How was I Inspired to create these chic veneer frames? Of all the home improvement projects I completed recently, I am most proud of my lined kitchen cabinets and drawers. In lieu of the usual contact paper or rubber mats, I found some gorgeous veneer sheets in a cherry-ish finish that looks great with my newly painted kitchen cabinets at my favorite thrift store. True to form, I loved the material so much that I saved the scraps hoping inspiration would strike later on.
On another recent thrifting adventure, I came across these wood frames with thick sides and relatively small openings. As a creator, I NEVER pass these up. They are perfect for showcasing your creativity whether it be stamping, clay, mosaics, hand painting or anything really. At fifty cents a pop-SOLD!!! I raided my patterned paper stash, rubber stamps, decorative tape and came up with these chic beauties. Mom keeps vintage photos in an old box so it was easy to choose the perfect focal point for these chic veneer frames. I’m also making several for my sister, who is giving them as teachers gifts this year.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom to see what other bloggers have created from their thrift store finds.
Supplies for Chic Veneer Frames
- Thrift store or purchased Wooden frames with thick sides
- Thin Veneer sheets (available at Home Improvement stores and many times thrift stores)
- Double-sided Patterned Papers
- Decorative Tape
- Vintage photos of choice, two
- Rubber stamps: foliage, bird-themed, butterfly themed
- Black StazOn Ink Pad (Tsukineko)
- Paper trimmer
- Aleenes (iLoveToCreate): Original Tacky Glue; Paper Glaze
Instructions for Chic Veneer Frames
1. For a large frame, use paper trimmer to cut three 3″x3-1/2″ rectangles from Cherry and Birch veneers, five 3″x3-1/2″ rectangles from Cherry veneer and five 3″x3-1/2″ rectangles from butterfly patterned paper.
2. Stamp butterflies on veneer pieces as shown. Glue pieces to frame, alternating between veneer pieces and patterned paper pieces. When the frame is covered, use script patterned paper to fill in areas between paper and veneer and place photo inside the frame.
3. For a small frame, use a paper trimmer to cut three 2-5/8″x2-1/4″ rectangles each from Cherry and Birch veneers. Cut four 2-5/8″x2-1/4″ rectangles from bird patterned paper. Stamp bird and nature-themed motifs on veneer pieces and adhere pieces to frame as shown.
4. Use tape to cover areas between wood and paper on the frame and place photo inside the frame.
Tips and Tricks
- Decorative tape is so fun to use because it’s totally forgiving. If you don’t have the perfect decorative tape, no worries. You can use thin pieces of patterned or solid paper to separate your tiles.
- Most big box craft retailers stock wide edged wood frames in the unfinished wood section.
- Chic Veneer Frames would make perfect, inexpensive gifts for holiday gifts, teachers gifts, hostess gifts or for any occasion. Buy some veneer and create them in bulk to have on hand for quick gifting.
- Instead of rubber stamping, use your wood burning skills to decorative the veneer tiles.
Co-Hosts
Neat way to spruce up a frame! Makes me want to see the rest of your kitchen.
I love the addition of the patterns and papers! Great job!
What beautiful decor! I love the way these frames turned out. Such a pretty way to display your photos!