Framing a photo on a page gives it punch and pizzazz but there are times when I want to give it a slightly different look, something just a bit more interesting. I created this technique out of the blue one day and thought I’d share it with you. It’s easy and fun.

You’ll want to begin by gathering some supplies to create this project, including: a photo, contrasting cardstock, a punch of your choice, contrasting dye ink, adhesive and paper trimmer.

Begin by trimming your photo. I chose to leave a bit of the white border around this one but it is optional. Then, using the photo as a guide, trim the main color cardstock. I used a border of nearly 1 inch all the way around. Allow enough room for your punch to reach beyond the border of the photo but still be in proportion to the photo. Do not adhere the photo at this time.

Set your photo aside and begin punching around the edge in a random pattern. Keep the punch more or less evenly spaced and tilt it in different directions. It is also nice to overlap punches once in a while or run some off the edge. It shouldn’t look too planned.

Place the frame onto the contrasting cardstock and place the photo on it to see how it will look and if you are satisfied with the design.

Using a dye ink stamp pad, “scrub” over the top of the frame. If you do not want to get your hands messy, place a piece of scrap paper underneath. This is again random. I like to go in circles or just wipe around the edges. Remember to work carefully around any fragile pieces.

After the ink is completely dry, adhere the photo to the frame.

Trim a piece of contrasting cardstock as a mat for the frame. If you cut the photo, leaving a border, white cardstock is a nice option to complete the look. Turn your punched frame (with photo already adhered) over and carefully place adhesive onto the back. If you have a non-stick work surface such as one by Adhesive Tech, this is a perfect time to use it. You can run a tape/glue runner over the back and if you happen to accidentally roll over some of the empty space, it won’t stick to the surface and the extra adhesive can be moved onto the back with a toothpick.

Mount the frame onto the contrasting mat. It is now ready to add to any project. Check out how I used it. See how the technique can be added to borders and I’m sure, anything you want. Have fun!!

Best Friends
Supplies: Prismatics Black, White and Intense Pink cardstocks (Prism)
Papershapers flower punch (EK Success)
Cranberry dye ink (Stampabilities)
Shazzam monogram font style dies (Spellbinders)
Vintage font style dies (Spellbinders)
Wizard embossing and die cutting system (Spellbinders)
Mini tag (Flair)
Black brads (The Paper Studio)
Heidi Swapp rub-on (Advantus Corp.)

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