Grab a pack of paint sticks and make a super cute wood slat picture frame that will showcase some of your favorite photos. This project is easy and inexpensive!
LET’S CRAFT WITH PAINT STICKS! TURN THESE SIMPLE STICKS INTO A FARMHOUSE-THEME PICTURE FRAME. HERE’S HOW!
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A WOOD SLAT PICTURE FRAME IS THE PERFECT WAY TO SHOWCASE YOUR FAVORITE PICTURES.
You could always go with a traditional picture frame, but when you’re looking for a unique way to decorate a space in your home, you can’t go wrong with a DIY craft project like this one.
In fact, I’ve actually made some photo transferred wood rounds, which was another unique way to show off some good family photos. Either of these can be made for much more than home decor. Whether you want to fill and empty space, give a unique gift, or dabble with trying something new – these wood slat picture frames are a must-try.
WHY I LOVE THIS PROJECT
As always, nothing beats being able to do a craft project on a dime. With a 10-pack of paint sticks that were less than $2 and other supplies that I already had on hand, this is by far one of the cheapest projects. Not to mention, it turned out amazing.
Keep reading to see how easy it is to create a wood slat picture frame of your own!
SUPPLIES NEEDED
- (1) 10-pack of paint sticks (Home Depot)
- Ruler
- Black Pen
- Miter Shears (or power tool)
- Folk Art Wood Tint (walnut brown)
- Wood Glue
- Hot Glue
- Small Paint Brush
- 2 Bricks (or something heavy)
- (1) Mini Clothespin
TUTORIAL: HOW TO MAKE A WOOD SLAT PICTURE FRAME
Follow this quick video, or read the step-by-step directions below:
- Lay 8 of the paint sticks out on the table, side by side (touching). Use 1 paint stick to make sure they are even.
- Use a straight edge and pen to create a line for the cutoff marker. (This is to cut the bottoms off evenly.)
- Lay the other 2 paint sticks across the 8 and make a cutoff line on them as well. They will be used as crossbars.
- Use your miter shears to cut at the cutoff lines of all paint sticks. You will have to make at least two cuts (or more) on each stick to get a clean cut.
- Stain each of the sticks on the front, back, sides, and edges. Also stain the mini clothespin as well. Allow them to dry.
- Assemble the pieces together and apply wood glue on the crossbars with a small paint brush.
- Sit the 2 bricks on the crossbars while the wood glue dries. A stack of books works well too.
- Using a dot of wood glue and hot glue and assemble the mini clothespin in the middle of the top crossbar.
- Add a picture of your choice.
Note: I use a dab of hot glue for immediate hold and a dot of wood glue for a more permanent hold.
Get creative with your wood slat picture frames by making them in different colors!
MORE WOOD CRAFT IDEAS:
- If you’re looking for another picture frame idea, make a DIY rustic chalkboard frame with wood shims.
- Have a go at wood burning with Cricut using wood rounds. These can then be used for table coasters, gifts, and more.
- Decorate any table in your home by making a DIY wood planter box from wood shims. This cute box can hold up to 4 small terracotta pots.
Wood Slat Picture Frame
Grab a pack of paint sticks and make a super cute wood slat picture frame that will showcase some of your favorite photos. This project is easy and inexpensive!
Materials
- (1) 10-pack of paint sticks (Home Depot)
- Ruler
- Black Pen
- Miter Shears (or power tool)
- Folk Art Wood Tint (walnut brown)
- Wood Glue
- Hot Glue
- Small Paint Brush
- 2 Bricks (or something heavy)
- (1) Mini Clothespin
Instructions
- Lay 8 of the paint sticks out on the table, side by side (touching). Use 1 paint stick to make sure they are even.
- Use a straight edge and pen to create a line for the cutoff marker. (This is to cut the bottoms off evenly.)
- Lay the other 2 paint sticks across the 8 and make a cutoff line on them as well. They will be used as crossbars.
- Use your miter shears to cut at the cutoff lines of all paint sticks. You will have to make at least two cuts (or more) on each stick to get a clean cut.
- Stain each of the sticks on the front, back, sides, and edges. Also stain the mini clothespin as well. Allow them to dry.
- Assemble the pieces together and apply wood glue on the crossbars with a small paint brush.
- Sit the 2 bricks on the crossbars while the wood glue dries. A stack of books works well too.
- Using a dot of wood glue and hot glue and assemble the mini clothespin in the middle of the top crossbar.
- Add a picture of your choice.
Note: I use a dab of hot glue for immediate hold and a dot of wood glue for a more permanent hold.
DON’T FORGET TO PIN THIS WOOD SLAT PICTURE FRAME FOR LATER:
More Paint Stir Stick Crafts:
- DIY Paint Stick Key Holder
- Paint Stir Stick Vase and Candle Holder Set
- Paint Stir Stick Sign – NO power tools needed
- DIY Sea Glass Bottles – Upcycle with Spray Paint and Paint Sticks
- Reversible Wood Plank Sign – Made from Paint Stir Sticks
- DIY Paint Stick Picket Fence – an Easy Door or Wreath Hanger
- DIY Paint Stick Christmas Tree Collar – Using a Laundry Basket
How funny that this post came into my inbox today, Aimee! At this very moment, I’m in the process of a DIY using the larger size paint sticks. I’m making some cubes to use for wall art for my laundry room makeover, which I’ll stain and stencil some laundry symbols. Anyway, there’s a really ugly metal box that houses our alarm backup battery and it’s right smack dab in the middle of the only full wall in the laundry room, so I’ve been racking my brain for a good idea to cover it up. When I saw your paint stick frame, I realized it’d be perfect to hang on the front of the box and I can add a cute laundry printable! Love it! Thanks for yet another great DIY idea. I’m always so inspired after reading your posts!
I’m so glad, Deb. Happy making!!
What a cute picture frame. Love this idea.