HANDMADE HOLIDAYS: HARDWARE CLOTH FRAME

Hello, Friends!

Let’s get to our holiday creating!

Today I am going to show you how to make a Hardware Cloth Picture Frame.  These are fun because it’s so simple to switch out the photographs based on the season, or special events in your family’s life.  Since we are making this for Handmade Holidays, I think this would also be a great way to keep Christmas cards displayed throughout the holiday season.

Let’s gather our materials: One old picture frame, spray paint, hardware cloth with a 1/2″ weave, wire cutters, staple gun, T50 staples

***Please note that hardware cloth can be found at Home Depot or Tractor Supply.  Also, take your time looking for frames.  Some people try to sell them for way too much money, even at yard sales. I buy mine for no more than $2 a piece…but I generally have to hunt a bit to find them!

The first thing you will need to do is to remove the picture from the frame. If there are any staples or other things in the way on the back of the frame, you can remove generally remove them with needle nose pliers.

Next up, spray paint your frame in any color you choose.

Now you are going to cut into your hardware cloth.  You will cut it to size based on the size of your frame.  I stapled the cloth to the edges of my frame, rather than laying it into the groove of my frame.  Look at the second picture below to see what I mean.

When cutting your hardware cloth you may want to wear safety gloves. If you choose not to, be very careful as the pointy tips can scratch pretty easily.

Now grab your staple gun and get ready to attach your hardware cloth to the frame:

You can see here that I attached the cloth to the outside of my frame and I stapled about every 2-1/2″ to keep things secure:

Take a few seconds to practice with your staple placement on a scrap piece of wood before attaching the hardware cloth to your frame.  This will help you get it right the first time.

These frames are quick and simple to make, and make very fun gifts for your friends.  Personalize them with paint color, and have a few photographs printed out to give them as a gift.  You can purchase mini clothespins at most craft stores.

Have fun crafting, friends!