Creative Idea for Displaying Photos Without a Frame
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read my Disclosure Policy.
Creative idea for displaying photos on a table, mantel or console without a frame. In less than 20 minutes, you can make a few of these photo holders by up-cycling jar or teapot lids.
In a previous blog post I showed you how I used ribbon to make photos mats for picture frames that I wanted to display some of my favorite photos.
If you have a cell phone, then I know you have hundreds of photos that live on your phone.
Instead of them being hidden away, why not print a few? Use your computer printer and display them for everyone to enjoy.
What Can I Use Instead of a Picture Frame to Display Photos?
To display photos on a tabletop without using a frame, you can use teapot or canister lids to make wired lid photo holders. You can make one, a collection as I did or even make them to give as gifts.
A friend of mine is having a new house built. I was inspired to make something useful using scrap electrical copper wire she gave me. She thought of me when she saw all the wire scrap and knew I would find a way to repurpose them.
Ceramic and china teapot lids as well as any jar lid with a knob will work to create tabletop photo holders. A lid, some wire and 20 minutes is all that you need.
Where To Find Teapot and Canister Lids
You may have more lids from teapots and canisters than you realize. Take a look around your house to find a few.
If you have a teapot that broke, but the lid survived, then you have just what you need.
If you don’t have any lids, many thrift or antique stores usually have a basket filled with lids that lost their teapot, canister or jar. They are usually very inexpensive to buy.
Where to Find Wire To Make the Photo Holder
You may also have wire. Check your garage where there may be some stashed in a drawer or tool box.
You don’t have to use electrical wire, but wire around 12 gauge will work. You can find wire at the home improvement store as well as in the jewelry making aisle at the craft store.
How to Make Teapot or Jar Lid Photo Holders
supplies needed:
- Teapot lid or any lid that has a knob on it.
- Wire – I used 12-gauge copper electrical wire, but you can use any wire. I used a 20–inch length, but the length needed will be determined by the size of the lid’s knob.
- Dowel of some sort – handle section of a wooden spoon or a magic marker will work also.
- Point-nose pliers
- Wire cutters
Time needed: 20 minutes.
Make a Photo Holder By Repurposing a Jar or Teapot Lid
- Create Wire Loop Holder Section
Using a dowel, the handle of a wooden spoon or a thick marker – place wire on top of dowel with 2 inches extending on one end. Wrap wire around the dowel two times.
Then wrap the 2-inch excess around the rest of the other end of the wire. Cut the 2-inch excess end if needed.
- Remove Looped Section
Carefully remove the looped section from dowel. It should look like this.
- Attach Wire Loop Section to Lid
Place bottom wrapped section of loops on the center of the lid’s knob and bend the wire under the top part of the knob and press wire to follow the curve of the knob. - Wrap Wire Around Knob
Using the point-nose pliers, wrap the wire around the knob two times, ending where you started. This will become the back of the photo holder. Cut the excess off and use the pliers to push the end of the wire close to the knob. - Bend the loops
Using the pliers, bend the loops so they stand up. - Pull Wire Tightly Around Knob
Using the pliers pull wire tightly around the knob and cut excess. - All Done
Place photo in-between the wire loops.
The Best Way To Display the Photo Holders on a Table
When grouping a collection of small photos, group them in odd-numbers to create more interest for a table display.
The photos I used are the latest of my granddaughter, Zoe. :-) I don’t get to see her enough, so having photos of her around the house is the next best thing.
Video Tutorial
If you like prefer to watch a video to see how to make photo holders without using a frame, here you go.
More 20-Minute Decorating IDEAS:
Follow the links below for more 20-Minute Decorating inspiration.
You May Also Like These DIY Photo Holder Ideas
GM Diane, love this idea of repurposing lids to hold your beautiful granddaughter’s pictures : )
I have a few teapot lids that I’m looking forward to repurpose.
Have a great day
You always have the best most do-able projects! I love the little log ones too!
Thanks Jennifer – The log frame is one of my faves since I was able to use natural items found right outside my door. :-)
Once again a great idea, and Zoe looks adorable asleep with her cabbage patch doll. I’m glad you could use the copper, let’s see what else you come up with.
Hi Gail – She is getting so big. I will text you the newest photo. The Cabbage Patch doll was Kelly’s when she was little. I saved her and Zoe LOVES her and takes her everywhere. Her name is Genevra. XO