Marvelous moss frames

Hands-on time: Under two hours.
Total time: Add drying time.
Skill: Easy.
Cost estimate: Under $18.00.

Materials & Tools

• Unpainted wood frame
• Wood stain (in your choice of colour)
• 1-inch (2.5cm) foam brush
• Lint free cloth
• Satin-finish varnish in spray or brush-on format
• Matting board (available at picture-frame and some craft stores)
• Botanical prints (from calendars, reproductions, magazines or even seed packaging labels)
• Decoupage medium (e.g., Mod Podge)
• Moss and assorted small dried flowers, small pine cones, etc.
• Craft knife
• Glue gun and double-sided tape

Botanical collage frames are certain to enchant any autumn décor. Start by staining the unpainted wooden frame with the foam brush. Let stand for about 15 minutes. To avoid streaking marks, remove excess stain with a cloth and let dry completely. Once dry, apply a varnish finish and let dry.

Cut out a piece of matting board to fix at the back of the frame. Trim the image to fit over the matting board.

Lightly brush on the découpage medium on the back of the image, and then place the image immediately onto the matting-board and brush on more découpage medium over the image surface.

Remove any bubbles by rubbing gently over the image with your fingers or with a small plastic scraper. Set aside until dry.

Place pieces of dried moss around the frame's picture opening. Once in place, carefully attach the moss with the glue gun. Place your accent pieces - dried flowers, cinnamon sticks, tiny pine cones, cedar roses, dried berries or mushrooms, etc. - and glue to secure.

Place the image in the frame. Glue the matting board in position with the glue gun or double-sided tape. If your frame came with a backing part, you can position it back into place.

Tip

• Spray adhesive can be used instead of the découpage medium to affix the image on the matting board.
• You can substitute rigid cardboard for a matting board.

Variations

• For extra pizzazz try putting an oval or circular board over the découpage image and the moss directly on the outer edge of the frame.
• Make a grouping of several frames in assorted sizes to add interest and colour to a plain wall area.
• If you're searching for botanical prints, try art.com and type "botanical" in the search field. For matting boards, check out Matshop.