Chevron Picture Frame Ideas – Drab To Fab

I have been wanting to use some of my old frames. So, when I recently saw a framed mirror mounted on a board at Hobby Lobby I knew just what to do. The result is this chevron upcycled picture frame!

I grabbed some frames out of my closet and found a piece of scrap board (MDF) from my shed. I had fun trying different arrangements and came up with the idea to use one 5×7 frame on a square board. (Do you like how I used a curtain rod to “see” the square!).

I used a Miter saw to cut my board, but you could use a circular or jig saw as well. Or, if you buy MDF or plywood at Home Depot they will cut it for you for free (most stores don’t charge). It can be any size you like, mine is 17 1/2 inches square. In the photo above you can see I measured and drew lines to find my center mark.

Once that was done it made it easy for me to center my old frame on the board to really get started on this fun new chevron upcycled picture frame idea. I traced around the frame, and then measured an inch towards the middle on all sides. This box is where I will eventually be gluing my frame down. The width of the frame measures 1 1/4 wide and so the inch margin was perfect. I marked the middle portion with the words cut, to make sure I didn’t cut in the wrong place.

I started by drilling holes on all for sides, so my jig saw blade could start the cut, but they were too small. So I just drilled one bigger hole, and cut from there!

Now do you see why I wanted a hole? It is for my frame, so when I want to switch out the picture, I have easy access! That 1/4 inch gives me just enough space.  A perfect fit.

At this point I had a hard time deciding what type of pattern to do on my board. I wanted it to be a fun decorative pattern, and since I love chevron and don’t have much in my home, I went with it. There are so many upcycled picture frame ideas, but chevron is a totally fun and classic look I can’t get enough of.

You could do any pattern you want!  I used my cutting machine to cut the chevron out onto some white contact paper to make a stencil.  You could also use painters tape to make the pattern. I grabbed another can of oops paint from my garage (can you tell I am cheap, I hate to buy things full price!) and did one quick coat with a foam brush.

I removed the stencil and ta-da…clean crisp lines! Sorry for the bad in progress photos, it has been raining and overcast, and all my kids were underfoot so I was in a hurry.

I cleaned off my old frame to get it ready to spray paint. This frame is over 9 years old, I am sure I didn’t pay over three dollars for it, so it was a cheap one. I gave it a nice glossy finish with a can of yellow spray paint I had gotten at the Restore for $1.  Spray paint is a great way to change colors on your upcycled picture frame ideas!  If you don’t like it, it’s super easy to change out!

Next step?  Attaching the frame to the board.