How to Make a Nature Picture Frame with Sticks and Twigs
Photo by scott*eric
Nature offers all sorts of art and craft supplies – all you have to do is collect them. One of the interesting items you can make with natural twigs and sticks is a picture frame. You can make this as big or as small as you like; you can keep it or give it as a gift. You can make several in graduated sizes, or using different types of twigs.
Here is a list of supplies you’ll need, and directions on how to assemble the frame. Use your imagination – take the following suggestions and individualize them to make a frame that fits your style.
Supplies:
- Twelve straight sticks in two different lengths (for example, six 8-inch sticks and six 6-inch ones), from 1/4 to 1/2 inches thick. For a square frame, use sticks that are all the same length.
- Natural twine
- Glue gun and hot glue
- Ruler
- Moss, small pine cones, feathers, acorns, etc. (optional)
- Newspaper, large piece of brown paper, old sheet, etc. (This is to protect your indoor work area from bits of twigs, glue, and such)
Directions:
- Gather various twigs, sticks, and optional decorations, making sure the sticks are as straight as possible.
- Lay out the newspaper or sheet over your work area.
- Strip leaves from sticks.
- Break sticks into uniform lengths.
- Lay out the sticks in a rough square or rectangle, using three sticks per side.
- Use the ruler to obtain a frame opening that is the size of the photo or picture you want to frame. The twigs and sticks can overlap at the corners as much as you like.
- Using the glue gun, glue the corners of the frame together and leave it to dry.
- When the glue is dry, wrap the twine around the glued corners – you can tie it in bows on the front of the frame, or tie the twine in the back in a knot, or some other creative look.
- On the front of the frame, glue pieces of moss, pinecones, and other interesting things you found outside. You can use these items to cover gaps in the twigs.
- When your decorations are dry, turn the frame over so that the back is facing up. Glue the photo (or use poster putty for a less permanent mount) to the back of the frame so that it faces forward.
These directions are basic; there are all sorts of creative ways you can make a picture frame from sticks. You can adapt this project to your classroom if you are a teacher, or as a fun project for any group of kids. Adults can enjoy this project as well, working in groups or on your own. As people are becoming more interested in natural, eco-friendly furnishings and decorations, this project fits right in.
