| Nature Frames |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-108 |
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Q: What's a unique way to display pictures of my nature hikes and outdoor adventures?
A: (Debbie Stapley, Ask DIY Crafts expert) Why not use a homemade nature frame to display the photos along with some of the stuff you found? Here's how to make one: Materials:
Plain, unfinished frame
Green or brown paint
Paintbrush
Curls of birchbark or other nature artifacts, including moss, pressed flowers, pussywillows or other twigs
Skeleton leaves (optional -- available in craft stores)
Natural-color corrugated cardboard (optional)
Glue gun
- Paint the unfinished frame (figure A) with a natural color, such as green or brown (figure B).
- Collect some fabulous flora and fauna from the backyard or a nearby park, such as bits of pussywillow, birchbark or dry leaves. If such items are unavailable, buy dried leaves or flowers at the craft store.
- Glue curls of birchbark to the frame with a glue gun (figure C). Trim off all or some of the edges with scissors or a craft knife, if you like -- or just let the edges stick out for a natural look.
- Add more twigs, moss, or whatever you have with a glue gun, on top of the birchbark backing. Make sure any unruly pieces won't stick out into the space for pictures and block the view.
Buyer's guide: To make your own flower press (figure D), drill through each corner of two matching pieces of plywood. Put the two pieces together with bolts, washers and wing nuts at each corner. Then lay fresh flowers between two paper towels and place them on the bottom board of the flower press. Put a piece of heavy cardboard on top and then the top piece of plywood, threading it through the bolts on the corners. Tighten the wing nuts a bit every couple of days. As your flowers dry, continue to tighten the wing nuts until the flowers are completely flat and dry. - If you're displaying a photograph, go ahead and put it behind the glass the frame probably came with.
- Consider framing a skeleton leaf (figure E), which you can buy at a craft store, in the frame without the glass. Mount it on natural-color corrugated cardboard, using high-tack spray adhesive and gently pressing the leaf into the cardboard.
More questions for Debbie:
Q: I'd like to use flowers rather than twigs. Are there other ways to dry them before I use them?
A: There are several other ways to dry flowers. One way to dry flowers such as roses, when you want them to keep their shape, is to put them together in a clump, tie a rubber band around the stems and hang them to dry in a cool place. You can also dry flowers in a box with silica sand, which will absorb the moisture.
Q: How long will my frame last? Will it crumble and fall apart?
A: No, it won't, unless it falls down. So keep it out of high-traffic areas and don't put it in a bathroom where it will get steamed.
Q: Once my leaves and twigs are glued to the frame, how can I make it more stable and durable?
A: There's an old trick using hairspray, and that works, but I prefer one or two coats of polyurethane spray. Web site resources for Nature Frames: Nature Wreaths and Frames from HGTV.com Rustic Stick Frame from Crafts for Kids.MiningCo.com Grapevine Wreath Picture Frame from Seanet.com Pressed Flower Picture Frames from Gardener.Women.com Books: Nature Crafts
By publishers of North Light Books
North Light Books (1993)
1507 Dana Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45207-1005
Phone: 513-531-2690
Making & Decorating Fantastic Frames: More Than 100 Unusual Techniques & Projects
By Thom Boswell
Sterling Publishing Company Inc.((1993)
387 Park Ave. South
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-532-7160
Fax: 212-213-2495
Customer Service phone: 800-367-9692
Customer Service fax: 800-542-7567
E-mail: webmaster@sterlingpub.com
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