I worked on this labor of love the last few days, as time allowed. I considered altering a purchased frame, but every now and then I feel compelled to create fully from scratch, simply for the pleasure of working with my hands and heart. Pearl flourishes, glittered Prima roses, satin ribbon...
...and a quote from Flourishes' Falling Leaves set... My Mind's Eye designer paper and some cardstock from my stash, Spellbinders dies, and a bit of heavy cardboard...
Planning and measuring and figuring on the construction.
One of those tiny details which is barely noticed.
The opening is cut for a 4 x 6 photo. I found that 4 x 6 photos are not exactly 4 x 6. One really needs to use a photo as a guide and cut the opening slighly smaller than the photo in order to cover the edges. The opening could be placed anywhere on the frame, not necessarily centered. Measuring would be easier if it wasn't centered. I haven't provided all the details and dimensions because we'd never come to the end of this post were I to get too detailed.
I cut all the frame parts from heavy cardboard. The openings were cut with a utility knife. The opening on the frame back is cut larger to allow insertion of the photo. The removable back cover was made with the piece I cut from the center. It was necessary to trim it down a little to accomodate the paper which covers the parts.
I used Mod Podge for adhesive. Cover the entire piece, opening and all. Cut an X through the opening and fold the paper to the back side. Trim any points that may overhang, then adhere in place.
This is the piece I cut from the back which shows how I trimmed the corners before folding to the back. This removable piece was lined on the inside, too.
I painted a Mod Podge finish on all exterior surfaces, then sprayed with a matte acrylic sealer. Both of these products were purchased at Wal-Mart.
The photo turns were attached, then the front and back glued together with Mod Podge. A little Crazy Glue along the edges assures no popping apart later.
The kick stand was attached with a hinge and brads.
The inner mat is removable. Crystal Clear Cardstock was cut to cover the photo within the frame.
The photo is my sister at age 14. She fell victim to a brain aneurism when in her 20's. She was a pretty little thing, wasn't she? We were 20 years apart in age, so I was just a little shaver when she died, but I remember her, I grew up loving her, and her picture has always been where I see it every day.
All my embellishments - Pearls, Primas, ribbon -- are from Flourishes, though some items may be temporarily out of stock. Dawn is sharing more floral creations on the Newsletter today, too. I don't know what she's cooked up, but I know it will be pretty and I'll be heading over there to take a look. You may also enjoy visiting the other Flourishes girls who are sharing cards or projects:
I'm so glad you could visit with me today. Have a wonderful weekend!
Pretty frame you created for your keepsake picture-yes, a labor of love.
Posted by: Bev | 04/30/2010 at 03:57 AM
What a wonderful creation Leslie...and a real tribute to your sister. You can tell that this frame is a work of love...that is what I saw as soon as I looked at it, even before I knew it was your sister....You have a very big heart girl!!!
Posted by: Velta | 04/30/2010 at 04:19 AM
beautiful. Yes a labour of love.
Posted by: yogi | 04/30/2010 at 05:45 AM
Oh my gosh - a picture frame totally hand made! This is utterly gorgeous, Leslie! And such a wonderful tribute to your sister - how sad.
Posted by: Lynette | 04/30/2010 at 06:01 AM
This is absolutely gorgeous, Leslie....and it's obvious how much thought and love was put into it. She was very beautiful, Leslie...and I'm so sorry she left this earth at such a young age. Big hugs!!
Posted by: Rose Ann | 04/30/2010 at 06:24 AM
Oh Leslie what a beautiful testament to your love for your sister. She is beautiful and so is your frame to remember her!
Posted by: Julie Koerber | 04/30/2010 at 06:47 AM
Leslie this is beautiful. I love the flowers and your pearls. You are so creative making your own frame. I did not know that about your sis, I am so sorry. I think this is a great picture to have showcasing her. Hugs....
Posted by: Stacy aka Twinshappy SCS | 04/30/2010 at 07:03 AM
This is gorgeous, Leslie. Loved reading your touching story about your sister and how you keep her close by even now. Very, very lovely.
Posted by: SueB | 04/30/2010 at 07:09 AM
Leslie - what a lovely tribute to your sister and her memory. Your picture frame perfectly showcases your sweet sister's beauty.
Posted by: Gabi With An Eye | 04/30/2010 at 07:53 AM
Oh Leslie! What a stunning creation and a wonderful way to display your sisters beautiful picture! I am glad you remember her and treasure those memories. I shed a tear for her and you...hugs!
Posted by: Danielle | 04/30/2010 at 08:24 AM
Leslie...what a beautiful tribute to your sister. And such a labor of love and craftsmanship. Stunning work...I love the little touch on the back of the frame too. Those tiny things that make it even more special.
Posted by: ChristineCreations | 04/30/2010 at 08:29 AM
This is so lovely, and I like that you made this for yourself to keep her close in heart. Wonderful details that make this frame very special!
Posted by: Traci Major | 04/30/2010 at 09:20 AM
This is just stunning, Lesile!! It's work of art and what a lovely tribute to your sister. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Makiko Jones | 04/30/2010 at 11:17 AM
This is stunning, Leslie...the flowers, pearls, paper, everything! A true treasure to hold a special memory!
Posted by: Michele B. | 04/30/2010 at 12:29 PM
The love of your sister is so evident in this beautiful creation you have made in her honor. What a wonderful tribute to her. {{Hugs}}
Posted by: Susan (rainy) | 04/30/2010 at 12:40 PM
Oh my word, Leslie! I'm in awe of this gorgeous handmade frame! Those flowers and pearls are perfect, and all your attention to detail, as always, has resulted in another awesome creation. And, your sister was indeed beautiful!
Posted by: Broni | 04/30/2010 at 01:56 PM
Gosh, Leslie, I haven't been out to visit anyone in a LONG time, and you even moved! Good for you. Hope it is working better -- I am sure tempted, but it's a time issue as well as lack of knowledge -- LOL!!! One of these days! LOVE this frame -- truly gorgeous work as always, and YES, your sister certainly was beautiful. So sorry she left at such a young age -- how sad for your family. Now I need to take a little scroll down and check out your new digs!!!
Posted by: Sharon (notimetostamp) | 04/30/2010 at 04:23 PM
Leslie, this is stunning. What a gorgeous frame you created. The picture of your sister is so sweet, and it made me sad to read about her dying so young. What a great way to display her beautiful picture and remember her.
Posted by: Karen | 04/30/2010 at 05:16 PM
Oh WOWWWW, totally gorgeous! Love those flowers!
Posted by: Denise (peanutbee) | 04/30/2010 at 07:30 PM
Amazing...such a beautiful creation for the memory of your sister. Such a sad story, and it's wonderful that you remember her. This is a wonderful tribute.
Posted by: Laura (scrapnextras) | 04/30/2010 at 11:21 PM
Gorgeous piece of art...and what a beautiful way to keep your sisters memory!!!
Posted by: Diane Hov | 05/01/2010 at 05:21 AM
Awesome work on the frame, so professional looking, lovely rememberance of your sister!
Posted by: Conniecrafter | 05/01/2010 at 07:06 AM
Setting of grand color and love surround your sister's memory with your talented craft and cherished memories. What a lovely sight each day!
Thank you for sharing.
mttwenty-threestamperatyahoodotcom
Posted by: mt23stamper | 05/01/2010 at 07:23 AM
Leslie this is one gorgeous frame!!! What a perfect way to show off the sweet photo of your sister!!! Sorry to hear that her life was cut so short :( Hugs ~S~
Posted by: Silke Ledlow | 05/01/2010 at 02:14 PM
I just left you a little "sunshine," Leslie! Check out my blog for the details:)
Posted by: Lynette | 05/02/2010 at 05:08 AM
Gorgeous Leslie!! All the details are just so beautiful!! What a beautiful frame for a beautiful photo and memory.
Posted by: Dee Jackson | 05/02/2010 at 05:23 AM
Leslie, this is just breathtaking! Plus your tutorial is just wonderful :)
hugs,
latisha
Posted by: Latisha | 05/02/2010 at 07:11 PM
Love the tutorial, love the frame. Love the story behind the picture!! Beautiful tribute to her!!
Posted by: Peggy - Small Steps to Giant Leaps | 05/02/2010 at 07:48 PM
What a sweet and beautiful tribute to your big sister. She must be smiling down on you as you continue to remember her everyday. TFS
Posted by: nancy littrell | 05/03/2010 at 08:50 PM
Leslie, this is so beautiful, your frame is stunning with the flowers and those gorgeous pearls. Your sister is beautiful! I am so sorry for your loss, your parents must have been devastated. I lost my brother (we were 18 months apart) in an automobile accident in l987. My family has never been the same. We've learned you never get over it, you learn to live with it. Bless you my friend, Jerri
Posted by: Jerri Kay | 05/06/2010 at 05:55 AM