How can I reuse or recycle a picture frame?

picture frameWe’ve had an email from Gayle:

What can I do with a picture frame now that the glass has broken? It would be cheaper to buy a new one than replace the glass but I don’t want to throw it out because it’s nice!

I’d keep it around for use with pictures or other pieces of artwork that stick out a bit too much to fit behind glass – for example, my Cats in Slacks picture (I’ve got Gordon, in dashing mustard slacks) needs a bit of breathing room because of the button, and Lego designs need loads of space.

You can also use them to store/display jewellery or take the old Friends approach, and use it around a spy-hole on a door (or a light switch etc).

Any other suggestions?

(Photo by qute)

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12 Responses to “How can I reuse or recycle a picture frame?”


  1. Nicole says:

    Use it as a frame for a mirror. Or insert a wood bottom to make a tray.

  2. Put a bit of cork behind the frame and pin kids art to it or use it to keep kitchen notes, a note spot beside a phone, random photos that make you happy, a vision board…

  3. Anonymous says:

    I painted one white for a little zing on a wall

  4. J says:

    Bulletin board, serving tray… Just a couple of ideas.

  5. nancy says:

    I love the idea of using it as a bulletin board because we have so many photos, invites, or scraps of thoughts jotted down, cluttering up desks that can be put on a bulletin board and enjoyed. Find a fabric you like, could even be denim cut from an old pair of jeans, strech it over the back of the frame (staple it in place), paint, sand, or decorate your frame as necessary, to make it attractive in your style. If you have elastic, you can stretch it across the fabric in a few places to slip your momentos behind or use thumb tacks.

  6. avogana says:

    1. If the size is the same as your TV, use it to frame that.
    2. Fill it with wine bottle corks to make a bulliton board.
    3. Frame a callendar
    4. Frame a mirror
    5. Turn it into a side table if you’re good with wood.

  7. Melinda Goodick says:

    It could be used to frame a bit of screening, and hung as a place to keep earrings and other blingage.

  8. ecomonster says:

    if you need a jewelry holder, you can add chicken wire to it! i’ve been wanting to do this myself but never got around to it. instead i just framed a stuffed bunny what’s pinned up in my garage. lol i live in a college house that’s why.

  9. Moneypenny says:

    When you have two frames of the same size you can use them to make your own paper.
    Cover one frame with wire mesh, you will scoop your paper on the mesh. The second frame will give your paper shape and an edge.
    When you scoop the pulp, simply hold the two frames together on top of eachother (the mesh is in de middle now).

    I could explain how to make the pulp/paper but I’m sure you can find (better) instructions somewhere online.

  10. marley says:

    On the TV show friends, a small, empty frame covers their peephole. Very cute! and subtle!

  11. Olia says:

    Instead of glass place cushioned fabric and have yourself giant needle and pin holder. :)

  12. Olia says:

    Paint house number inside and hang on exterior wall.



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