how to make a simple frame

We loved sharing this space last week, that is finally completed on the back of our house a-la the new addition. We now call it the pool room. It added so much square footage, and we love it. We’re super thrilled to be back today to share how to make the world’s simplest frame! 

{pssst… check out how to build a frame – the ultimate guide here!}

You may remember this simple look when I shared our basement redo – specifically my office/studio area. It’s literally the world’s simplest frame. This was a simple way to add color and interest to the space, without costing much at all, with just a little elbow grease. 

We even turned the very same concept into a dry erase board here!

It’s the perfect, easy way to add color and texture and interest to a space 

For the art: {affiliate links} 

We purchased this simple “vintage” color wheel poster at the local flea market, but I was able to find more here.

The “See America” one can be found here. 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

Pick out your art, first. What you’ll use will be based on those measurements. We love that the art {linked above} was affordable and easy – but we can also see ourselves switching them out in the future.

Southern Pine – we used basic 1 x 24 x 36 glued panel that we found at the local hardware store. 
Stain or Paint of your choice
Acrylic Sheet – we went just a 1 inch smaller in length and width than the size of our wood panel so that it formed a nice 1/2 inch border all the way around.
Bass Screws – because brass – this is what will hold your plexiglass in place 
Screw Driver + Drill + hot glue gun or tape {optional – for mounting the art onto the wood}

Before we jump into making it, here is how to know the size of the acrylic and wood panel you’ll need. Measure the art, then add 1 inch to the length and width. This will give you the size of the acrylic you’ll need. Then add another inch to the width and the length, this will give you the size of wood you’ll need. 

Start by cutting all your pieces to size, then you can place your wood on a protective surface and get ready to stain. 

We used a combo of Minwax’s Early American and Classic Gray for the perfect combo on our background piece. 

Next, when your stain is dry, it’s time to start on putting it together!

Measure and mark on top of the plastic covering your acrylic sheet, so that you can equally drill four holes. We go in 1/4 inch on both sides.

Then using a drill bit slightly larger than the screw, drill holes in the acrylic. 

Lay the acrylic (plexiglass) on top of the wood. Using a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw make pilot holes in the wood.

Hint: mark your acrylic sheet with Frogtape®  and a marker so that you can remember the orientation of your holes BEFORE removing. 

Trust us on this one. 
 

 Remove the acrylic then place your screw on top, and continue to screw into the wood, so that there is no resistance later. 

Place your art. This can be used with a little tape on the back, or a dab of hotglue. I prefer a small dab of hot glue in each corner, so that it won’t go anywhere. Just use on low heat, and make sure you remove the “cobwebs” before moving forward. 

Carefully take your acrylic sheet, still remembering the correct orientation so that it lines up easily when you’re ready to assemble. (Aren’t you glad you trusted us?) Remove the plastic on the bottom portion, before placing it down again on top of the art. 

Lay it on top, and apply your screws again. See those little bubbles on the edges? No worries – those are the protective plastic sheets covering your acrylic. 

Remove the final top plastic piece, and you’re finito!

We use simple hanging kits on the back to hang on the wall. 

Such an easy, affordable way to frame art and add so much character.

Be sure to check out the rest of the room with all the fun little details, here! 

So as always, let us know if you try it. We’d love to hear! 

And more of our fave how-to’s for frames, here – how to build a frame, the ultimate guide

Have an inspired day!