Leather frames add warmth and texture to any picture wall or shelf. Create the look of a leather frame with a faux leather made from brown paper packaging paper or paper sack. The process is so simple you will want to make several and give them as gifts.
Things You’ll Need:
Brown packaging paper or paper sack
Picture frame
Ruler
Pencil
Scissors
Tacky glue
Water
Sponge brush
Burnt umber or raw umber acrylic paint
Acrylic spray sealer
Instructions:
Step 1 – Measure the width and height of the picture frame’s outer edge. Add twice the width of the frame edge and the height of the two sides to attain the desired width of the paper strip. For example, the frame edge is 2-inches wide and ½-inch tall. Add 4 plus ½ plus ½ for a total of 5-inches. This is the width of the paper strip.
Step 2 – Measure the distance around the frame to determine the required length of the strip or strips. For example a 5 by 7 picture frame requires a minimum of 30-inches of paper strips. This allows for corner overlap.
Step 3 – Measure, mark and cut two to three strips of brown packaging paper or a paper sack to adequately cover the picture frame.
Step 4 – Crunch the cut strips to create wrinkles, folds and creases in the strip. Smooth the paper strip without moving the imperfections.
Step 5 – Remove the glass and backing from the picture frame. Cover the front and sides of the picture frame with tacky glue.
Step 6 – Immediately center and position the strips over the glued area. Press the strips into place. Add tacky glue under any overlapped areas.
Step 7 – Flip the frame over and glue the edges around the back of the frame. Allow the glue to dry completely before continuing.
Step 8 – Paint a layer of water over the entire surface of the brown paper. Allow the paper to dry thoroughly before continuing. The water causes the fibers in the brown paper to shrink. The shrinkage adds to the texture of the faux leather.
Step 9 – Paint the front and side edges of the picture frame with burnt umber or raw umber acrylic pain. Immediately wipe the paint from the paper surface making sure to leave the paint in the creases and wrinkles. Allow the paint to dry completely before continuing.
Step 10 – Apply three to five layers of acrylic spray sealer to the faux leather surface. Allow 10 to 15 minutes between coats.
Finish the back of the frame following the instructions from Step 9 and 10.