How to Use Windows for Picture Frames
- 1). Lay a multiple-paned window frame on your work surface with the back side up. Measure the dimensions of each window pane. Windows, especially older ones, rarely have window panes that are exactly the same size. Measure and cut pieces of lightweight cardboard to fit each pane measurement. Number the cardboard cutouts to easily match them to the appropriate pane.
- 2). Spray one side of a cut cardboard piece with spray adhesive. Place a sheet of decorative scrapbook paper, right side up, on the adhesive, completely covering the cardboard. Press the paper with your hands to smooth out bubbles or wrinkles. Turn the paper-covered cardboard over and use the cardboard shape as a guide to cut away the excess scrapbook paper. Repeat with the remaining cardboard shapes.
- 3). Apply double-sided sticky tape to the back of a picture for each window pane. Lay the cardboard pieces on your work table with the decorative paper side up. Center a picture on each cardboard piece.
- 4). Sand the surface and sides of the window frame to remove splinters and snags. You do not need to completely remove the finish. Wipe the dust from the frame using a tack cloth.
- 5). Paint the frame of the window with your chosen base coat paint color. One coat is sufficient. Allow the paint to dry. Apply crackle medium over the base coat paint. Allow the medium to dry to a tacky texture. Paint over the medium with your chosen topcoat paint color. The topcoat will begin to crackle, allowing the base coat color to show through the cracks. Do not paint over a brush stroke more than once. The chemical reaction for the crackle will immediately begin with the first stroke and additional strokes may smudge the surface. Allow the paint to dry.
- 6). Lay the window frame with the back side up. Place all of the cardboard pieces on their corresponding panes, with the photo side down. Use masking tape to secure the edges of the cardboard to the pane frames on the back of the window. This temporary hold will allow you to easily remove the cardboard, to change pictures in your picture frame.
- 7). Measure 4 inches in from both side edges of the window frame, along the top edge, and mark with a pencil. Attach a picture hanger at each mark to hang your window picture frame.
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