wall and -- ouch! -- see that you missed a spot (or two).
Once the paint has dried to the touch, work with the medallion face up. Position a protractor (with pencil) into the opening in the center of the medallion. Draw a line around the circumference on the medallion opening, as shown below.
Now draw the same size circle on the back of a photo print. Cut around the photo print circle, allowing a quarter-inch trim. Place the cutout inside the opening of the medallion, and secure the photo to the frame with cellophane tape, as shown below.
Before mounting the medallion to the wall, test where you want to place the frame. Trace the medallion shape onto craft paper, cut out the shape, and use painter's tape to fix the shape to the wall where you want. Lightly trace the shape with a pencil to mark where you will mount the frame, as shown below.
Finally, apply double-sided mounting tape to the back of the medallion, and press it firmly onto the wall. There's no hassle here because the tape won't peel the wall paint and you won't leave nail holes if you move the frame.
Make as many photo frames as you like, and arrange them in any pattern (as shown below) that your wall space can handle!
Share comments here about how your project went, and also post a photo of the finished look in Yahoo! Homes' Flickr group to amaze your friends!
