Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

If you have a particular piece to frame, and that piece happens to be large or oddly shaped, you know how frustrating and/or expensive it can be to frame it. That’s where being able to build your own picture frame comes in handy. With a DIY picture frame, you can easily create it to your size and style specifications. This tutorial illustrates how to make a very basic DIY picture frame in under an hour (plus drying time for any stain or paint you choose) and can be used to frame a 3D object – specifically, sensory “mermaid tail” fabric that is quite trendy right now. Visitors young and old will love this. Here’s how.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric
Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

Using 1×2 lumber lengths, cut two sets of identical frame sides with 45-degree corners. If you are mounting a 3D piece, such as mermaid tail to your frame, your final frame size should be 1”-2” larger than your mounting piece. For example, a 20”x30” mermaid tail piece will require a frame that measures 21”-22” by 31”-32” on the outside.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

Be sure to measure your final frame lengths from the outside point of your 45-degree corners.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

Lightly sand all frame pieces using 120- or 220-grit sandpaper. Do not sand the mitered corners.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

Using a square as your guide, clamp together one of each set of your frame lengths in a perfect 90-degree joint.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

Use a brad nailer to join the two frame lengths together. I nailed in two or three nails on each side of every corner.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

Admire your 90-degree corner for a second, then repeat the square clamping and nailing on the three other corners.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

Here is your perfectly square-cornered frame. It’s connected, but it’s not particularly secure yet.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

Lay your completed frame, front side down, on a clean and flat surface. Use a heavy-duty stapler to secure the corners together on the back side, about three staples per corner should do the trick.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

When the frame is secured with corner staples, it’s time to finish it. Stain or paint it as you want. This example uses a Krylon clear coat. Let dry completely.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

While your frame finish is drying, it’s time to get your mermaid tail fabric or other 3D frame-able piece ready. For the fabric: lay your mermaid tail fabric face-down on a flat surface.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

Place a piece of foam board sized to your frame’s specifications on top of the fabric with an inch or two of fabric overhang on all sides. This example uses a standard 20”x30” foam board, sold at any craft store. (Note: For even better results, spray the fabric-touching side of the foam board with adhesive spray before laying it on the fabric.)

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

Pulling the mermaid tail fabric taut as you go, wrap and tape the edges onto the back of your foam board with duct tape. Be sure there are no wrinkles in your fabric.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

You will end up with a lovely, flat mermaid tail fabric piece, mounted securely onto your foam board. This is now ready to be framed.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

Once the frame is completely dry, use your stapler to attach the mermaid tail fabric to the back of the frame. It should be centered so there is a ½” to 1” space between the fabric and the outside edge of your frame. Staple all the way around the foam board to attach it to the frame securely.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

Attach mounting hardware to the back of the frame and hang it up.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

This is a fun and even therapeutic sensory resource. Swipe the fabric one way for one color, swipe opposite for another.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

The frame provides a perfect support and structure, not to mention style, to this fabric.

Simple DIY Picture Frame for Mermaid Tail Fabric

With a contemporary DIY picture frame, you can even add something youthful like mermaid tail sequins to a gallery wall. Just make sure to mount it at a height that’s appropriate for its intended audience (namely: kids or seated adults). Have fun! Enjoy!