You can make this awesome shabby chic planked picture frame in just a few steps! It is the perfect way to add a personal touch to your home decor with a just few minutes and a few dollars!
Earlier this summer I went on a retreat where I stayed at a home of a friend of a friend out in the Utah country-side. Her home decor was gorgeous. Seriously beautiful. There were so many unique touches that made me fall so in love with the home and I was so impressed with all of the handmade details that were used in the decor. I shared a few of the adorable things I found there on our Instagram, but one thing I was really inspired by and knew I NEEDED to recreate for myself were some planked photo frames that were hung on the wall as art. The idea was so simple, but made such an impact!
Usually big, solid, and detailed frames can be really pricey to buy. I really love the look of them though so the planked frame is really the perfect solution. The chunky-form factor gives the frame a really substantial feel and allows you to decorate with something that feels upscale without the hefty price tag. The best part though is that it is amazingly quick and easy to make and totally customizable to your decor.
What you need for this project:
- 1- 8×10 Photo – I ordered from Shutterfly
- 3 – 1×4″ boards cut to 14″ in length
- 2 – 1/2 x1″ boards cut to the total width of your 3 boards (approx 10.5″) in length
- Paint or stain
- Liquid nails
- Matte Modge Podge
- Scissors
This project is basically four steps, but I will break each down for you so you know EXACTLY what to do and how to do it!
- Get your wood cut
- Paint or stain the wood to match your photo/ decor
- Glue/nail the wood together
- Adhere the photo
Step 1: Get your wood cut!
To start the project you will need to make a trip to the hardware store, I used Home Depot. If you have never bought wood at the hardware store it is super simple and inexpensive. You will want to go to the lumber section and locate the 1×4″ boards and the 1/2 x 1″ boards and grab one of each. I grabbed mine at Home Depot and actually got them cut right there for me! If you find someone in the lumber department they are happy to chop them down for you really quickly.
Have the 1×4″ board cut into sections that are 14″ in length. Then measure the actual width of your 1×4 (wood has shrinkage, so even though it is called 1″ x 4″, the actual width will probably be closer to 3.5″) and multiply it by 3 to get the length you want your 1/2 x 1″ board cut. Since mine were 3.5″, I had my 1/2 x1 cut to lengths of 10.5″. Like I said, they can do all of the cuts for you at the hardware store to make it super simple.
Step 2: Paint or stain your wood.
Once you get your wood home you will want to paint or stain it to match your decor. I decided to go with a really beachy, distressed white-washed look to go with these new family photos we had printed from Shutterfly. I used Americana Decor Chalky finish paint on mine, but you can use really any stain or paint you like, from acrylic to latex, to go with your pictures or home decor though. Here is a step-by-step on how to get the distressed white washed finish.
Next use your board to very lightly mark on your photo where you will want to cut the picture to fit on the planks. I tried to make the three sections of the picture as even as possible as to avoid cutting though anyone’s pretty face.
Step 3: Glue or nail your frame together.
Once you have used the board to mark your photo you can assemble the frame by placing the 1×4 boards together and then using a small amount of liquid nails to attach the 1/2 x 1″ boards along each side. Be careful with the liquid nails because if you get too much it will seep out and it does not dry clear, so look for any excess and make sure to wipe it up before it dries. You could also use an old fashioned hammer and nails on each side to hold the frame together if you prefer.
Step 4: Adhere your photo.
Once the glue is dry (or it is nailed together) you are ready to attach your picture. Cut along the marks you made so that you have three sections with the middle one matching the width of the plank. Then line them up on your board and apply a generous amount of Matte Modge Podge to the back of each piece and adhere it evenly to the frame. Once they are all attached you get to go crazy like a Kindergartener with glue and put a nice, thick, even layer of the Modge Podge over the whole front of the frame. Don’t worry… it will dry clear and leave you with a very durable finish on your frame!
So that it is it! Basically four steps to a beautiful chunky, shabby chic, DIY planked picture frame for your home!
- Get your wood cut
- Paint or stain the wood to match your photo/ decor
- Glue/nail the wood together
- Adhere the photo
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vicky says
Hi!!i loved your post!i’m writting all the way long from Argentina!i want to do this kind of frame to my sister for christmas and have 3 or 4 photos to do like one attached to the oher in a line. but my question is, the photo is actually on photo paper or it is a laser print?And one more thing here i don’t have the mod podge ’cause here nobody sell it, can i used other kind of glue?
Thanks!!
Vicky
Kimber says
Hi Vicky! Thanks for finding me all the way from Argentina! I used photos printed at Costco onto photo paper. I think you might could print them yourself but I would worry about the ink running if the glue was too wet. I have only used modge podge but I know DecoArt and Martha stewart both have a line of decopage. You could try elmers glue too bc it dies clear, but I am not sure if it would work well or not. Please let me know what you try and how it comes out!
Laura says
Looks great! I chose this particular 1 since its not transferring a mirrored image & covering it in medium but my question is are the pictures you’re using lazer or inkjet prints? I’m afraid to cover an inkjet print with mod podge & have it smear. Thank you for this DIY!
Kimber says
Hi Laura! I actually had mine printed on photo paper at the store and cut them up. I haven’t tried a home printer. Hope this helps!