Tutorial for Making a Frame

In this tutorial I would like to show you how to make a frame around a page using one of the Graphic 45 striped paper. You need to choose a paper that has a repeating patterned least four times. Each pattern must be the same width, if you want your corners to match.

Choose your background paper and leave it the full 12x12 inches. Choose a second print paper to be a contrast and cut it to 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 inches and tape to the background paper in the middle. In the Halloween in Wonderland layout I used Wonderland Classifieds and my background and my contrast print was Jabberwocky. For my stripe I used Uncommon Nonsense.

Once you have your background page and contrasting page taped together, you are ready to make your frame. Cut your four stripes pieces the same width and place one stripe each side of the contrasting square, leaving a whisker showing on the outer edge. This will make the frame 11 1/8 x 11 1/8. Place a small amount of tape under each stripe in the middle. Don't used too much as you will need to lift the frame off, when the corners are done. Tape the two pieces of frame together at the corners ( but not to the base papers), to make it a bit firmer. Check that your frame is square using a ruler, to do this measure from the outside edge of your frame across at the top and then at the bottom. both measurements should be the same. Turn the page and repeat the other way. If all measurements are the same then your frame will be square.

When happy you can make the mitre in each corner. To do this, use a ruler and measure from inside corner to the outer corner. Mark with a pencil. Do this to all four corners. To make it easier for you to see, I have removed my frame from my page, you don't need to do this yet.

Cut with scissors but only the top layer and not the bottom. Do this to all four corners. To make it easier for you to see I have removed my frame from my page, you don't need to do this yet. Rove the extra bits hanging under the frame and tape down the top corner to the bottom.

Remove the frame in one pieces and turn it over and reinforce with the frame with cardboard along each side of the frame. I always put my frames on my pages with foam tape, this gives depth to my layouts. Be generous with the amount of foam tape you use, as this stops the frame from sagging. Be careful when sticking frame to page. I always stick only a little bit on at a time, rather than trying to do it in one go. You now not only have a frame, but you have a shadow box. You can now build up other pieces on your layout.

Here are another couple of samples of Frame Layouts.

In the Christmas layout I used Bazzill for my background, Yours Truly form my contrast print with Uncommon Nonsense for my Stripe.

In my layout playtime past, I used Always on my Mind, for the background, for my contrast page I used Dolly's tea Party and for my stripe I used Jack and Jill.

Let me know how you get on making a frame, I would love to hear so leave me a comment.
Thanks for looking

Jane

PS Only 19 sleeps to go.