Make your own simple wood block photo frame for fall or any season or occasion using a scrap of wood and craft paint. I created two with fall colors to coordinate with the autumn decor in my living room.
Fall is weeks away and I plan to be ready to enjoy the change of season after the very hot summer. I am going to start by changing out my decorating accessories to reflect cozy autumn colors and textures.
I like to re-use and repurpose the fall decorating items I own so they don’t look stale when I change my decor from summer to autumn each year
This year is no different and I am taking my “finding uses for old things” a step further by finding a way to reuse scraps of wood and craft supplies I have leftover from previous projects to create a way to display a few of my favorite photos of my granddaugher.
How to Make a Fall Inspired Wood Block Photo Frame
I wanted my wood block photo frames to look aged so I used a wood weathering product. It is not an oil-based stain, but a water-based accelerating stain that changes the color of unfinished wood. I used the product to change the color of the wood bead garland I made last year and also to change the wood color of my dining room table that was in my previous house.
Different types of wood will take wood stain accelerators differently. I used the same stain on both of my wood blocks and you can see that one of the blocks (treated pine) took the stain much better than the other that I think is a softer pine that was very smooth.
supplies needed:
- Scrap wood from a 2″ x 6″ or 2″ x 8″ board or purchase a wood block at the craft store
- Saw
- Sandpaper
- Painter’s tape
- Ruler/pencil
- Craft paint
- Wood vintage weathering stain
- Rag
- Soft wax
Time needed: 2 hours.
How to make a wood block photo holder for fall using a piece of scrap wood.
- Cut wood to size desired.
Depending on the size of the scrap wood you have, cut the board to height desired. I cut the orange stripe block to 8″ high. The yellow stripe block is 7″ high.
- Sand wood
Sand wood using 100 grit sandpaper to remove any rough edges. - Apply weathering wood stain
Apply weathering wood stain to wood with paint brush and let sit for a 5 – 10 minutes, then wipe it away. If you would like the wood to be darker, apply another layer and let sit longer before wiping the excess away. Let dry before proceeding to the next step. - Add Tape to Create Stripes on Wood
Find center of wood and place painter’s tape over center mark. Next, add tape 1″ or as wide as the tape is away on each side from center tape. Repeat adding tape to evenly cover the block of wood.
Use craft paint to paint stripes on wood block where there is no painter’s tape. Let dry and add another coat if needed. Let dry. - Sand to age paint
Remove painter’s tape and then go over the painted surface with 100 girt sandpaper to age the paint a little. - Seal
Seal the stained and painted surface with clear soft wax using a soft cloth. Buff and then add a layer of dark wax and buff to a soft sheen.
- Attach photo
Use raffia, yarn, or string to attach photo. Simply wrap it around the block as shown. Place photo under the wrapped raffia.
- Another option to attach photo
Use decorative tacks to attach photo. Center photo and push a tack into each corner of photo. Use hammer if needed.
Products That Will Weather Unfinished Wood
And today I’ve been joined by some of my blogging friends who are also sharing their Fall DIY projects! Just click on the links below the images to see their project ideas… 
Modern Geometric Painted Vases at The Happy Housie How to Make Easy Fall Sweater Pumpkins at Tatertots and Jello Room Spray for Fall at Modern Glam Fall Candle Rings at She Gave it a Go How to Build a Tray at The Handmade Home
Textured Vase at Craftberry Bush Farmhouse Slat Pumpkin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Pumpkin & Dough Bowl Fall Centerpiece at The Turquoise Home Happy Fall Sign at Lolly Jane Personalized Fall Mug at Jenna Kate at Home
Fall Terrarium Centerpiece at Clean and Scentsible Black & White Modern Ceramic Vases at Taryn Whiteaker Designs Fall Chalkboard Art at Happy Happy Nester Fall Faux Centrepiece at Inspiration of Moms Monogrammed Vase at My Sweet Savannah
Tobacco Basket Wall Hanging with Flowers at Hallstrom Home 10 Minute $10 Sunflower Garland at a Pretty Life in the Suburbs Small Wood Projects to Use as Decor at Grace in My Space Fall Inspired Wood Photo Holders at In My Own Style Neutral Fall Floral Arrangement at All Things With Purpose
Vintage Amber Glass Candle at Seeking Lavender Lane Vintage Wreath Mirror at Sincerely, Marie Designs Fall Acrylic Sign at Lemon Thistle Wooden Bowl Candle Holder at Cherished Bliss Blanket Ladder from Copper Pipe Dowels at The DIY Mommy Thrift Store Basket Turned Fall Arrangement at Confessions of a Serial DIYer
Sarah @ The DIY Mommy says
Such a great upcycle! Love finding unique ways to display photos. Thanks for sharing.
Krista says
Sooo cute! (And those frames aren’t bad either!) Thanks for sharing this easy DIY on the blog hop Diane. Happy Fall!
Maureen says
Came out great … and those babies are so adorable.
Marie says
I love this idea simple and rustic idea for pictures of the grandbabies. They would make great gifts too!
Ashley Mills says
This is precious Diane! And of course those grandbabies are gorgeous. Hope you’re having an awesome fall!
Kristin salazar says
Love this idea! I tried a transfer method one time and it didn’t work, I Like this much better :)
Jo-Anna Rooney says
Really lovely Diane! Such a nice way to display pictures!
Rhonda Hallstrom says
This is just too cute! I absolutely love this idea!
Pamela says
SO STINKIN’ CUTE! Not ready to jump on the Fall wagon just yet since it’s in the 90s still, but this is going to be my jumpstart. I love these and also the simple way to rotate out pictures of our grandchildren as they grow.
Ashley Stringfellow says
These are so sweet! xoxo
jen hadfield says
Super adorable Diane!!
xoxo
Jennifer Lifford says
These are so cute and your granddaughter is adorable!
Christy James says
These are so cute and such a great way to use up those wood scraps, but the star of the show has to be those cute babies! XO
Diane Henkler says
Hi Christy – Since the birth of my granddaughter 5 months ago I have taken quite a few photos – hundreds. :-) Had to find a way to display a few of them besides on my fridge.