Need a fun way to customize a frame to your favorite color scheme? Steph from Crafting in the Rain is here with us today to share how to make this ombre bead picture frame – and it’s easier than you might think! Make sure you take a moment to drop by her blog to check out more of her projects and say hello!
Project estimate:
Frame, on hand or $1
Wood beads, $1 and up
Pipe cleaner, on hand
Paint, on hand or$1 and up
Hot glue, on hand
Total: $1 and up
Lay beads out on frame to determine your pattern. I was able to get 14 across and 16 down, so I split it into 4 groups of 4 rows each.
Thread beads onto pipe cleaner. This makes them easier to hold and paint, though it’s still not completely mess-free. Starting with the darkest color, paint your predetermined number of rows.
Next, blend in some of your next color, or a little white, and paint the next section of rows. Continue the same way, gradually changing the paint color until all sections of rows are painted. You can control how subtle or dramatic the color difference is each time. Let dry and glue one at a time to the frame.
Once the glue is set you’re ready to add a favorite photo for display. What colors would you choose?
Rhonda Greene is a lifelong resident of West Michigan. She participated in her first craft show at the age of 10, selling jewelry made from found objects. She lives with her husband, Adam, and two cats, Merlin and Abracadabra. She is especially fond of collecting adhesives and fasteners, her favorites of which include Mod Podge, duct tape, and grommets. Read more from Rhonda on her blog, Oh That Mrs. Greene.
Disclosure: this article may contain affiliate links or other forms of sponsored content. Opinions are 100% the author's. Full disclosure policy.
18 Comments
heather
This is such a fun project. I love how you mixed the paints to create the ombre effect! Thanks for your great guest post.
18 Comments
heather
This is such a fun project. I love how you mixed the paints to create the ombre effect! Thanks for your great guest post.
Niki
So adorable!! The beads are such an excellent idea!!
Sara @ Mom Endeavors
Fun! I think I would use blues–it would be perfect for our boys’ ocean themed bathroom!
Vivienne @ The V Spot
I love ombre and I think the colors you chose are great!
carolina
I love the texture that using painted beads brings to the project!
ColleenwithMurals&More
Awesome tutorial for how to paint ombre. Love the frame!
thezenofmaking
Cute!
kim-todays creative blog
This is beautiful! I’m so glad there are patient crafters out there to do such wonderful projects. I would have given up after the first bead.
Katie {Sweet Rose Studio}
What a fun ideas! I’m in love with the easy way to do ombre!
Kim @ Sand & Sisal
Neat idea! I love the texture of it all!
Mod Podge Amy
VERY creative! I always try to think about interesting things to do with those wood beads – great idea.
Jennifer
Super cute Steph! But you always do awesome crafty projects. I love the ombre painted beads!
Amanda
How cute is this! Love the colors you chose too!
Heidi Ferguson
Great job Steph! Love ombre.
claire
love the ombre and the texture!
Come visit us over at http://www.thesitsgirls.com!
Cindy deRosier
I’m the Editorial Assistant for Fun Family Crafts and I wanted to let you know that we have featured your frame! You can see it here:
http://funfamilycrafts.com/painted-ombre-frame/
Thanks for a cute project idea!