With winter on its direct path toward us, I start to think about things I can give as gifts. Yes, there will enough of the generic gift giving, like gift cards, DVDs, and CDs but I still also take this time to think of some more personalized gifts. I love giving gifts that took some effort and care to create. Coming from a sentimental family with a silly-heart mentality, I can’t help but think of photo projects. There are plenty of things you can make by using basic craft supplies and picture frames.

First of all, go to your local craft store and pick up some art paper. Get a variety of colors, maybe some fabric with border designs, or cardstock and some clean drying glue, semi-permanent to permanent, not the grade school kind. Also, pick up an assortment of decorations. You can find this stuff probably in the scrapbooking section, though it can be used for any type of project.

Find a variety of wooden picture frames. Select from several  painted frames or buy wood stain and/or paint separately and apply it yourself. Cut the paper or other flexible fabric to fit the back edges of the frame.  You may leave the glass in to protect the paper or take it out to keep the paper texture more visible. Take the glue and apply it using a brush or popsicle stick to the flat back side of the wooden frame so that it leaves only a thin layering. Adhere the paper carefully so that it lays evenly on all four sides, the design side facing the front of the frame.

This is just one in a series of ideas. Try it out and see what you think of it.