BRIANNA'S FRAME• 1 8X10 black wood photo frame
• unpainted wood letters: F A M I L Y (mine are 1 1/2 inch)
• 5 unpainted mini clothespins
• 1 8X10 scrapbook paper page — choose one in a pattern befitting the recipient's decor and interests, keeping in mind the frame will be displayed horizontally
• 5 buttons — I choose buttons to match the scrapbook paper, all from Granny's button tin but new buttons would work, too
• black spray paint
• glue gun and glue sticks
• 4X6 photos to display
Here's what you do:
1. Spread newspaper in an outdoor area where you can spray paint the letters and the mini clothespins. Spray one side of letters and clothespins, making sure all visible surfaces are painted. Don't worry about the wire clothespin clasps getting paint on them for they will work even when painted. Allow to dry.
2. Remove the back of the photo frame and place the scrapbook paper where a photo would go. Replace back.
3. Evenly center the dried FAMILY letters about an inch or so from the top of the horizontally positioned frame. Use glue gun to carefully glue letters in place.
4. Carefully position the five clothespins along the bottom frame, centering on edge so they won't break off when adding or removing photos. Use glue gun to glue each clothespin in its spot.
5. Once clothespins are securely glued and dried, carefully glue a button to the top of each clothespin. Ensure the top edge of the button meets the top edge of the clothespin so the entire button is backed by the clothespin stick. (If you don't have the entire button on the stick, the button will come off when subjected to the pressure of opening and closing the pin when adding or removing photos.)
6. Ensure glue has dried and all letters, clothespins, and buttons are securely in place, then add photos. (Vertical photos work best if using all five pins.)