Textured Picture Frames

These textured picture frames are simple to build and make great gifts!  Start by rolling out a slab of clay that is about 3/8ths of an inch thick (about as thick as a pancake) and a little larger than you'd like your picture frame to be.

The next step is adding texture to the clay and there are so many choices!  You can use found objects such as leaves, buttons or shells.  Rubber stamps work great in clay and ABC stamps can help personalize a frame.  The bottom of shoes have great designs for texture and the kids love stepping on their clay!  This frame was textured with rubbing plates that were pushed into the surface with a rolling pin.  Blick Art Supplies has a huge selection of textured rubbing plates to choose from.  Once you've decided on your texture, cover your clay with it. 



Cut out the outside shape of your picture frame, this one is about 5" square.  Then cut the hole where your picture will show through, be careful not to cut to close to the outside edge, you want to keep at least an inch of thickness all the way around your frame.  Save the inside square that you've cut out!  Next, carefully turn your frame over to attach the stand onto the back.  Using the inside square that you saved, cut it diagonally into 2 triangles, then scratch-to-attach them onto the bottom sides of your frame. 

Let your frame dry laying down. Once dry, the triangle stands should support the frame upright.  Bisque fire, glaze, glaze fire, tape on your photo and you're all set to give out a great handmade gift!

!!!B CR8IV!!!