A Collage Frame is a Unique Way to Showcase all Kinds of Memories

Collage frames have become one of our best-selling decor items, and I know why. Some of you out there have a Grandmother just like mine, or you have a similar urge to document life, even in the act of living it.

My Grandmother was an amateur photographer. She built a small darkroom underneath her basement stairs, and spent hours in there creating tiny thumbnail photos of her ancestors for photo pedigree charts, “Photoshopping” my Uncle into the family reunion photos (and that was 25 years before there was such a thing as Photoshop), and creating unique Family Christmas cards that she mailed out by the hundreds. Well into her nineties, she carried her camera everywhere she went, and we all knew that once she had us posed, we would have to smile at least three times. Once, for the first time she attempted to snap the photo and realized she had forgotten to wind the film, a second time when she snapped the photo and then realized she forgot to turn on her flash, and then, a third time for the “real deal”– the photo she would pass on to generations that followed her. Her hallway had a framed bulletin board nearly 18 feet long with a collage of hundreds of family photos that she held in place with pins. None of these were framed. They just hung there, pinned up like insects in a laboratory.

On any given day, you could find a pile of plastic sleeves lined up on her dining room table. Each held several 3×5 photos and she carefully penned in the names of anyone in the photo on the back of the print before she put it into the sleeve. She got five of these plastic sleeves free every time she filled a prescription or made five dollars-worth of copies at the local pharmacy (she made a lot of copies). This was in the days before digital photography. This was in the days when every frame you snapped cost you money. Grandma took more pictures than anyone I knew.

And while we moaned and groaned about posing for Grandma, is is also true that there are dozens of family events that would be nothing but hazy memories (if that) had she not documented them so carefully. There was no life event that wasn’t considered photo-worthy to Grandma, and while we all scratched our heads when she showed up to take pictures of my bedroom they day they laid new carpet, I never dreamed that I would someday relish the opportunity to show my daughters what my bedroom had looked like when I was a child. She took before and after photos of my Dad’s hand when he had surgery to straighten a crooked finger. She took pictures of my brother’s retainer because she had no idea they could make plastic that thin or that color. She snapped photos of old trees, new buildings, automobile accidents, flowers, interesting rocks, but most of all she photographed people. Young and old, photogenic and not. (She had a way of always making me one of the not-photogenic ones).

Grandma would have loved a collage frame. She would have chosen a five-opening collage frame and put in a photo of five generations of her pioneer grandmothers. She might have picked a blue collage frame (her favorite color) to hang over her desk to showcase the collection of antique jewelry she inherited from her husband’s mother. Had she been aware that they existed, I am certain that she might have given collage frames as wedding gifts, complete with newspaper clippings she had collected of the happy couple over the years and stashed in manilla folders in a file cabinet in her basement. (This would have been a more sentimental option than the scotch tape dispenser that most couples got from her).

For Grandma, the beauty of something as useful as a collage frame would be the fact that it could become a way to showcase all of her favorite family memories simultaneously. I think she would have liked the idea that she would be able to show, in a single storyboard of wood and glass, how I evolved from a skinny second-grader in maroon oxford shoes to a sixth-grader with braces and a bad perm, and finally, to a college graduate with a child of my own to take pictures of. She might have used a collage frame to memorialize the evolution of my Grandfather’s construction business. The first opening would show equipment pulled by horses. The second would show his first steam-powered fresno. One opening might be of a road he and his crews cut through the middle of solid rock in Southern Utah. Another would witness that he was the engineer behind dozens of airstrips built during the war. And more than memories, a multi-opening frame might just be large enough to begin to contain the story of why she felt is was so important to document her life visually. There’s no collage frame in the world large enough to frame every proud moment in Grandma’s life (or all of the sad ones, either). There isn’t a multi-opening picture frame large enough or wide enough to contain all of the people whose lives she touched.

I’m grateful for her example of living life, and of selectively choosing which moments to memorialize. Her pictures helped me know I was loved.

Square Picture Frames are becoming "standard" in an age of digital photography

Square Picture Frames were an anomaly before the advent of the digital camera. It used to be that the size of your print was determined by convention:  5×7 and 8×10 sizes were about all you could get without specialized, expensive professional printing. But when digital photography became available to the masses, some of us got brave enough to consider what might happen if we cropped our photos just the way we wanted them and then found a frame to fit. And while a 5×5 frame used to be considered a “custom size,” more and more framing companies are offering 8×8 frames, 10×10 frames, 12×12 frames and other square picture frames as standard sizes. MyBarnwoodFrames.com is one of them.

You’ll notice that the vast majority of our frames are crafted from primitive wood. We love the colors and the textures. But if natural barnwood isn’t your thing, it’s a simple process to paint one of our rustic frames the color of your choice. Staining is also a good option because it allows some of the natural colors in the aged wood to show through.

We offer several different styles of square picture frames. Here are some of our favorites:

This simple 12x12 frame is a favorite for framing prints and photos

Square picture frame with 8x8 frame opening

Notice that the width of the frame  can help create a dramatic art piece. The wide width of this beveled frame is a good choice for photos that won’t be overpowered by and extra wide frame face.

Here's a square picture frame edged in barnwood

A shadowbox frame with a 5x5 frame opening and a border of barnwood on the inside.

Another fun use of a square picture frame is as a display for a favorite piece of handwork or embroidery, a quilt square, an heirloom tatted doily or a beautiful piece of needlework.

A 12x12 frame bordered in black makes a great frame for handwork.

Find a square shadowbox frame here.

Find a great-looking beveled frame with an 8×8 square opening here.

Here’s our favorite basic square frame in barnwood

A Shadow Box makes a unique and completely personalized rustic wall hanging

If you’ve been looking for the perfect shadow box, but have almost given up, maybe it’s time to take a closer look at what we offer at www.mybarnwoodframes.com. We specialize in creating custom shadow boxes from rustic wood. If you love natural barnwood, your shadowbox will arrive ready to hang and enjoy, but barnwood can also be painted any color of the rainbow.

Shadow Boxes make unique wall hangings because no two are ever just alike. Essentially, we help you create a way to showcase your treasured heirlooms, and you add the artistic touches. Each of our shadow boxes is built from natural reclaimed barnwood, and (within reason) we can make them just about as wide and as deep as you like. Unless you specify otherwise, your shadow box will include a masonite backing (held in place by spring clips for easy removal) and a plexiglass front. Of course, we can leave the backing off, and leave the front open. Because our shadowboxes are customizable, you call the shots. We’ll handcraft one according to your unique specifications.

So what can you put in a shadow box? We’ve seen it all: old baby shoes, wooden decor, old plates, collections of silver spoons, 3-D sculptures, christening gowns, vintage sheet music and dried flowers…the sky is the limit.  Shadow boxes are always full of warm memories. Here are more ideas for creating your own one-of-a-kind gift or wall decor showpiece:

• Create a memorial to a beloved pet. Add a favorite dog collar, a photo, even a pawprint.
• Create your own sports shadow box by adding photos, an old uniform or jersey, and sports memorabilia
• Build a shadowbox theme around a favorite children’s book. Add a copy of the book (or at least a colorful dust cover), a plush animal, and other items that will bring back memories of a happy childhood.
• Shadow boxes make fun retirement gifts. Include certificates, memorable photos, a desk nameplate, and a Thank-You card signed by everyone in the company.
• Include a large photo of the graduate plus the tassle from the big day.

We’re here to help you create the shadow box of your dreams. Just contact us at 888-OLD-BARN for more information and for custom shadow box pricing.

A Rustic Collage Frame makes a fun afternoon craft project

We love rustic collage frames. We especially love scrounging around at boutiques and thrift stores looking for fun ways to fill them to create our own one-of-a-kind rustic wall decor. One of the nicest things about a two-opening rustic collage frame from mybarnwoodframes.com is that there are endless ways to turn one into a housewarming gift, a unique birthday present, a Christmas wall hanging, or a personalized photo gallery.

Put on your crafter’s thinking cap for just a moment. How many possibilities can you imagine for filling a collage frame? One of our customers created a unique anniversary gift when he ordered a 5-opening frame and filled it with photos of his wife’s hometown as a “going-away gift” when the two of them moved cross country for the first time. It will be a treasured memento for her of a place she loved, and better than that, it will become a visible expression of her husband’s thoughtfulness–maybe even better than a dozen roses or a box of chocolates.

A collage frame can hold a series of five photos of your 3-year-old daughter baking her first batch of cookies. Or, fill a three-opening frame with a fun family portrait–one with Mom, one with Dad, and one with the whole family.  We’ve purposely designed our collage frames with versatility in mind. You can fill them with photos if you choose, but because of the unique shadowbox design, you can also remove the glass and insert 3-D items like jewelry, baby shoes, a treasured children’s book, and more.

If you’re looking for a fun gift or some country Christmas decor, a two-opening collage frame is the perfect medium for dreaming up something that will express your personality. For example, you can create some whimsical country decor by downloading a stock photo of a fun winter scene, like this one–a photograph of an original watercolor painting by artist Kerrie Hubbard that we purchased at www.iStockphoto.com. (You can find more great Hubbard paintings at www.KerrieHubbard.com).

Add favorite photos or art for an instant Christmas wall hanging

Here’s a fun idea that would make a great Mother’s Day gift: Dress your kids up in matching PJs and photograph them in several poses against a white background. Shoot plenty of photos and something is bound to turn out. Then choose four or five of the best ones and mount them inside a collage frame. We’ve included an example to help give you a little inspiration.

This collage frame features a series of pajama-clad kids and you can make one like it with photos of your own children.

If the mother in your house isn’t fond of barnwood, you can simply paint the frame the color of her choice. We recommend sanding the edges slightly after the paint dries to give the frame a “distressed” look. Black is a favorite color, and if you want to retain some of the barnwood’s natural hues, try staining the wood instead of painting.

Another fun way to personalize a collage frame would be to apply vinyl lettering directly to the glass, like we have in our illustration above. You can purchase lettering from craft stores, or google “vinyl lettering” and you’ll come up with a host of fun websites that sell pre-made designs that include favorite quotes, short and sweet proverbs, and humorous phrases. Look for vinyl lettering that will fit within a pre-defined space (4×6, 5×7 or 8×10) if you want to order a standard-size frame. Or, we can create a collage frame with custom dimensions if you contact us. For a limited time (during the month of August, 2009) we will add custom vinyl lettering to the frame of your choice for only $8.00. Just Contact a Customer Service Representative at MyBarnwoodFrames.com by calling toll free 888-OLD-BARN, and let us know what size frame you would like, and what you want your custom lettering to say. We can add names, phrases, and short quotations of up to 12 words.

Now that your creative juices are flowing, what would you put in your own rustic collage frame if you could make your dream design come to life? Leave a comment and share your ideas.

Custom-Made Rustic Bath Mirror with stenciling

Now and then, we like to play around in the shop, and Laura, who seems to come up with a lot of great “outside the box” ideas, invented this new look. She started with a basic barnwood frame from www.mybarnwoodframes.com (This is a wide-width Heritage Series Frame) and added some whitewash-look stenciling with an old-fashioned-looking stencil pattern and a little bit of white paint.

The result was a very classy looking rustic bath mirror, which we’ve added to our permanent inventory.

If you want to create a mirror of your own just like this one, or even with a different design, the process is simple:

1. Start by ordering a basic Homestead Series barnwood frames (Get it by clicking here). We recommend a wide width–at least 3 inches.

2. Visit your nearest craft store and select a stencil pattern you love.

3. Following the manufacturer’s directions, practice stenciling on a few sheets of cardboard until you get the technique down. You can find lots of illustrations and “how to” videos online. Click here for one example.

4. Once you’ve perfected the technique, try your luck on a practice piece of wood, and when you’re ready. Add your stencil to your frame.

5. Install a mirror in the back of the frame using offset clips you can purchase at any hardware store. Or, to make it simple, contact us directly at MyBarnwoodFrames (you can just give us a call toll free at 888-OLD-BARN) and we’ll send you the complete, framed mirror in any size you choose.

6. Hang your new rustic bath mirror and enjoy!

We’d love to hear your ideas for your favorite way to create your own rustic bath mirror, or your great idea for embellishing a barnwood frame. We’d also love to see completed projects you have created on your own. Please leave a comment!

Create your own "authentic-looking" wall cubby in minutes

Here’s a great idea from one of our recent customers. She asked if we manufactured barnwood wall cubbies and we had to admit that up until today, we did not. However, she trusted us enough to send us the dimensions of the cubby she wanted, and after a little research, we discovered that these great-looking little wall boxes can be a lot of fun to create. Here are some ideas if you are interested in creating your own one-of-a-kind rustic wood wall cubby or set of nesting boxes.

1.  Choose the dimensions of your wall cubby, or find an old wood box or crate. If you’re handy with a piece of wood, you can even make one yourself. Sometimes you can locate these at flea markets or online, but if you want a box with personalized dimensions, you can purchase a rustic wood wall cubby from mybarnwoodframes.com. These are made of authentic barnwood, and it’s the next best thing to finding a vintage wood box.

2. Once you have found your wood box or crate, the real fun can begin.

3. To make your crate look really authentic, you’ll want to add a vintage label, but first, get some ideas about what kinds of labels are available. Type “vintage label” into a Google Image Search. (Type “vintage label” and press Enter, then click the word “images” in the upper left corner above the Google logo). Browse the images for ideas or for images that are meaningful to you. Look for colors that will accent the existing colors in your decor.

4. Many labels are in the public domain because they are so old, but if you choose to download and print your own label, be certain it is not copyrighted. You can even create your own labels using

Sample labels available from www.paperstuff.com

a favorite desktop publishing program, but for a truly authentic label (and a fun shopping experience) nothing beats www.paperstuff.com. This company sells authentic labels that have been lurking in a box at the back of someone’s barn for years.

5. To attach your label, you’ll need some white glue thinned with water, or your favorite decoupage paste. We like Mod Podge Matte-Mat, which can be purchased at any craft store.

6. Using a clean brush, paint a moderate layer of paste right onto the wood, making sure the paste will reach the edges of your label. Adhere the label to the paste and wait a few minutes. Smooth out any wrinkles, and then apply a second coat to the top of the label. Allow this to dry, and then add a final coat. When this coat is dry, your label will be ready and your rustic wood wall cubby will be ready to hang.

7. For a more “distressed” look to your label, go over the label lightly with a medium grit sandpaper, being careful not to rub the label off at the edges. You can even apply an antiquing to the edges if you desire.

Hang your new (or is it old?) wall cubby and fill it with your favorite rustic mementos–stalks of dried wheat, vintage spice cans, an heirloom doll and much, much more. Happy decorating!

Barnwood frames are a beautiful way to bring the great out-of-doors inside. In this post, we’ll share some of our ideas for creating a one-of-a-kind rustic gift.

First, you’ll want to start with a really great photo or piece of art—or several of them. You can use your imagination. Family photos will have the most personal meaning, but a second, fairly inexpensive way to access some great photography would be to check out some of the stock photo sites. On one popular site, istockphoto.com, you can pay for photo credits and then buy prints of pictures you love. For less than ten dollars, you can purchase a great photo from a professional photographer. When you’re shopping around on iStock, we recommend that you create a “lightbox.” A lightbox can become your own personal collection of favorites. Think of it as a way to put all of your favorite photos in one place—to “bookmark” them—so that you can find them quickly, compare them side-by-side with other photos, and look for themes that go together. Once a photo is saved in your lightbox, you’ll be able to access it easily in the future, so even if you find a great photo you can’t use right away, you can put it in a lightbox and use it later.

Another inexpensive option for creating your own custom artwork is to hunt through popular poster sites. You can purchase reasonably-priced prints and posters from some of these sites. One of our customers purchased a great print of Paul Newman and Robert Redford as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” from Allposters.com. She wanted it framed in barnwood, but because the print was sepia-toned, we were worried that it would look washed-out next to a barnwood frame. The solution was to create a custom frame for her that would include a piece of ebony-stained barnwood next to the print to create some color separation between the print and the barnwood frame. When the frame was finished, we liked it so well we added the frame style to our permanent inventory and named it “The Butch Cassidy.”

If you can’t find the perfect photo or print from a commercial site, one thing you can always find is a great idea. Look at the way subjects are posed. Copy ideas for great backgrounds. Look at the camera angle used for the photo. Does the lighting enhance the look? With a few ideas in mind, spend an afternoon photographing your own family, your own pet, or your favorite scenic location.

With printed photos in hand, selecting a great-looking frame is the next task. We’re partial to barnwood frames, of course, because they enhance the rustic look of any subject, and they are so versatile they complement most photos and art. Choose a larger frame size for the center of your display and hang two smaller frames to the side. Or, dangle several similarly-sized frames from pieces of ribbon and loop the ribbon over an iron curtain rod or even a twisted stick.

We love to showcase our customers’ ideas. Please leave a comment here if you have found a unique use for a rustic barnwood frame.