Woodworking

DIY Magnetic Wood Frames

how to make a picture frame

If there are three things I’m a “succa” for it’s succulents, custom artwork, and easy DIY projects! I partnered with my friends at DAP Products to create a fun and easy magnetic wood picture frame for my new cute new artwork from Bloom To Brush! Even better, this project was made with free lumber (yay for scrap wood projects)! Want the free plans? Here we go!

custom frame for watercolor artwork

When Natalie from Bloom To Brush sent me this adorable watercolor artwork and asked if I knew how to make a magnetic frame, I jumped to the challenge to make some magic happen! I was able to make this cute tabletop frame in just a few easy steps and with some of my leftover scraps!

What You’ll Need:

how to build a picture frame

Tools
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Drill
¾” Forstner Bit
Sander
Hammer (For De-Stressing Wood)

Materials
DAP Rapid Fuse Wood Adhesive
1 x 8 Common Board*
1 x 2 Common Board
(4) ¾” Wide Ceramic Disc Magnets
Wood Stain

*Disclaimer: This frame was build for a 5 x 7″ watercolor print. You will have to increase the size of your larger common board if you are building a frame for a bigger piece of artwork.

How to Make a Magnetic Wood Frame

The Steps:

1. Measure your 1 x 8″ board to fit your print. Since my print is 5 x 7″, I cut my board at 9″ high.

frame for post cards

2. Once you have your measurements, use your miter saw to cut your board.

how to create a picture frame

3. Keep any excess cut-offs to create a backing for your frame. The backing should be at least 3″ long. You can also angle part of this cut if you do not want your frame to stand straight (I ended up cutting mine at 5 degrees on my miter saw).

wooden art frame

4. Next, measure and cut two 1 x 2 boards at 6″ wide. These will be your photo holders, since the magnets will be placed inside.

scrap wood picture frame

5. Once your pieces are cut, use a measuring tape to find and mark your spaces for your magnets to live. I created markings 2″ inward from the ends of my 1 x 2″ pieces and then matched those measurements on my 1 x 8″ board.

magnetic photo frame

6. Drill those holes!

7. Once your holes have been drilled, attach the back piece with brad nails and wood adhesive (again, I ended up removing my 90 degree piece and adding a 5 degree piece later on).

how to make a picture stand

how to build a table top frame

8. After assembly, use a sander to smooth and prep your work for stain.

photo frame diy

9. If you’re looking for a rustic look, you can use items like a hammer and screws to beat up your piece!

how to make wood look rustic

10. Next, stain your piece.

rustic wood frame

11. Once dry, apply your magnets to the holes with DAP Rapid Fuse. Make sure that they are all facing the right way, otherwise your magnets will repel!

rapid fuse wood adhesive

how to make a frame with magnets

12. Once your magnets have dried, add your artwork and show off how adorable your taste in art and home decor are!

wooden frame for watercolors

Building a fun, custom frame for your favorite art work does not need to be hard or expensive! If I can do it, so can you!

Want to build this later? Make sure to Pin It!

In the meantime, please visit Bloom To Brush and give her some love! You never know what piece you may become a “succa” for!

This post is sponsored by DAP Products, Inc. All tastes in art work and product opinions are my own. For my full disclosure policy, click here.

Sam Raimondi

Sam is a full time psychologist and part time content creator from Long Island, New York.

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2 COMMENTS

  • Jeremy Crawford

    So simple but such a statement piece. I can vision this longer with family pictures instead of artwork.

    • Sam
      AUTHOR

      Thanks, Jeremy! I’d love to see you make some for your family!

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