Frugal Crafts & Gifts
(featured column by various authors)

Bubble Photo Frame

by Amanda Formaro

Here's a fun and creative way to frame one of those classic bubble bath shots! Grab some old puzzle pieces, paint and some craft gems and you are on your way. These easy and personalized frames make wonderful gifts for relatives.  More...

What you will need:

photograph for framing
piece of cardboard a little larger than your photo
4 ice cream sticks
15 puzzle pieces (will need more or less depending on puzzle piece size)
white & light blue tempera paint 
small piece of sponge
irodescent and/or clear craft gems in small, medium and large
small fish stickers
Craft glue
hot glue
scissors
newspaper


Instructions:

Prep

Using craft glue, adhere the photograph to the piece of cardboard. Use craft glue to attach the ice cream sticks around the photograph to form a square frame base. Trim cardboard so that it is just larger than the photograph. Set aside to dry.

Paint

Lay newspaper down on table and place puzzle pieces face up. Have the children paint the puzzle pieces white. You may need 2-3 coats for some depending on the darkness of the pattern on the puzzle pieces. Allow to dry. When dry, lightly sponge on light blue paint "here and there" all over the puzzle pieces. 

Glue

Using hot glue, adhere the puzzle pieces to the ice cream sticks. Work your way around the frame, be sure that pieces overlap and do not leave any gaps between pieces.

Decorate

After all pieces are glued in place, use hot glue to adhere craft gems around the frame. Alternate large, medium and small gems to look like floating bubbles. Decorate with two tiny fish stickers, if desired. 

Hang!

For a simple hanger, hot glue a piece of sturdy string or yarn across the back of the cardboard. 

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Copyright © 2004 by Amanda Formaro

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