Craft Your Own Double-Sided Pedestal Photo Frame: A Clear Glass Display for Recipes & Memories

Are you searching for a truly unique and heartfelt way to display cherished photos, a beloved family recipe, or even a meaningful quote? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a stunning **pedestal photo frame** featuring two panes of glass, designed to beautifully sandwich and showcase your chosen image or document. This isn’t just any photo frame; it’s a versatile, elegant, and deeply personal piece that can serve as a **double-sided glass recipe holder** or a clear display for any treasured memory. It’s a rewarding craft project that results in a beautiful, custom item perfect for your home or as a thoughtful, handmade gift.

This fun and creative project originated from a desire to recreate a treasured item. I’m excited to share my “knock-off” **DIY Photo Frame Recipe Holder**, which I initially made as a special gift for my younger sister, Laura. While it perfectly holds a cherished family recipe, its design is incredibly adaptable. If you don’t have a favorite recipe to display, it can easily become a display for your most beloved photographs, pressed flowers, or even small pieces of art, offering a dynamic and transparent view from both sides. This project is a fantastic opportunity to add a personalized touch to your home decor or create unforgettable **handmade gifts** that carry deep sentimental value.

The Heartfelt Inspiration: A Gift That Sparked a DIY Journey

The inspiration for this project came earlier this summer when Laura gifted me an “Heirloom Recipe Holder” for my birthday. She found it at her local Hallmark store. Having an identical twin sister, Laura went to great lengths, calling every Hallmark store in the Philadelphia area, just to find a second one so she could give us both the exact same special item. This dedication truly highlights the bond between sisters and the desire to share meaningful gifts. If you ever wonder what it’s like to have identical twin sisters, Laura is definitely the person to ask for insights!

Both my twin sister, Carol, and I absolutely adored the recipe holder. But what made the gift truly extraordinary wasn’t just the holder itself; it was the thoughtful touch Laura added. She had our favorite family recipe, transcribed in our Mother’s cherished handwriting, copied and beautifully placed within the decorative frame. Our mom passed away four years ago, so seeing this beloved recipe in her familiar script made the gift incredibly sentimental and deeply special, bringing a wave of beautiful memories. This experience underscored the power of personalized items and the unique joy a **custom recipe holder** can bring.

Why Choose This DIY Project? Benefits of Crafting Your Own Pedestal Photo Frame

While the holiday season might seem far off, it’s never too early to start planning and creating heartfelt **handmade gifts** for your family and friends. This **DIY pedestal frame** is absolutely perfect for that purpose! Imagine gifting a personalized frame with a family recipe, a special photo, or a meaningful quote. Not only can you craft one for yourself to enjoy in your kitchen or living room, but you can also easily make several to give as cherished presents this holiday season. Getting an early start on your gift-giving list allows for thoughtful creation without the last-minute rush, making the crafting process enjoyable and stress-free.

When I asked Laura if she had managed to get one of these special holders for herself, she confessed she wanted one but couldn’t find any more. Determined to ensure she had one too, I embarked on my own search, calling around and checking online. I soon discovered that the Hallmark holder was a limited edition Mother’s Day item, no longer available. This presented the perfect opportunity for a DIY challenge! After carefully examining the original holder, I realized I could replicate it using readily available, pre-made wood parts from any craft store. The image above showcases the front of my homemade version, beautifully displaying the ingredient list of our family recipe, demonstrating that a **Hallmark knock-off** can be just as charming and far more personal.

And here’s a look at the back of the frame, where the step-by-step instructions for the recipe are clearly visible. This **double-sided display** is one of the key features that makes this frame so practical and appealing, allowing for comprehensive information or dual visuals. I’ve purposefully included many photos in this tutorial to ensure you can see every single step up close and feel confident as you create your own. While it might seem like there are many steps, remember that almost all the pieces used are pre-made. Your main tasks will simply be cutting, gluing, and painting, making this a surprisingly manageable and enjoyable **wood crafting project** suitable for crafters of all skill levels.

How to Craft Your Pedestal Photo Frame Recipe Holder

Building this elegant **DIY pedestal photo frame** is not only creatively satisfying but also incredibly affordable. I sourced all my supplies from the wood crafting aisle at AC Moore, and the total cost came in under $20.00, especially by taking advantage of coupons! This makes it an excellent **affordable photo frame** solution. Once you’ve completed your first frame, you’ll discover how easy it is to create several more for your friends and family in a streamlined, “production line” style. This project is a fantastic way to develop your **wood crafting** skills while creating beautiful, functional art. Let’s gather our materials and get started on this rewarding **handmade gift** project!

Essential Supplies Needed for Your DIY Pedestal Frame:

• 2 – Nicole Brand (or similar) 5″ x 7″ wood frames with glass (ensure they have removable backs and glass)
• 1 Wood Candle Holder – approximately 4″ high (choose a style that complements your aesthetic, often found in craft stores)
• 1 Acorn Dowel Cap 3/8″ (this will serve as your decorative top stopper, adding a classic touch)
• 1 Walnut Hollow Wood Circle Item # 29057 (or any flat wood circle, around 4″ diameter, for a stable base)
• 3 Balsa wood sticks – 3/16″ x 3/16″ square x 24″ long (balsa is chosen for its ease of cutting and light weight)
• 1 Balsa wood sheet – 3/16″ thick x 1″ wide x 24″ long (a shorter piece works too, but this is a common size available)
• 1 – 4″ diameter piece of felt (for protecting surfaces and providing a finished, non-slip base)
• JB Weld Clear Weld Quick Setting Epoxy (for strong, durable, and transparent bonds between wood and glass frames)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks (for quick holds, filling small gaps, and attaching felt)
• 1 – 2″ long finishing nail (for securing the acorn topper discreetly)
• Hammer (to drive the finishing nail effectively)
• Spackle, wood filler, or paintable caulk (for filling gaps and imperfections for a super smooth, paint-ready surface)
• 160 grit sandpaper (for initial smoothing, shaping, and distressing effects)
• 220 grit sandpaper (for fine finishing and achieving a silky smooth texture)
• Chalk paint (your preferred color), 1″ wide paintbrush, and clear wax (for sealing, protection, and a lovely matte or satin finish)
• Tack cloth (essential for meticulously removing sanding dust before painting)
• Scissors (for cutting felt and accurately trimming paper inserts)
• Craft knife or utility knife (for precise cutting of balsa wood, offering more control than a saw for small pieces)
• Screwdriver (to easily remove frame easels and hardware)
• Small pliers or tiny crowbar tool (for manipulating the metal insert within the candle holder)
• Drill with an appropriate bit for the acorn dowel cap (to create a pilot hole and prevent splitting)
• Ruler or straight edge (for accurate measuring and guiding cuts)
• Pencil (for marking measurements and cut lines)

Step-by-Step Construction Guide for Your Double-Sided Frame

1. Prepare Your Photo Frames: Begin by taking your two 5″ x 7″ wood frames. Carefully remove the easel stands from the back of each frame. Use a screwdriver to detach any easel holders and screws. These parts will not be needed for your pedestal design. Gently slide out the glass panes from both frames and set them aside in a safe place, protecting them from scratches or breakage. You’ll be reinserting them later, along with your chosen display items, once the frame structure is complete, creating a sophisticated **clear photo frame** effect.

2. Measure and Mark Balsa Wood for Frame Support: To create the internal structure that will hold your glass panes securely, you’ll need to cut balsa wood sticks. Lay one of your square balsa wood sticks along the bottom inside edge of one frame and mark its exact length with a pencil. Repeat this process for the two side edges of the frame. You will essentially be creating a “U” shape inside the frame. You don’t need a stick for the top at this stage, as this opening will serve as the slot for inserting and removing the glass and your display items once the frame is fully assembled, ensuring your **double-sided photo frame** is easily accessible.

3. Precisely Cut the Balsa Wood Sticks: Now, it’s time to cut your marked balsa wood sticks. You can use a miter box and saw for precise, clean cuts, especially if you have one on hand for optimal accuracy. However, balsa wood is notably soft and easy to work with. If you don’t have specialized tools, a sharp craft knife or even sturdy wire cutters can suffice. Just be sure to make straight, perpendicular cuts to ensure a snug fit. After cutting, gently sand the cut edges of each stick with 160-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough spots, ensuring a clean fit and finish that will be invisible once painted and assembled.

4. Cut Additional Strips for Glass Channels: For each frame, you will need to cut four more balsa wood strips. These strips are crucial for creating the channels where the glass panes will ultimately sit, ensuring they are held securely and creating the “sandwiched” effect that gives the frame its unique clear center. Carefully measure and cut these to fit snugly along the inside edges where the original glass used to rest. Precision here will ensure a professional finish and a functional frame that securely holds your chosen display items.

This image provides a visual layout of all the cut sticks and their intended placement. It’s helpful to arrange them before gluing to visualize the final structure of your **double-sided glass recipe holder**. Remember to cut the wider piece of balsa wood (for the removable top section) last. This allows you to precisely cut it to fit perfectly inside the frames once they are glued together. This piece is designed to be removable, meaning it will NOT be glued to the frames, enabling easy access to change your display, a key feature of this **DIY pedestal photo frame**.

5. Assembling the Internal Frame Supports: You’ll only need to cut one set of sticks for the outer edge on the back of one frame (indicated by arrows 1, 2, 3 in the original visual). Crucially, you will need a total of eight sticks (two sets of four) for the inside of both frames. These will be glued along the inner perimeter of each frame to create a level surface for the glass. This ensures that when the two frames are joined, the interior space is perfectly suited for holding the glass panes without any tilting or unevenness, creating a stable and even display for your **heirloom recipe holder**.

6. Create the Glass Stopper: Next, cut one final balsa wood stick. This piece needs to be placed slightly overlapping the bottom inside edge of the frame. Its purpose is vital: it acts as a stopper for the glass panes, preventing them from sliding too far down once inserted. This small but important detail ensures your display stays perfectly centered and secure. While I used two scrap pieces in the original construction, a single, longer piece will work just as effectively to create this essential stopping point for your glass, simplifying the process for your **custom recipe display**.

7. Prepare the Felt Base: Take your chosen wood circle, which will form the base of your pedestal stand. Place it onto your piece of felt and carefully trace around its perimeter with a pencil. Using sharp scissors, cut out the felt circle, ensuring it’s a neat and precise cut. Set this felt circle aside; it will be attached to the very bottom of the stand at the final stage to protect your furniture surfaces from scratches and give your **handmade photo frame** a professional, polished finish.

8. Modify the Candle Holder: Your wood candle holder likely has a metal insert at the top designed to hold a candle. Using a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, or a tiny crowbar-like tool, carefully turn or push this metal insert into the inside of the candle cup. The goal is to create a flat, level surface at the top of the candle holder where the frame will later attach. If you can’t remove the insert, simply push it down as far as it will go to create a recessed, level base. This step ensures a stable and secure connection for your **pedestal photo frame**.

9. Assemble the Pedestal Base: First, fill the modified cup of the candle holder with hot glue. This creates a solid, level surface at the top, which is essential for a stable connection to the frames. Allow the hot glue to fully dry and harden. Next, using your quick-setting wood epoxy (JB Weld Clear Weld is excellent for a strong, clear bond), attach the candle holder securely to the center of your wood circle base. Apply even pressure and hold it in place until the epoxy begins to set. Use Q-Tips or a damp cloth to immediately clean up any excess glue or epoxy around the edges of the candle holder’s base for a neat, professional finish. Allow the entire assembly to dry completely according to the epoxy manufacturer’s instructions for maximum strength, making a robust **DIY pedestal photo frame** base.

10. Prepare the Acorn Topper: Take your acorn dowel cap. Using a drill with a drill bit slightly smaller than the finishing nail you’ll use, carefully drill a pilot hole into the bottom center of the wood acorn. This pilot hole is crucial for two reasons: it will prevent the wood from splitting when you insert the nail, and it will make the next step much easier and cleaner, ensuring your decorative element is perfectly secure on your **custom recipe holder**.

11. Attach Acorn to the Top Spacer: Now, take the wide piece of balsa wood that will serve as your removable top spacer. Using a 1-1/2″ finishing nail, carefully hammer the acorn into the center top edge of this balsa wood piece. Be sure to drive the nail straight to prevent splitting and ensure a stable attachment. Once the acorn is securely attached, use a nail punch (or another smaller nail head) to drive the head of the finishing nail just below the surface of the acorn. This creates a smooth, flush finish, eliminating any visible nail heads. Finally, fill the visible nail hole on the top and any hole on the underside of the acorn with spackle, wood filler, or paintable caulk. This step ensures a seamless and professional look once painted, making your **DIY pedestal photo frame** truly polished.

12. Refine the Top Spacer for Fit: The wide balsa wood piece you prepared in the previous step, now with the acorn attached, needs further refinement to fit perfectly into the sandwiched frames. You’ll need to cut approximately 1/4″ off its length. This ensures that when placed inside the frames, it sits flush and even with the top edges of the assembled frames, creating a neat and finished look. Balsa wood is exceptionally soft, so this cut can be easily made with a craft knife and a ruler for a straight, clean line. Accuracy here is key for a snug fit, ensuring your **clear glass recipe holder** functions flawlessly.

13. Final Sanding and Preparation: Before assembly, it’s crucial to sand all the individual wood pieces. Use 100-grit sandpaper to thin out the sides of the top spacer piece slightly. This will ensure it slides easily in and out of the frame opening without getting stuck. Since balsa wood is soft, this step only takes a few minutes. Additionally, lightly round the top edges of this piece. This small detail makes it much easier to grip and remove the topper when you want to change your display, enhancing the user-friendliness of your **double-sided photo frame**. Once satisfied with the shape and thickness, switch to 220-grit sandpaper and thoroughly sand all wood pieces to achieve a perfectly smooth finish. Finally, use a tack cloth to meticulously clean away all sanding dust and grit from every piece. This ensures optimal paint adhesion and a flawless final look.

Now that all your wood pieces are cut, sanded, and clean, you’re ready for the exciting part: assembly! This is where your individual components transform into a cohesive and beautiful **DIY pedestal photo frame**. Remember, the long balsa wood piece with the acorn attached is designed to be a removable component of the completed holder. It will NOT be glued permanently to the frames, ensuring you can access the inner display cavity whenever needed to swap out photos or recipes.

14. Join the Two Photo Frames: Carefully align the two prepared photo frames on a flat, level surface. Apply a generous, even layer of your quick-drying epoxy along the entire perimeter where the two frames will meet. This robust adhesive is key to creating a strong, lasting bond for your **pedestal photo frame**. Press the frames firmly together, ensuring they are perfectly aligned. Hold them in place for a few minutes while the epoxy begins to set, then allow the glued frames to dry completely according to the epoxy manufacturer’s instructions. A strong bond here is critical for the stability and longevity of your finished frame.

15. Attach Frame Assembly to the Pedestal Base: Once the epoxy holding the two frames together is thoroughly dry, it’s time to attach this frame assembly to the top of your prepared candle holder pedestal. Apply a substantial amount of quick-setting epoxy to the top surface of the candle holder. Carefully center the bottom edge of your glued frames onto the candle holder, ensuring that the opening (where the glass will be inserted) is correctly positioned at the top. Press down firmly and hold the frames in place for at least a minute or two until the epoxy begins to grip. Immediately wipe away any excess glue that squeezes out with a damp cloth or Q-Tip. Allow the entire assembled unit to dry completely on a level surface, ensuring a strong, stable bond between the frame and its base, creating a sturdy **double-sided photo frame** display.

16. Finish and Paint Your Pedestal Frame: Now, it’s time to perfect the surface of your frame. Use spackle, wood filler, or paintable caulk to fill in any small holes, gaps, or mismatched edges that resulted from the assembly process. This step is crucial for achieving a professional, seamless finish, making your **handmade photo frame** look store-bought. Allow the filler to dry completely, then sand it smooth with 220-grit sandpaper. Once smooth and dust-free (use a tack cloth again!), apply a primer if your paint requires it, or proceed directly with two even coats of your chosen chalk paint. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly between applications. As you paint, notice the elegant opening at the top of the sandwiched frames – this is your designated slot for the glass panes and the decorative acorn topper piece, designed for easy insertion and removal.

17. Optional: Distress and Antique for Character: If you desire a charming, aged, or farmhouse-style look for your **DIY pedestal frame**, you can easily distress it. Once the paint is completely dry, gently run 160-grit sandpaper along a few select edges and raised areas where natural wear would occur. This will subtly expose the raw wood beneath, adding character. To enhance this distressed effect and give it an antique patina, wipe a thin layer of antiquing glaze over the distressed areas. Then, quickly…

…wipe away the excess glaze with a damp paper towel. This technique allows the glaze to settle into the sanded areas, deepening the distressed look without making it appear overly stained. Finish by applying a clear wax coat over the entire painted and distressed surface to protect it and give it a beautiful, soft sheen. Buff gently to your desired luster, adding a final touch to your **wood crafting project**.

18. Attach the Felt Protector: For the final touch to your beautiful **handmade frame**, apply an even, thin coat of strong adhesive (like craft glue or hot glue) to one side of the felt circle you cut earlier. Carefully center and press the felt circle onto the very bottom of the wood pedestal base. This felt layer will protect your furniture surfaces from scratches and provide a professional, finished look to your **DIY pedestal photo frame**, ensuring it sits gently on any surface.

Inserting Your Cherished Items into the Pedestal Photo Frame Recipe Holder

Now that your **pedestal photo frame** is fully assembled, painted, and sealed, it’s time for the most exciting part: inserting your chosen recipe, photo, or artwork! This **double-sided glass display** is designed for easy content changes, allowing you to update your display as often as you like, keeping your home decor fresh and personal.

Begin by cutting your recipe card (front and back) or your desired photos/images to the exact size of your glass panes (5″ x 7″). For recipes, you might have one side with ingredients and the other with instructions, or perhaps a cherished photo on one side and a meaningful text on the other. Ensure your prints are crisp and vibrant for the best possible display through the clear glass.

To prepare your display, place your recipe or photo carefully between the two panes of glass. A clever trick is to use a small roll of tape (or even a few tiny, strategically placed pieces of double-sided tape) in between the papers to subtly hold them together and prevent shifting. This ensures your content stays perfectly centered within the glass. Carefully hold the two glass pieces (with your display content sandwiched inside) together and gently slide them into the top opening of the holder. They should rest securely on the balsa wood stopper you installed earlier, creating the perfect **clear photo frame** effect.

Finally, take your beautifully crafted acorn topper piece and carefully slide it into the top opening of the holder. This piece not only adds a charming decorative element but also securely closes the center section, holding the glass and your display firmly in place. Your **clear glass recipe holder** or **pedestal photo frame** is now ready to be admired and become a focal point in any room!

When you wish to change out the recipe, photo, or any other display item, the process is wonderfully simple. Just remove the acorn topper piece from the top. Then, gently hold one side of the glass with your thumb and the other side with your index finger. Apply a gentle upward push, and the glass panes (with your display sandwiched within) will easily slide out. This ingenious design allows for effortless updates, making your **DIY pedestal frame** a dynamic and ever-evolving piece of home decor, ready to showcase new memories or culinary delights.

I truly hope my sister loves this **handmade heirloom recipe holder** as much as I enjoyed creating it for her. Crafting personalized gifts like this adds a special touch that store-bought items simply can’t replicate, imbuing them with love and thoughtfulness. Now it’s your turn to embark on this rewarding **wood crafting project**! Whether it’s a gift for a loved one or a beautiful addition to your own home, this **DIY pedestal photo frame** is sure to become a cherished item, sparking conversations and smiles for years to come. Happy crafting! XO

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