8 frame paper collage

By Spotlight

The combination of designer papers & favourite photos creates a great new decorator idea.

Final Result

Materials

• 8 x raw timber photo frames 5” x 7” (12.5cm x 18cm)
• scrapbook papers: Francheville- Citrus Paisley, Pastel Stars & Citrus Swirls
• Bazzill cardstock - green tea & piglet
• decorative A4 papers - pearl embossed paper, green cobweb paper
• alphabet stickers
• double-sided tape
• strong wood glue (‘Liquid Nails’)
• paint brush
• acrylic paint - white
• spray gloss/sealer
• craft knife, ruler & cutting mat
• 5” x 7” landscape photo
• sandpaper

Optional - from hardware store
• 6mm thick plywood or MDF board
• 15mm x 1mm bullet head nails
• frame hanging hooks

Step 1

Remove backing board and glass from each frame. Lightly sand the edges of each frame and paint each frame white paint, including the inner frame edge. Allow to dry. For a washed look leave with just one coat of paint. If a more solid white look is desired, give 2 or 3 coats of paint, allowing to dry in between each coat. Spray frames with gloss spray or sealer. Allow to dry.

Step 2

Cut 13cm x 18cm rectangles from the papers as per diagram.

A - Citrus Swirl
B - Pearl embossed paper
C - Bazzill piglet
D - Pastel Stars
E - Bazzill piglet
F - Citrus Paisley
G - Bazzill green tea & cobweb paper
H - Citrus Paisley (reverse side - plain)

Frame C - matt photo onto centre of bazzill Piglet cardstock.
Frame G - place cobweb paper over plain bazzill cardstock.
Frame H - apply adhesive letters onto reverse side of Citrus Paisley in the bottom right corner.

Step 3

Replace glass into all frames, insert cut papers as shown on diagram and replace frame backing. Remove any stands or hooks that maybe on the back of frame that will prevent the frame from sitting flat and flush with other frames. Using strong wood glue, glue frames together as per above layout. Allow to dry as per glue’s instructions. Attach frame hanging hooks to back at two points along back top of frames. Apply wood glue to plywood and stick to back of frames. Using small nails, tack wood to frames, making sure the length of the nail is shorter than the thickness of the frame and wood combined.

Handy Hint

Frames may need to be reinforced at the back with thin strips of plywood/MDF, depending on the glue and the weight of frames used. To do this cut strips of plywood/MDF to fit across the back of frames, making sure not to cover up gaps in the middle of frames.