Easy Way to Frame a Canvas Picture

Actually a better title for the post might be, “A lazy DIYer’s guide to framing art and restoring old frames”. Yes, I’m talking about the paintings my kiddos made the other day. And n0, you wouldn’t use this method on a valuable piece of art. If you are looking for the proper way to frame a stretched canvas then skip this post altogether and head on over to this one.

The paintings and faux bamboo frames were an Old Lucketts Store spring market find. When I checked the backs and saw the staples (the canvas was stapled directly to the frame, another lazy DIY’er method one that I do not recommend) I was disappointed but not enough to walk away from the $5 deal.

We patiently pulled out every one of the staples, saved the original paintings, and mounted our new art into the frame.

Alert: This method is strictly for the “not so valuable and not so heavy” canvas paintings that you have around your home. I was sure my kids will want to paint over their current masterpieces once the initial fancy is over. My tool of choice; the mighty old glue gun! On a side note, look at that glue gun! That ugliness in itself certifies that I’m a passionate DIY’er, doesn’t it? 🙂

We placed beads of hot glue on the edges where the frame met the canvas. Two beads per side. Our logic was, we’ll use an Exacto knife or a hair dryer to loosen the glue when we wanted to remove the canvases from the frame.

And that is it! No screws, wires, or nails. We hung them on the wall with wait for it……push pins. 🙂 Again the frames are light weight and they are in a very low traffic area of the home. So I think we’re good.

Oh, forgot to tell ya. There were paint chips on a few places (see the white spot next to the paint) on the frames that I touched up with Martha Stewart Metallic Gold craft paint.

The color is not an exact match but it’ll work till I get around to repainting the frames.

Another thing I forgot to mention the other day; when you DIY art with kids make sure they sign and date them. I think both my monkeys liked this step the most. Should have seen their proud faces! 🙂

Do you use any decorating shortcuts? I’ve seen quite a few on Pinterest but this is only the third one that I’ve actually used. You can read about the other ones here and here.