Introduction: Refurbished Frame Photoboard

About: Upcycled and Repurposed Goods for the Home

Sometimes getting individual frames for photos is expensive and labor intensive (to hang or not to hang, neat grid vs. collage style, there's just no escape), so larger alternatives make switching out displays easy. This particular hourlong project takes the place of your college pinboard for a fun yet sophisticated wall display that doesn't involve damaging your photos with pins!

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

For this project you'll need:

An empty frame (any prepwork on the frame i.e. painting, staining, and removing backings should be done before starting)

Cardboard

Jute upholstery webbing

Boxcutter

Scissors

Hot glue gun & sticks

Nail set & nails (staples work as well)

Step 2: Cut Out Backing

Measure and cut out a piece of cardboard that fits inside the notched portion of your frame. Be sure to leave a little breathing room on the right and left sides, as it should accommodate a double layer of the jute once all is said and done.

Step 3: Arrange Jute Strips

Cut a series of jute strips that will go all the way across the cardboard with a couple inches to spare on either side for wraparound. You can choose how much overlap you want in the strips, here we had about an inch. Greater overlap means more pockets, but make sure it'll still fit in your frame once the strips are wrapped around the cardboard.

Step 4: Glue Jute Strips

Once you've decided how much overlap to allow, start from the top and work your way down gluing the jute strips. The top strip can be totally glued down, with every other strip glued only along the bottom edge. It helps to put a dot of glue in the middle of the strip and work your way out, making sure the strip is flat and tight.

Step 5: Wraparound

Starting from the top once more, wrap the extra length of strip around to the back of the cardboard and glue. Take extra care to pull tight particularly on the unglued top edge of the strip, as no one enjoys floppy pockets.

Step 6: Install Board

Once all your strips are in place, pop the board into the frame and use either the nail set and nails or staples to keep it in place.

Step 7: Add Hanging Hardware

This can be brackets or hooks and wire, depending on the weight of your frame. Make sure your frame is right side up before installing the hardware!

Once this is done, it's ready to hang and hold a rotating supply of memories!