Even if the fish caught on the trip were not big enough to bring home, that special helper will always be a "Keeper" in the fisherman's eye.
As with most crafts, this one can be modified to match the skill level of any child. And by giving them freedom to decorate in their own style, this unique frame makes a great gift that children will be proud of.
Materials to Make Picture Frame:
- Foam Board
- Craft Foam (2 different colors)
- Glue
- Sequences
- Marker
- Toothpick
- Twine
- Paper cut out of a person
- Scissors
- Utility knife (optional)
Preparation for Project
If the kids are old enough to measure and cut by themselves there will not be a need for preparation, other than gathering the supplies. If not, an adult will need to cut the foam board and craft foam before hand.
- Measure the craft foam. For a 4 x 6 photograph, cut the craft foam into an 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches rectangle.
- Place the craft foam rectangle on the table so that the longer sides are horizontal. Measure and mark 1 inch from the top and 1 inch from the bottom. Also 1 1/2 inches from the left and right. This will make the rectangle for the inside of the frame. Cut it out.
- Take the foam board and cut out an 8 x 5 inch rectangles.
- To make the picture frame stand on its own, place the foam board rectangle on the table so that the longer sides are horizontal. At about 5 inches from the left side cut 1 inch into the board and then angle up and right approximately 3 inches. Bend this piece up, with the left side still attached.
- With a different color of craft foam, draw and cut out a fish.
- Cut a 2 inch piece of twine.
Making a Picture Frame
- Allow kids to decorate the picture frame and fish by pasting sequences to the craft foam. White glue works, but foam glue would also be acceptable.
- Glue the outside edges of the craft foam to the foam board. Putting the glue about half way in toward the middle will allow the frame to stick to the board but will still allow enough room for a picture to slide in between the two pieces.
- After the glue has dried a few minutes, glue the paper cut out person to the right side of the frame. With the marker write "Keeper" across the top of the craft foam.
- Using the toothpick put a hole near the top of the fish. Tie the twine to the fish through this hole.
- Make a knot on the other end of the twine and insert the toothpick into this knot.
- Stick the toothpick at a downward angle through the hand of the cut out person and on into the craft foam. This is the fishing pole that the fish will hang from off of the picture frame.
- After it has completely dried, insert a picture and display this unique frame or give it as a gift.
Making a picture frame can be fun and personable; it is a timeless gift that will hold special memories. This craft can also be modified to hang on the refrigerator by placing magnets on the back or hang on the wall by attaching a pop can tab on the back.
Whatever happens during the project, remember to have fun and make more memories.
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