A lot of DIY projects and crafts are based on creativity. Part of being creative is being able to think outside the box and to use simple and everyday items in new and interesting ways. For example, a picture frame is a lot more versatile than you think. You can turn into a beautiful and unique decoration just by making a few changes to it. When you’re done you’ll have a lovely chicken wire frame that you can keep on your desk or display somewhere else in your home.

Materials needed to make a chicken wire frame:

wood framepaint brushchicken wiretongsmini clothespinstwinelight blue acrylic paintscissorshot glue gluedecorative tape

How to craft a chicken wire frame: step by step guide

Step 1: Prepare the materials

It’s always helpful to gather all the supplies needed for a project before you actually start working on it. Being organized helps you stay on top on things and gives you a better idea of what’s about to come. We chose to paint the frame light blue but, as always, you can pick a different color if you want to.

Step 2: Remove the backing

Before you do anything else, remove the backing from the wooden frame. You’re not going to need it and you can set it aside and use it on a different project. Remove it gently so you don’t damage the frame.

Step 3: Paint the frame

The next thing you need to do is paint the frame. Get a pair of gloves if you don’t want to get paint on your hands. Then start painting the whole front of the frame and make sure you also paint the inside and the outside edges as well. Once the first coat is dry, go ahead and apply another coat of paint. This will give you a nice and smooth coverage without any imperfections.

Step 4: Cut a piece of chicken wire for the new backing

Wait until the second coat of paint is nice and dry, then flip the frame over and place the chicken wire over it. Use your tongs to cut it in order to make a new backing for the frame. You should cut a piece of chicken wire that can fit snugly inside the frame without stretching too far out.

Step 5: Glue the chicken wire onto the frame

The next step is to glue the chicken wire backing onto the frame. Plug in your hot glue gun and let it get hot, then apply small dabs of hot glue around the inner edge of the frame and then add the piece of chicken wire on top. Add more glue to secure the backing and make sure it’s nicely centered. Let the glue dry.

Step 6: Paint the chicken wire

Use your paintbrush and some of the leftover acrylic paint to paint the chicken wire backing so it matches the frame. Don’t rush the process and make sure you cover all the corners and all the bits. Then set the frame aside and let the paint dry for a bit. In the meantime you can continue with the next step of the project.

Step 7: Make a little twine flower

While you’re waiting for the paint to dry you can work on the little twine flower. Take a piece of twine and put a bit of hot glue on it, then make a small loop that resembles a petal. Add another dab of glue and another petal and continue until you complete the flower. Try to make the petals symmetrical but don’t worry if the flower doesn’t look perfect in the end. When you’re done, cut off the excess twine.

Step 8: Put a little pearl bead at the center of the flower

This step is optional. You can leave your twine flower as it is but you can also add a little pearl bead at the center just to give it a bit more detail. You can also use other items for this, like a tiny button for example. Just look around and see what you can find.

Step 9: Decorate the top and bottom of the frame with tape

The project is almost done. All you need to do is put the finishing touches on it. Take your decorative tape and place some along the top and the bottom of the frame. Depending on what type of tape you’re using you can change the design a little bit and try some different patterns.

Step 10: Add the flower in the top left corner

The final step is to take the twine flower that you’ve prepared earlier and to glue it into the top left corner of the frame. Actually, you can place it anywhere you want and you can even make more flowers if you want to. After that is done, you’re ready to hang little picture on your new frame using mini clothespins.