Instead of throwing out all those colorful candy wrappers leftover from trick-or-treating, save them to create a frame that’s as sweet as the photo it holds!
Supplies:
Wood frame (unfinished works best)
Craft paint (optional)
Candy wrappers
Scissors
White glue
Paintbrush
Here’s how:
1. | Cover your workspace with newspaper and wear old clothes or a smock.
2. | Remove the glass and back from the frame and leave the wood unfinished, or paint it a color and allow it to dry completely.
3. | Gather your wrappers and sort them by color and size to plan your design. If desired, trim sections or images off of the wrappers. (Avoid plastic wrappers; paper or waxed paper ones will adhere much better.)
4. | Squeeze about a tablespoon of glue into a jar lid or other small disposable container.
5. | Individually turn each wrapper face down on the newspaper, use a paintbrush to apply glue to the back and then adhere them to your frame. Apply them randomly or create a pattern.
6. | Use your fingers to press them down tightly. You can wrap them around the sides of the frame, or let them hang over and trim them with scissors or a craft knife (a parent’s job) when the glue is dry.
7. | Allow your frame to dry, then replace the glass and insert your favorite photo from Halloween, or one of your special sweetheart!
More ideas:
• Use wrappers from a single candy for a different look.
• Use wrappers from Valentine or Christmas candy to make frames for those holidays.
• Frame a photo of a friend or relative in wrappers of their favorite candy.
• Glue on rhinestones or other small items for a decorative touch.
• Put a mirror in the frame instead of a photo.
• Try this technique to decorate boxes or other unfinished wood objects.
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Pamela Maxwell is an artist, author and mother of two growing boys. Her craft and scrapbooking projects have appeared in numerous books and magazines. Photos by Pamela Maxwell.
