How to Make a Nature Picture Frame with Sticks and Twigs

Nature offers all sorts of art and craft supplies – all you have to do is collect them. One of the interesting items you can make with natural twigs and sticks is a picture frame. You can make this as big or as small as you like. You can keep it or give it as a gift. You can make several in graduated sizes, or using different types of twigs.

Here is a list of supplies you’ll need, and directions on how to assemble the frame. Use your imagination – take the following suggestions and individualize them to make a frame that fits your style.

Supplies:

* Twelve straight sticks in two different lengths (for example, six 8-inch sticks and six 6-inch ones), from 1/4 to 1/2 inches thick. For a square frame, use sticks that are all the same length.

* Natural twine

* Glue gun and hot glue

* Ruler

* Moss, small pine cones, feathers, acorns, etc. (optional)

* Newspaper, large piece of brown paper, old sheet, etc. (This is to protect your indoor work area from bits of twigs, glue, and such)

Directions:

1. Gather various twigs, sticks, and optional decorations, making sure the sticks are as straight as possible.

2. Lay out the newspaper or sheet over your work area.

3. Strip leaves from sticks.

4. Break sticks into uniform lengths.

5. Lay out the sticks in a rough square or rectangle, using three sticks per side.

6. Use the ruler to obtain a frame opening that is the size of the photo or picture you want to frame. The twigs and sticks can overlap at the corners as much as you like.

7. Using the glue gun, glue the corners of the frame together and leave it to dry.

8. When the glue is dry, wrap the twine around the glued corners – you can tie it in bows on the front of the frame, or tie the twine in the back in a knot, or some other creative look.

9. On the front of the frame, glue pieces of moss, pinecones, and other interesting things you found outside. You can use these items to cover gaps in the twigs.

10. When your decorations are dry, turn the frame over so that the back is facing up. Glue the photo (or use poster putty for a less permanent mount) to the back of the frame so that it faces forward.

These directions are basic; there are all sorts of creative ways you can make a picture frame from sticks. You can adapt this project to your classroom if you are a teacher, or as a fun project for any group of kids. Adults can enjoy this project as well, working in groups or on your own. As people are becoming more interested in natural, eco-friendly furnishings and decorations, this project fits right in.

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