I came across a bag of denim belt loops, I’d saved from when I’d made my denim waistband rug. That’s when I got the idea of making a denim photo frame.
Whilst making the belt loop frame I then got an idea for a denim photo frame made out the seams of old jeans. I made a recycled jeans planter and a denim table lamp out of old jeans seams before and love how they turned out.
I will show you how to make both kinds of denim frames. I think I prefer the denim frame made with the seams, that’s why I made two of them. These frames would look great in a teen bedroom or in a den.
This is a really easy no-sew affordable craft that uses the scraps from other denim upcycles. It is also a great way to update old boring photo frames into something with a bit more character.
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What You Need To Make Denim Photo Frame
- Denim belt loops or seams from an old pair of jeans. Don’t cut the seams from the jeans until you have read the “how to section” below, as you will be using a template to cut the denim.
- A seam ripper – this is a handy tool for removing the denim belt loops from the waistband of a pair of jeans.
- Old photo frames to upcycle
- Gorilla glue contact adhesive clear (for the belt loop denim frames)
- Fabric glue (for the seams denim frame)
- Paper, pen, scissors and ruler
How To Make A Belt Loop Jeans Frame
The first belt loop frame is quite simple to make. You just need to decide whether you want the belt loops to be stuck on straight or at an angle.
I decided to go with an angle. Starting in one corner of the wooden frame, measure the diagonal (along the miter line). Then cut a belt loop to that length.
Next, apply adhesive glue to both the wrong side of the belt loop and the front of the frame. Then stick the piece of denim to the frame.
Carry on sticking strips of denim at an angle to frame until you come to the middle. Next, start on the other end of the frame and stick belt loops going the other way until they meet in the middle.
Fill any gaps with strips of denim cut to size.
Carry on sticking belt loops to the frame using this method until all four sides are covered. If you don’t have enough belt loops, just cut some denim seams up to fit.
How To Make A Seam Denim Photo Frame
This denim photo frame is made in a totally different way to the one above.
1. The first thing to do with this frame is to make a paper template pattern. If the photo frame you are upcycling is square you will only need to make one paper template.
However, if the photo frame is rectangle then you will need to make 2 paper templates. One for the long side and another for the shorter side.
To make the paper template, measure the width of the wood going around the frame. Make sure you include the sides as well as the front of the frame. Then cut the paper frame at an angle to the miter angles on the front of the frame.
2. Next, using the template cut out 4 pieces of denim seams. Make sure that the seams are all in the same place, that is the middle of the front of the frame.
3. Next, glue the seams to the photo frame one by one. Make sure that the mitred corners meet up. I found that a fabric glue was good for this.
I really liked the look of this upcycled jeans seam denim photo frame, I made another one in lighter denim.
Denim Photo Frame
How to make fun and unique denim photo frames from your old jeans.
Materials
- Jeans belt loops
- Denim seams
- Old photo frames
- Contact adhesive
- Fabric glue
Tools
- Ruler
- Scissors
Instructions
- For the denim belt loop frame. Stick the loops to the frame one by one at angle starting at the corner. Cut scraps to size to fit into the gaps.
- For the denim seam frame, make a paper template.
- Cut the seams using the template
- Stick the seams one by one to the frame, matching the mitre corners.
If you liked the repurposed denim photo frame, then check out some of my other cool no-sew jeans DIYs for the home. Or you might like some of the other upcycled frame ideas on Pillarboxblue such as the lego Minifigure photo frame and the printed map pallet frame.
For more thrifty craft ideas visit cheapthriftyliving.com
Marie
Such a great idea for photo frames – my daughter would love these! Claire, because of your blog, I never get rid of old jeans anymore.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ?. Yes there are so many wonderful things you can make with old jeans.
Michelle Leslie
Darn it and I just threw out a whole bunch of cut-up denims because I had no idea what to do with those seams. They’re so difficult to sew unless you have a needle made from kryptonite or something like that 😀 These are all gorgeous Claire
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Michelle. I love using the seams as I think they have character.
Rebecca
Claire, This is such a great upcycle idea! Thank you for sharing at Celebrate Your Story!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much ?
Cecilia
These are so fun, Claire! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ?
Ann
Great frames – I love how you used the seams! Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ’s!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much ?
Dee | Grammy's Grid
Thanks for linking up at the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty 41! Shared ♥
Claire Armstrong
Thank you
Kathy A
I have some old jeans just looking for a project; the seam one may be it! Lovely creations!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, that’s my favourite too.
Anita Holland
Thanks for sharing. Pinned. Your comments put me off because my sister’s name is Claire Armstrong LOL
Claire Armstrong
Lol, that’s my married name I wasn’t always Claire Armstrong. Thank you.
Michelle
Really clever ideas! I especially like the look of the seamed frame. Thanks for sharing!
Claire Armstrong
Me too! Thank you.
Dee | Grammy's Grid
Thanks for linking up at the #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 2! Shared ♥
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, and thanks for hosting.
Julie
2 great projects to use up the scraps from other denim upcycling projects. No bit to small to use 🙂
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Julie. Yes, no scrap too small.
Frédérique
Pretty!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you
creativejewishmom/sara
Another great project to use up those denim scraps! thanks so much for sharing on craft schooling Sunday, your projects always bring the party up a notch or three!
Claire Armstrong
Aww, that’s very kind of you to day so I just love crafting. Thank you for hosting too.
Pam @Threading My Way
So creative, Claire. They both look really good, but I especially love the seam frame.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, I think I’m with you on the seam one.
Vanessa
I can’t decide which style I like better. Using scraps from old jeans gives such a nice color variation in the belt loop one, but the ones made from seams are sleeker looking.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, I know what you mean. They both have their qualities. The belt loops do show up the variations in indigo but the other ones are neater.