How to Make an Inexpensive Farmhouse Picture Frame

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Not all do it yourself projects have to be large or cost a ton. Some of the best projects I’ve done have actually cost very little, and this one is no exception. I’m going to show you how to make an inexpensive farmhouse picture frame.

I love how rustic this frame turned out.

I stumbled upon this pre-made picture frame at Michael’s for $1!

Michaels Frame for $1!!!

I know right?!

First I must say, that the day that I found this frame was also the same day that I found film for an old Polaroid camera. When I saw this frame it was like the crafting stars aligned and “instantly” I knew what I was going to do. (See what I did right there…)

I gathered my favorite stains Weathered Gray and Special Walnut. First I added the Weathered Gray, let it sit for a bit and then layered on top the Special Walnut.

: I used stain we had on hand in my favorite color combination.

: First coat of gray stain.

: Second coat of special walnut.

After all the stain dried, which took maybe 30 minutes total, I did a dry brush technique with white craft paint. All that entails is barely picking up paint on the brush, dabbing off the extra on a paper towel, and lightly brushing over the wood until you achieve the weathered look you want.

: Once the frame had dried the color I wanted, I used white craft paint and dry brushed the frame.

: Dab the brush into the paint.

: After dry brushing white craft paint to give the weathered wood look.

I also had some letter stamps on hand and decided I wanted to add wording to the bottom of the frame. I couldn’t stop there, I felt like it needed a little banner because what doesn’t say “farmhouse’ like a banner, made out of scrap drop cloth none the less. And of course I added a precious picture of my kiddos using my new film. Instant pictures are seriously the original Instagram. 😉

: One of our favorite sayings.

: I love how well this frame turned out so rustic.

: I think the fox approves.

After I finished I didn’t feel like I could just stop there. I mean there were just TOO many possibilities. I wanted to know how the wood would take chalkboard paint and a chalk pen.

: Two coats of black chalkboard paint.

: After the chalkboard paint dried, I rubbed chalk on the surface.

: Pencil your message in before adding the chalk pen.

Rather well actually…

Chalkboard paint and a cute message.

Then I decided, I had to keep going and do my take on shiplap because, well, farmhouse. I painted a second frame with the same chalkboard paint, added a coat of white craft paint, then used medium grit sandpaper to distress the frame.

: Two coats of chalkboard paint followed by two coats of white craft paint.

: Ready to distress with medium grit sandpaper.

: After an bit of sanding.

Since I am all about the coastal farmhouse look, I added my favorite quote about the sea and a sweet little shell.

I added one of my favorite quotes and a tiny shell to give it the coastal farmhouse feel.

Needless to say, the $1 Michaels store find turned out to be more bang that I expected for that buck. Well actually THREE bucks since I couldn’t restrain myself. The frame comes with a small dowel to sit it up on a table or desk, but I’m sure it would be super easy to figure out a way to hang the frames as well. These sweet little frames would be perfect for a birthday party craft, a valentines gift, Christmas gift, teacher’s gift, small gallery wall… truly the possibilities are endless. Just have fun and let your creativity flow!