Photo frames are multipurpose. You can use them to protect and present so many types of memorabilia. The best part is that they give your home that all-important touch of personalisation. What you frame and display has meaning to you, and your family heritage, and helps remind you of good times in your past. Ultimately, frames are the presentation cases for your most important memorabilia. Anything that’s near flat is likely to fit inside a standard picture frame. Thicker items may be better suited to a shadow box frame.
A list of the types of memorabilia that make perfect pieces for framing
• Stamps
• Buttons
• Any paper craft
• Dried flowers from weddings or funeral
• Coins
• Cards including postcards
• Tickets
• Fliers
• Photos
For those who have moved home, think of the old mementoes that had to go. The memorabilia that was so hard to pass that just had to be packed and protected from damage during the move. Those are the sort of mementoes to have behind the protection of the glazing on a picture frame. Away from the risk of damage from tea, coffee or heaven forbid, red wine stains. For a craft project that won’t be used entirely by paper, you can order picture frames in a size you need with or without a mount board.
If you’re unsure if you need a mount board, consider its purpose. It’s used to put a barrier between paper objects in the frame and the glazing. It protects against photos sticking to the glass or acrylic glazing, and if you use an acid-free mount board, it helps protect against photos yellowing.
The only thing you need to decide on is the size of frame required that will be large enough to fit everything you want to include in a collection of memorabilia. Standard-sized picture frames range from 8” x 10” to 24” x 36”. If you have a specific number of items to include in the frame, you can choose multi-photo frames with 2 or more apertures. One for each item.
A DIY craft project to frame multiple mementoes in a single frame
When adding finesse to the inside of a frame that’ll be used to keep a collection of pieces together, the first part of the design is about covering the backing board. This can be painted, or simpler would be to cover it with a printed paper design affixed to the backing board. Acid-free tissue paper or art paper is available with different designs from polka dots with gold trims to floral patterns and grids. The reason for using acid-free for any part inside the frame is for preservation. It protects against degradation that can damage paper products.
The next layer after the backing board is decorated is to create the arrangement you want. To do this, it can help to make a mock frame with cardboard and lay your pieces out. Move things around until you have a layout you like, then put it into the frame.
When putting small items in the frame, sticky dots, hot glue, or something similar can be used to hold the contents in place. Once they’re secured, altering the layout will be harder, which is why it’s best to take some time experimenting with different layouts before sticking them to the backing board in a frame.
Once the items are affixed, leave them in the open for long enough for any glue to dry, then close the frame by placing the front glazing over it. Once assembled, you can further protect the items by sealing the back of the frame with gummed tape.