DIY Picture Frame

Back in February I saw a frame that I loved at Pier 1 Imports, but I couldn't justify spending $30.  I went home and sulked about it because I really loved it, but then I had a brilliant idea: I could totally make that!  It's not a very complicated frame--here is the Pier 1 version:

Not a big deal, right?  Right!  Now, here is my version:

Here's what you need:

• A cheap wood picture frame (all you use is the frame itself).  I got mine for $5 at Walmart, and I think it's 16x20.
• Acrylic paint.  And a paint brush, obviously.  :-P
• Embroidery thread.  
• Mini clothes pins.
• Hot glue gun.

This is seriously so simple to make!  First, paint the frame.  I had to use a couple of coats.  Paint the mini clothes pins while you already have the paint out.  While those are drying, cut the embroidery thread the length of the frame (so my thread was 20 inches long).  When the frame and clothes pins are dry, thread the embroidery thread through the spring of the pins--I put four pins on each row.  Then you hot glue the end of the thread to the back of the frame (make sure to pull the thread as tight as you can!).  And that's it!  You can discard the glass and back of the frame.

I love this picture frame, and it is currently on my desk at school.  It's so easy to change out the pictures, and my students love seeing pictures of my little family.  :)  Oh, and the whole project was under $10--much better than $30!