Do you find your smartphone brimming with countless cherished photos of your loved ones, memorable moments, and beloved pets? While sharing these digital snapshots online is convenient, do they often remain trapped on your device, rarely seeing the light of day beyond a screen? Perhaps you also have a collection of old, forgotten picture frames tucked away, their once-fashionable styles now looking distinctly outdated and neglected.
If you nodded in agreement to any of these scenarios, then prepare yourself for an incredibly simple and rewarding DIY project! This creative hack will empower you to breathe new life into those dusty old frames and proudly display your favorite phone photos in vibrant, personalized ways. Not only is this a fantastic way to declutter your digital photo gallery, but this quick and easy project also makes a thoughtful, handmade gift – perfect for occasions like Mother’s Day, birthdays, or just to show someone you care.
Rediscover the Charm of Physical Photos: A Simple Frame Makeover
In an increasingly digital world, there’s an undeniable warmth and personal touch that comes with holding a physical photograph or seeing it elegantly displayed in your home. This DIY endeavor taps into that nostalgic feeling, allowing you to transform digital memories into tangible keepsakes. Let’s start by looking at a classic example of an old frame getting a much-needed refresh.
An Old Photo Frame Before Getting a Makeover
I’ve held onto this particular small, tabletop-style frame for what feels like an eternity. Despite not having used it in years, I instinctively kept it, always believing that someday, a truly creative idea for its revival would spark. And that day has finally arrived!
Over the past year, my phone has become a cherished repository for countless photos and messages featuring my adorable granddaughter. Each snapshot is precious, but simply scrolling through them on a screen felt limiting. I wanted to bring these moments to life, to see her beaming face adorning my living space, not just my phone. This desire fueled my decision to print a selection of my favorites and find new, creative ways to display them in tabletop frames around my home.
You might recall my recent project where I transformed a living room wall into a captivating grid photo gallery using large black and white frames. This was another step in my mission to bring my family’s faces out from behind the screen and into my everyday view. Similarly, I’ve also enjoyed upcycling thrift store photo frames, filling them with cherished family photos to create a warm and inviting foyer. These projects all share a common thread: finding innovative and budget-friendly ways to showcase the memories that matter most.
However, when I began printing my phone photos, I frequently encountered a familiar frustration: the orientation (portrait or landscape) or the size of the printed photo didn’t quite match the existing frames or their mats. Some photos were too small, leaving awkward gaps, while others were simply the wrong shape for the available openings. This common dilemma often deters people from printing their photos at all, but I found a charming and surprisingly simple solution.
My secret weapon for solving these persistent sizing challenges? A combination of readily available cardboard and a selection of decorative ribbons. This ingenious method allows for incredible flexibility, ensuring that any photo can find its perfect home in any frame.
How You Can Use Any Size Photo In Any Size Frame with Ribbon Mats
Decorative ribbons offer a wonderfully attractive and incredibly versatile solution for framing your photos without the significant time commitment or expense associated with custom matting. Even if you have a beloved photo that seems an awkward fit for a particular frame, creating a ribbon mat will make it look perfectly tailored and intentional.
When you utilize ribbon to craft a mat for your chosen photograph, the ribbon effectively acts as a bespoke mat, allowing you to achieve precisely the width or narrowness you require. This method provides unparalleled flexibility. You can even layer or overlap multiple ribbons of varying widths and textures to design unique and wider mats, especially effective for larger frames that demand a more substantial border.
Consider a scenario where your photo was captured in a portrait orientation, but you wish to display it in a square frame. Or perhaps a particular frame or its existing mat just isn’t the right dimension or shape for a photograph you’re eager to showcase. In all these instances, the creation of a ribbon mat is the ideal technique to harmoniously bring the two elements – your photo and your frame – together. It bridges the gap between disparate sizes and shapes, transforming a potential framing problem into a creative design opportunity, ensuring your memories are displayed beautifully and professionally, without the need for expensive custom solutions.
How to Make a Scrap Ribbon Picture Frame Mat: Easy DIY Tutorial
Ready to transform your frames and photos? This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating beautiful ribbon mats, perfect for displaying your digital prints. You’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding this project is!
For my smaller, tabletop-style frames, I leveraged the power of repurposing, utilizing various scraps of ribbon accumulated from previous crafting projects. This not only minimizes waste but also adds a unique, eclectic charm to each piece. You might have a diverse collection of ribbons, decorative embellishments, or various trims like rickrack on hand – any flat material will generally work wonderfully for this project. The key is creativity and finding materials that complement your chosen photo and frame.
If you’re working with larger photos or bigger frames, you’ll naturally require a more substantial amount of ribbon. In such cases, purchasing a full spool or sufficient yardage in your desired style and color will be necessary to ensure a continuous and polished look.
To prepare my particular frame for its new lease on life, I opted for a clean, classic aesthetic. I applied several coats of white chalk paint, allowing it to dry thoroughly between applications. Once dry, I gently distressed the edges with 100-grit sandpaper, revealing subtle hints of the original gold beneath and adding a touch of rustic charm. To protect the finish and enhance its appearance, I then applied a layer of clear wax, buffing it with a soft cloth to achieve a beautiful, soft sheen. This preparation step, while optional, truly elevates the final presentation of your upcycled frame.
Supplies Needed for Your Ribbon Photo Mat Project:
- An existing Frame (with or without its original mat)
- Assorted Ribbons (scraps, spools, or yardage as needed)
- Sturdy Cardboard (can be sourced from packaging or craft stores)
- Pencil
- Adhesive (Tape, a reliable glue stick, or craft glue)
- Sharp Scissors
- Optional: Rickrack or other flat decorative embellishments
Time needed: 20 minutes
- Step 1: Choose Your Frame and Precisely Trim Your Photo
Begin by carefully selecting the most compelling section of your photo that you wish to highlight within the frame. This might involve cropping out extraneous background elements to focus on the subject. As you trim, keep in mind that the ribbon matting will overlap and subtly cover a small portion of the photo’s edges. Therefore, exercise caution not to cut away too much of the critical elements of your image. A slight overlap is desirable for a clean finish.
- Step 2: Center Your Photo on the Cardboard Backing
Next, take the frame’s original backing board or a piece of cardboard that you’ve cut to precisely match the internal dimensions of your frame’s opening. Carefully center your trimmed photograph onto this board. Once you’re satisfied with its positioning, lightly mark the four corners of the picture on the board using your pencil. These marks will serve as invaluable guides for the subsequent gluing step, ensuring perfect alignment.
- Step 3: Secure Your Photo to the Cardboard
With your guide marks in place, it’s time to permanently affix your photo. Apply a generous amount of glue stick or double-sided tape to the back of your photograph. Carefully mount the photo onto the backer board or cardboard, meticulously aligning it with the pencil marks you made earlier. Press firmly to ensure a strong, even bond. This step is crucial for preventing your photo from shifting later on.
- Step 4: Choose and Apply Your Ribbon Matting
Now for the creative part! Select a ribbon that is sufficiently wide to slightly overlap the edges of your photo and completely cover the exposed cardboard around it. Begin by affixing pieces of ribbon across the top and bottom edges of your photo first. Use a good quality craft glue for a secure hold, ensuring the ribbon lies flat and taut. Trim the ribbon precisely along the edge of the cardboard. Next, add a piece of ribbon down each side, carefully overlapping the corners where the first two pieces of ribbon meet. This overlapping technique creates neat, finished corners.
Optional Finishing Technique: For an alternative finish, you can wrap the ends of the ribbon around to the back of the cardboard backing and secure them with tape. Be aware, however, that this method will slightly increase the thickness of your photo/mat combination. Depending on the internal depth of your frame, this added thickness might prevent the frame’s backing from closing correctly. Always test fit before committing to this method.
For the example pictured below, I streamlined the process by directly covering the existing mat that came with the frame. I used a wide ribbon, wrapping its ends neatly around to the back of the mat and securing them firmly with tape. This is a great shortcut if your frame already has a mat you wish to enhance.
- Step 5: Place Your Ribbon-Matted Photo Into the Frame
Once your ribbon is securely attached to the cardboard or the original backer board, and the glue has had a moment to dry, it’s time for the final reveal. Carefully insert your beautifully matted photo into the prepared frame. Ensure it fits snugly and then secure the frame’s backing. Step back and admire your handiwork – you’ve just transformed a simple photo and an old frame into a stunning piece of personalized decor!
Ribbon Picture Frame Mat Variations: Unleash Your Creativity!
The beauty of this DIY project lies in its endless possibilities for customization. Here are some ideas to inspire your own unique designs:
- Layering and Overlapping: Don’t limit yourself to a single ribbon! Get truly creative by layering different ribbons, overlapping them to create intriguing textures and patterns. Experiment with varying widths, colors, and types of ribbons – from satin and grosgrain to velvet and organza. You can even fashion a small ribbon bow and delicately glue it onto a corner of the mat or the frame itself for an extra touch of charm. Remember, you are the designer, so let your imagination guide you!
- Elegant Neutral Looks: If your aesthetic leans towards the classic and understated, a wide white or cream grosgrain ribbon can create a stunningly elegant and timeless mat. For added sophistication, consider layering this neutral ribbon over another piece of ribbon in the exact same neutral tone for a subtle, dimensional effect. Alternatively, pick a subtle accent color directly from your photo and use a narrow ribbon in that shade underneath your main neutral ribbon. This creates a sophisticated double mat effect where the accent color peeks out just a little, adding depth without overpowering the image.
- Textural Trims and Scalloped Edges: To introduce interesting textures or delightful scalloped effects, experiment with various trims. Glue rickrack along the outer edge of your ribbon mat so that its playful zig-zag pattern is partially hidden by the frame’s edge, creating a charming detail. Another lovely option is to place picot-edged ribbon underneath your main ribbon, allowing just the delicate loops to show, providing a soft, feminine border. These small additions can dramatically alter the feel of your frame.
Where to Print Photos From Your Phone: Convenient Options
Once you’ve curated your favorite phone photos and are ready to bring them to life with beautiful ribbon mats, the next step is printing them. Here are several convenient methods to get your digital images into physical form, perfectly sized for your frames:
My preferred method for printing is incredibly straightforward: I use my printer’s dedicated app on my smartphone. This app allows me to select photos directly from my phone’s gallery and send them wirelessly to my home printer, which I keep loaded with high-quality photo paper. I typically purchase my photo paper from local retailers like Walmart, or for added convenience, you can easily order it online, ensuring you always have a supply on hand for your crafting projects.
If your phone doesn’t have a specific printer app, or if you prefer a more traditional approach, another simple solution is to email the photos to yourself. Once they are in your inbox, you can then access them from your computer and use your computer’s standard print function to send them to your printer. This method works universally across almost all devices and printers.
For those who prefer professional printing or need specific sizes and finishes, several online and in-store options are readily available. Major retailers like Walgreens and Walmart offer robust photo printing services. You can often upload your phone photos directly to their websites or apps, specify the exact sizes you need, and pick up your prints in-store, often within an hour. This is a fantastic option when you need high-quality prints quickly or don’t have a photo printer at home.
More Decorating With Ribbon Ideas & Inspiration to Spark Your Creativity
Ribbon is an incredibly versatile and affordable material that can elevate countless decorating and crafting projects. If you’re inspired by the possibilities of ribbon mats, here are more ideas and inspiration to continue your creative journey:
- Twisted Paper Ribbon Vase DIY: Discover how to transform ordinary paper ribbon into stunning decorative vases.
- 3 Ribbon Storage Ideas: Keep your growing collection of ribbons neat and accessible with these ingenious DIY storage solutions.
- Easy DIY Decorating Ideas Using Ribbon: Explore a wide array of simple yet impactful ways to incorporate ribbon into your home decor.
- Decorating with Ribbon: Shelf Trim: Learn how to add a touch of elegance and personality to your shelves using decorative ribbon trims.
Embrace the joy of DIY and give your cherished memories the beautiful display they deserve, all while adding a unique, personal touch to your home decor with the simple elegance of ribbon.