Father’s Day is the perfect time to show appreciation for the unsung heroes in our lives. If you’re searching for a fun and straightforward project to express your love and gratitude to your dad, we’ve got you covered! These 10 DIY picture frame ideas for Father’s Day are sure to make your celebration extra special.
1. Super Dad Cardboard Frame
Show your dad how super he is with this simple and creative Father’s Day gift project. Display your cherished moments with him in this hanging frame. If you’re newly married and expecting, you can even use an ultrasound result as a unique touch.
What You’ll Need
- Cardboard
- Construction paper
- White glue
- Hot glue kit
- Glitter sheets or glitters (optional)
Directions
Make the frames:
- Cut an 8x10cm piece from a stiff cardboard or cereal box. You can adjust the size to fit your desired photos. Cover one side with white construction paper or cardstock.
- Cut two 0.8x10cm and two 0.8×6.4cm rectangles from the same cardboard or cereal box. Assemble them to form an 8x10cm frame.
- Cut a rectangle from black construction paper and place the frame in the middle. Glue the white side of the cardboard onto the frame.
- Make diagonal and center cuts to wrap the construction paper around the frame. Repeat the same diagonal cuts on the outer border. Finish by gluing to secure the frame.
- Repeat the above steps to make more frames.
Make the accessories:
- Create the letters “SUPER DAD” using cardboard and glue them onto red construction paper. Cut off the excess paper to form the letters. You can also use red glitter sheets or add glitter for extra sparkle.
- Cut a 52x4cm rectangle from cardboard, adjust the length if needed. Cover it with a strip of black construction paper.
- Create thin black strips by wrapping black construction paper around 0.8x10cm cardboard strips. You will need two black strips for each frame.
- Cut out hearts from red construction paper.
Assemble the frame:
- Arrange the thin black strips (two per frame) and glue them to the back of the long black rectangle.
- Glue the frames onto the hanger and decorate them with hearts.
2. Popsicle Stick Hanging Photo Frame
Create an ombre effect on your popsicle stick frame using a multi-colored rattail cord, commonly used for macrame and jewelry making. Start with sticks of the same color for a well-balanced design. This DIY Father’s Day photo frame is a simple yet amazing project that you can create with craft sticks.
What You’ll Need
- Jumbo popsicle sticks
- Satin rattail cord
- Hot glue kit
- Foam sheet or scrapbooking paper
- Matte photo paper
Directions
- Wrap the popsicle sticks with satin rattail cord, leaving enough space on both ends to accommodate the other popsicle sticks when assembling the frame. Create four sticks per frame, and twelve for three frames.
- Assemble the frame by gluing the popsicle sticks together to form a square.
- Print a Father’s Day message and your chosen photos on matte photo paper.
- Glue the pictures to the back of the popsicle stick frame and secure them with more popsicle sticks.
- Cut out the letters “DAD” from a foam sheet or scrapbooking paper. Reinforce the back with cardboard for added durability.
- Glue a popsicle stick behind each frame, leaving about 1/2 inch to glue the letters.
- To assemble, glue two popsicle sticks behind each frame to create a triangle at the top. This triangle will serve as the hanger. Arrange the frames in whichever way you prefer, whether individually or as a collage.
3. Recycled Paper Frame
If your dad loves to read the newspaper, this super easy craft is perfect for you. Utilize old newspapers or magazines to create a unique and eco-friendly frame. For larger frames, use 12-inch squares of newspaper and add more rolls to provide more space.
What You’ll Need
- Construction paper
- Old newspaper or magazine
- Flatback pearl beads
- Hot glue kit
- White glue
- Matte photo paper
Directions
- Make flowers from construction paper. You can also experiment with different flower crafts to enhance your frame’s decoration.
- Cut 8-inch squares from old newspapers. Roll the paper starting from one corner to create a paper straw shape. Secure the end with white glue. Make 28 of these rolled newspapers.
- Assemble the paper straws by placing seven pieces together. Set the second paper straw about 1/2 inch from the tip of the first one. Do the same for all seven straws, as shown in the picture.
- Print your dad’s favorite photo on matte photo paper. Cut off the excess paper and glue the photo to the paper straw frame.
- Decorate the frame with the flowers and flatback pearl beads.
- Add a short loop of string behind the frame to hang it.
4. Distressed Picture Frame
This cute picture frame can double as a cover for a 3D card for Father’s Day. Use an interesting design for the scrapbooking paper and add distressed embossing glaze and dewdrops on the flowers for a fresh look. If you plan to gift it as a greeting card, use cardstock instead of an empty cereal box for the frame backing.
What You’ll Need
- Scrapbooking paper
- Cereal box or empty cardboard
- Craft ink stamp pads
- Sponge daubers
- Distress embossing glaze
- Frame metal die cut
- Embossing machine
- Double-sided tape, 1/8 inch
- Construction paper
- Vellum paper
- Metallic foil paper
- Faux flowers
- Rotary trimmer
- Alphabet charms
- Water droplet stickers
Directions
- Make two 6×6-inch squares from an empty cereal box. Glue them together to hide the printed side.
- Attach the scrapbooking paper to the cardboard piece. Remove any excess paper or cardboard.
- Add character to the scrapbooking paper by using craft ink applied with sponge daubers.
- Apply distress embossing glaze to the scrapbooking paper. Sprinkle water over the glaze to achieve a distressed look.
- Make a frame from vellum paper using a metal die-cut frame and embossing machine. Glue this frame to a piece of construction paper.
- Decorate the edges of the frame with metallic foil paper.
- Cut a photo of your dad to fit inside the frame. Glue the frame to the scrapbooking paper.
- Decorate the card with alphabet charms spelling out “DAD.”
- Add faux flowers and water droplet stickers to complete the frame’s decoration.
5. Golden Rice DIY Frame
Rice symbolizes prosperity and abundance, making it the perfect gift for dad this Father’s Day. This luxurious combination of rice and gold reflects your deep affection for your dad. Give him a beautiful and meaningful gift that he will cherish.
What You’ll Need
- Cardboard
- Craft knife
- Long-grain rice
- White glue
- Metallic gold paint or metallic gold powder
- Paintbrush
Directions
- Cut the letters “D-A-D” from a piece of cardboard using a craft knife. Make the lowercase “A” bigger to fit your dad’s picture inside.
- Apply a generous amount of glue to the letters, then sprinkle long-grain rice over them. Press the rice firmly onto the cardboard.
- Allow the glue to dry for at least an hour before painting.
- Mix the metallic gold powder with white paint or use metallic gold paint to cover the rice.
- Glue your favorite photo of your dad behind the lowercase “A” and trim any excess photo paper.
- Cut a small piece of cardboard to join the letters. Attach multiple cardboard pieces behind the frame to make it stand on a table or mantle.
6. Wreath Picture Frame
Who says wreaths are only for Easter and Memorial Day? This wreath picture frame is the perfect way to show your dad how much you care on Father’s Day. It’s a simple and imaginative project that requires basic craft supplies and a bit of creativity.
What You’ll Need
- Cardboard or empty cereal box
- Construction paper
- Crepe paper
- Red acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
Directions
Make the frame:
- Create two circles from cardboard or empty cereal boxes—one measuring 20cm in diameter and the other measuring 18cm.
- Cut a 14cm circle from the center of the larger circle. This part will serve as the upper section of the frame.
- Cut small squares from the same cardboard and glue them onto the larger circle, leaving half of it empty to accommodate the photo.
- Glue the smaller circle to the back of the frame.
- Paint the upper part of the frame with red acrylic paint and let it dry thoroughly.
Make the flowers:
- Cut 2-inch sections from the crepe paper and unfold them to create four parts.
- Layer the four parts on top of each other and fold them accordion-style. Tie the center of the folded crepe paper with a string.
- Carefully fluff and shape the flower by trimming some parts if desired. Make several of these flowers for the wreath.
Assemble the wreath frame:
- Glue the crepe paper flowers around the top part of the frame.
- Roll a piece of printer paper and secure the end with glue.
- Glue this rolled paper behind the wreath frame. Decorate it with a single crepe paper flower.
- Create the word “DAD” out of cardboard, paint it with red acrylic, and add a mustache design.
- Glue the word cutout to the top of the rolled paper.
- Attach a string to the back of the wreath for hanging.
7. Picture Transfer to Wood
This Father’s Day, show your dad how much you appreciate him with a handmade gift. This picture frame idea allows you to display his favorite photos in a unique way. Plus, it’s a win-win situation if your dad loves woodworking and doesn’t mind the cleanup!
What You’ll Need
- Printer paper
- Mod Podge Matte
- Foam brush
- Old credit card or gift card
- Woodblock, 6″x10″
- Wooden cubes (optional)
- Wood glue (optional)
- Sandpaper
Directions
- Print your chosen picture and message on regular printer paper. Mirror the image and message so they appear correctly when transferred.
- Apply a thick layer of Mod Podge Matte to the printed part of the picture.
- Prepare the woodblock by sanding it with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface. If desired, use wooden cubes and glue them together with wood glue. Finish by sanding the surface.
- Carefully place the picture onto the woodblock. Remove any air bubbles by running an old credit card or squeegee over the paper.
- Allow the Mod Podge to dry.
- Using a damp cloth, gently rub off the paper until only the transferred image remains on the woodblock.
- Let it dry completely and finish with a coat of acrylic varnish for protection.
8. Glitter Foam DIY Frame
This glitter foam frame is one of the easiest DIY gifts to show your love for your dad (and for glitter!). All you need is cardboard, glitter foam sheets, and a few other materials. Write a special message on the photo and display it in your dad’s office or at home.
What You’ll Need
- Cardboard or cereal box
- Glitter foam sheets
- Hot glue kit
- Flatback pearl beads
Directions
- Cut two 6×6-inch squares from cardboard or a cereal box.
- Cut out a 4×4-inch square from the center of one of the squares to create the upper part of the frame.
- Cover the upper part of the frame with glitter foam.
- Make several 1-inch squares from silver glitter foam and the same number of 1/2-inch circles from red glitter foam.
- Create a bow from red scrapbooking paper and attach it to the top of the frame.
- Glue the red circles to the center of the silver circles. Stick them around the frame to fill the spaces between the bow and the flowers.
- Add a small stand behind the frame. You can use a strip of cardboard covered with red scrapbooking paper or construction paper.
- Insert your dad’s photo into the frame and display it proudly.
9. Father’s Day Photo Collage
A photo collage is a fun way to showcase your favorite pictures and a sweet message for dad. You can mix kid and dad photos in one collage, making it even more special. Consider adding colorful scrapbooking paper as a background or border behind the photos to enhance the overall look.
What You’ll Need
- Railroad board, 22×28 inches
- Illustration board, 8×10 inches
- Double-sided tape, 1/8 inch
- Matte photo paper
- White glue
- Printer paper
- Black acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
Directions
- Cut the illustration board into a 9×12-inch size.
- Print uppercase letters spelling “I,” “Y,” “O,” “U,” “D,” “A,” and a heart-shaped “LOVE.”
- Use the illustration board to support the letters during the photoshoot. For example, take three pictures for the letter “D” to create the word “DADDY.” Attach the next letter to the board once you finish with the previous one.
- Capture photos of your kids holding the letters and the heart. You will have a total of 10 photos for the collage.
- Print the photos on 4R matte photo paper.
- Measure 1 inch around the railroad board and paint it with black acrylic paint.
- Print the words “Happy Father’s Day” on printer paper. Cut the paper to size and glue the message at the bottom of the collage.
- Arrange the photos on the railroad board and glue them down.
- Attach two strings to the back of the frame for hanging.
10. Popsicle and Sticker Frame
A popsicle stick frame is simple to make and can have both elegant and exciting effects. This Father’s Day picture frame is a great way to display photos, artwork, or keepsakes. Popsicle sticks are affordable and readily available at most craft stores. You can even use different colored sticks to create an ombre effect.
What You’ll Need
- Colored popsicle sticks
- Father’s Day foam stickers
- Matte photo paper
- White glue
- Acrylic paint set (optional)
- Plate stand, 3 inches (optional)
Directions
- If using colored popsicle sticks, glue the ends together to make a square frame. Use the same color per frame. You can use jumbo popsicle sticks for a larger frame. Paint with acrylics if desired.
- Print a photo of your dad on matte photo paper, ensuring it fits the size of the frame you made.
- Glue the photo to the back of the frame. Place a piece of cardboard behind the photo for additional support.
- Decorate the frame with foam stickers.
- Cut a popsicle stick in half and glue it to the back of the frame to create a stand. Alternatively, use a small plate stand to display the frame.
Conclusion
Try your hand at these fun and easy DIY picture frame projects just in time for Father’s Day. Even if you’re a beginner crafter, you can create these frames with ease. Your dad or husband will truly appreciate the effort and the one-of-a-kind gift you made. With a few inexpensive supplies and a touch of creativity, you can make this Father’s Day celebration extra special.
So, which of these frames will you be making for your dad? Let us know in the comments below!
