Adorn your walls and tables with inexpensive and interesting handcrafted wood frames! You can purchase wood frames at discount stores, craft stores and yard sales, just to name a few. The only necessary supplies for your "masterpiece" are a glue gun, glue sticks and your imagination!

Do It Right The First Time Have you ever seen a really bad wallpaper job? It's hard to miss! You may see bubbles under the paper or the paper lifting up in the corners. How can you avoid such a mess? By getting it right the first time. While it may be tempting to just slap on wallpaper to cover every blemish underneath, you need to get the wall in shape before you put up the paper. If you don't, you may see the problems again in a few months. * Always eliminate any loose paint. * Fill in holes with drywall. * Once the surface is smooth and clean, put on a primer. Follow directions about adhering the wallpaper to the wall. * Use a squeegee as a last step to eliminate any trapped air.

Wood frames are available in many sizes. Standard size frames (3x5, 5x7 and 8x10) are the easiest to find and usually the least expensive. Large frames appear bold and stand out easily by themselves. Smaller frames add interest when arranged in groupings or clusters.

Handmade frames are unique gift ideas for any occasion. They instantly warm up a room by showcasing family photographs or even treasured artwork. Following are interesting ideas for embellishing your wood frames:

1. Select interesting shells of different sizes and shapes. Hot glue randomly or in a pattern onto your frame. Frames of this type look elegant in a bathroom with a nautical theme. Or use the frame to highlight a "seascape" print.

2. Purchase a large bag of corks at the craft store. Cut corks in half and glue pieces side by side onto your frame for a unique texture. This is an innovative way to display an old photograph.

3. Glue sticks from trees in your own backyard (straight sticks work best) side by side onto frame. The final result is a rustic frame, great for showing off family camping outings or prints that possess a natural theme.

4. Glue pieces of rope (side by side) onto frame for another rustic and western appeal.

Make this lovely frame by checking out our crafting column this week.

5. Use sheet moss and dried florals to create a Victorian look. (see photo)

6. Children's frames are adorable with bright colored buttons glued throughout the entire frame. You can spray paint the frame first, then hot glue buttons randomly. Use the frame to display your child's birthday photographs.

Another great framing idea for a child's room is to choose a few pictures from a book or magazine pertaining to the theme of the child's room. Have the pictures color copied. Then matt and frame the color copies! You can frame them in plain wood or use an embellished wood frame. Hang framed pictures as a grouping together on the wall. A fantastic idea for decorating the walls in a child's room without spending a small fortune for store bought framed prints!

Creative framing possibilities are endless!

Remember: Frames do NOT have to contain only photos or prints. Why not consider framing those treasured keepsakes from your grandparents? Small, flat items work best, such as antique silverware or vintage jewelry. Have fun framing!

About the Author
Gail has been a stay at home mom for 7 yrs, since the birth of her first son. She resides with her husband and 2 sons (7 & 5) outside of Scottsdale, AZ. Originally from NY, she has her bachelors degree from the University of Massachusetts, in Fashion Marketing. She has always loved the study of color and design, and have a passion for decorating! She currently writes an ongoing "decorating on a budget" column for several moms newsletters and magazines.

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