How to Make an Old Window into a Picture Frame

 

For my sister-in-law's bridal shower, my mom wanted to make her a special gift containing pictures of my sister-in-law and my brother.  My mom decided to make an old window into a picture frame.  Here's how she did it...

 

Steps to Make an Old Window into a Picture Frame

 

Step 1: Get an Old Wooden Window

 

You can find old windows at flea markets, yard sales, or antique stores.  We found the one above at a flea market for five dollars!  Make sure that the window you purchase is in good condition.  Be aware of any rotting wood that might be starting to occur in the old window.

 

Step 2: Apply Painter's Tape to the Glass

 

Apply painter's tape around the edges of the glass that are touching the wood.  This will protect the glass when you are sanding, as well as painting the wooden parts of the window.

 

Step 3: Sand the Window

 

To ensure a smooth finish, sand any old paint or rough spots off of the wooden parts of the window.  Make sure that you apply painter's tape to the glass.  If the sand paper touches the glass, it will leave marks in the glass.  After sanding, wipe the window clean.

 

Step 4: Apply Primer

 

Use a primer on the wooden parts of the window to make sure that any old stain does not bleed through.  This will also help to prevent rotting of the wood.  Remove the painter's tape immediately after applying the primer. 

 

Step 5: Apply Paint



Reapply painter's tape, then paint the wood a color of your choice.  We chose to paint our window frame black.  After painting, remove the painter's tape immediately.  After the paint dried we distressed the edges of the frame to give it a more rustic look.  If you choose to distress your frame, use a fine grit sandpaper on the edges of the frame.  This will strip some of the paint away, leaving the unfinished wood to show through, thus giving it a country/antique finish.

 

Step 6: Get a Plexiglass Acrylic Sheet

 

Get a Plexiglass Acrylic Sheet from a local hardware store.  You will need to have this piece of plexiglass cut to a size that will cover the back of your window frame. 

 

Step 7: Add Pictures to the Plexiglass Acrylic Sheet

 

Using double stick tape, place the pictures onto the plexiglass.  Make sure that the pictures are positioned exactly how you would like them to look when you place the plexiglass behind the window. 

Step 8: Attach the Plexiglass Acrylic Sheet to the Window

Drill several small holes around the outside edges of the plexiglass.  Place the plexiglass on the back of the window (check to make sure that the pictures are lined up perfectly within the window panes).  Drill tiny screws into the holes that you previously made in the plexiglass.  This will secure the plexi-glass to the window.  Be careful not to insert the screw too far, or you might crack the plexiglass.

Step 9: Add a Quote

 

 

At the top of the frame we added a quote that says, "All because two people fell in love."  This quote is made out of white vinyl, which was cut on a Cricut machine.

 

The Completed Window Picture Frame