DIY Tartan Plaid Photo Frame: A Pottery Barn Lookalike for Less

Whether you’re looking to frame your family photos, your favorite Christmas cards, or even just some pretty holiday artwork, I’ve got you covered. Read on to discover my step-by-step tutuorial on a DIY tartan plaid photo frame, a Pottery Barn lookalike for less!

Today I’m joining some of my friends, hosted by Pasha from Pasha is Home and we are sharing some early Holiday home decor inspiration with you. Some of you might think it’s too early, but in our blogging world we are right on time!

If you are coming from my good friend Tammy from White Lilac Farmhouse, I’m so glad you are here. Didn’t you love Tammy’s wreath? She’s so creative!

Welcome to my blog! I’m Kim, your friendly guide from Cottage in the Mitten. Whether you’re one of my regular visitors or brand new to my cozy space, I’m excited to have you here! This blog is where I share inspiration from my home, a good DIY and my kind of lifestyle with you!

So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, make yourself comfortable, and see how I made my Pottery Barn lookalike holiday photo frame.

Supply List for Your DIY Photo Frame

Do you look forward to the online Pottery Barn catalogs? The holiday edition is full of traditional Christmas and needless to say, I’m here for it! Their tartan plaid photo frames are on the pricey side and I knew I could create my own version for a lot less.

This is a budget-friendly, easy DIY holiday decor project and the supply list is the same. Here is the complete list of supplies you will need:

• Photo frames
• Tartan plaid fabric
• Fabric spray glue
• Scissors
• Photos of your choice

For this holiday photo frame project, I already had all the items I needed with the exception of the tartan plaid fabric. How much you need will depend on the amount and size of your frames.

Step 1

The number and size of frames you need for your decor will depend on where you want to display it. I only needed two frames for my area. I found an 8 x 10 frame in my storage room, that wasn’t being used, and a 5 x 7 frame that I recently purchased for under $8.

Once you’ve gathered your frames, remove the mat from the inside of the frame. If your frame doesn’t have a mat, you can purchase one inexpensively at your local craft store.

Step 2

Next, you’ll want to iron your fabric to make sure it is smooth and free of wrinkles. Once ironed you’re ready to cut your fabric to adhere to the mat.

I used a cutting mat and a circular blade, however scissors will work just as well.

Lay your fabric with the right side facing downwards, then position your mat on top of the fabric. Ensure the tartan plaid is evenly aligned with the mat’s frame. Trim the fabric carefully, leaving a half-inch margin around both the outside and inside of the mat frame.

With your scissors carefully cut a slit on the inside of the fabric, at each corner. This will allow you to fold the fabric over neatly.

Step 3

I used spray glue to adhere the fabric to the frame. Here’s a tip, before you start spraying your mat, make a smaller template of the mat laying and lay it on top of your mat, leaving a 1/2 inch exposed. By doing this the whole mat will not be sticky.

Once you have it sprayed, start in the center and fold over the fabric on each side. Then work your way to the outer edges and complete the same process.

Step 4

The final step is to add your photos. You can use personal photos or download free images to use. There are plenty of free online photo libraries that you can pull from. The Graphics Fairy and The Boston Museum of Fine Art are two sources I have recently used. The Graphics Fairy has a ton of vintage-looking options and would be perfect for the holidays!

Whatever photos you chose, these frames are sure to make your holiday home decor a little brighter! They would even make a great gift idea for friends and family.

DIY Tartan Plaid Photo Frame

I hope these step-by-step instructions have inspired you to tackle your own DIY tartan plaid photo frame makeover.

Up next is our hostess with the mostess, Pasha with Pasha is Home.

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Happy holiday planning!

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