Shelf Expression

Add a frame to a special display with this easy project.

Have you ever seen a still life that looked so real, you thought you could lift the objects right out of the painting? Then you'll appreciate this shelf project that lets you create your own composition of elements within a frame. Follow our simple instructions, and then gather an assortment of lightweight items. You can change your display as often as you like. Have fun with color combinations of the items and the frame, in addition to the wall - try painting a block of color behind your frame for more impact.

Kacy Carroll and Alice L. Elmore

General Instructions

Base the size of your frame on the available wallspace. Determine a suitable dimension for the frame's height and width. (Note: You may need to make adjustments to the steps below and the materials purchased depending on your frame's size.)

Step-by-Step

Using a miter saw, cut four pieces of moulding, mitering the ends to a 45-degree angle. If your moulding is thinner along one long side, miter so that the thinner edge will run along the inside of the frame. The vertical pieces should accommodate your height dimension from long point to long point. The horizontal pieces should be measured and cut similarly. Assemble the pieces, and check for square. Drive wire brads into the outer edges of the four corners to join the four pieces.
Cut two pieces of the square dowel measuring approximately 2 inches longer than the frame's short inside edges. Cut two more dowels approximately 3 1/2 inches longer than your long inside edges. Arrange the cut dowels into a rectangle on the back of the frame, per the photograph. For shelf support, at least one horizontal dowel should be flush with the inside edge of your frame. Glue the dowel pieces in place. When the glue is dry, turn over the frame and nail through the front into the dowels.
Cut the poplar scant to a length about 1/16 inch shorter than the width of the frame's opening. Measure 2 inches in from one long side of the poplar, and mark this measurement at both ends. At two corners, cut a 45-degree notch starting at the marks (refer to the photograph). Sand any rough edges. Place the shelf inside the frame's opening, resting it on a horizontal dowel. Nail through the top of the shelf into the dowel.
Fill all nail holes with wood filler, and sand smooth. Paint or stain the entire assembly the color of your choice. Then attach a picture hanger to the back of the frame, and affix felt bumpers to the two bottom corners.

Styles Defined

Cottage

This style, with a farmhouse feel, was inspired by a collection of speckled ceramic teapots. To coordinate with these, we picked a traditional moulding style and placed the crisp, white frame on a sunny yellow beaded-board wall.

Urban

To evoke an urban look, we selected sleek base moulding for the frames and painted both in a matte finish. Pictured above, this dramatic combination of red, black, and dark gray sets off the white modern-style vases.

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(What are these?)

Skillset: Beginner

Rough Cost Estimate: $35 for one frame (Does not include labor cost or applicable taxes, which vary by market.)

Rough Time Estimate: 1 week

(for one small- to medium-size frame)

Tools

tape measure
miter saw
framing square
hammer
pencil

Millwork and Lumber

(cottage frame) 1 (8-foot-long) piece of 11/16- x 3 1/4-inch casing*
(urban frames) 1 (8-foot-long) piece of 9/16- x 3 1/4-inch base moulding*
3 or 4 (36-inch-long) 1-inch square dowels (quantity depends on frame dimensions)
1 (2-foot-long) 1/4 - x 6-inch poplar scant

Hardware and Supplies

1 package (#17 x 1-inch) wire brads
1 self-leveling picture hanger
1 package (3/8-inch) felt bumpers
wood glue
wood filler
sandpaper
paint or stain of your choice

*Selection varies by market.