Home Décor Craft Ideas: Golden Tin Photo Frame

Gold colored etched frames have long since been a staple in classic décor styles. While many home décor boutiques and stores sell frames that can easily for thirty dollars or more, this simple gold tin photo frame has just as elegant appeal with a far less cost.

For this project, you will need:

- One eight inch scroll tin tile (found in stores or online at Viking Wood Crafts)

- Krylon Premium Metallic Paint in 18 Kt Gold

- Craft knife or razor knife

- Self healing mat

- A favorite photo, scaled down small enough to fit in the center of the tin

- Scissors

- Hot glue gun and glue sticks

- Acrylic finishing spray

- Acrylic paint (optional)

- Artist's paintbrush (optional)

- Decorative plate display stand (optional)

- Newspaper or drop cloth

Anytime you are starting a project that involves spray paints and/or glues, it is important to choose your work area carefully. This includes making sure your workspace is well ventilated and there is sufficient newspaper or a drop cloth down to prevent a mess. (Outdoor areas usually work best.) Also, use extreme caution when using a craft or razor knife to cut tin. Safety first!

That said, begin your project by laying the eight inch scroll tin tile flat on your workspace. Coat the entire tile with Krylon Premium Metallic Paint in 18 Kt Gold. Allow the gold paint to dry fifteen to twenty minutes before turning over and coating the back with gold paint. Let the tile dry completely before repeating the process for a second coat.

Lay the tin tile flat on a self healing mat. With a craft or razor knife, carefully cut out the center of the tin tile. (It is also recommended to wear protective gloves during this process, as the tin can be very sharp and cause serious injury if not handled carefully and correctly.)

Place the gold tin tile face down on your workspace. Trim the photo so that it overlaps just enough to hold the picture in place. Heat up the hot glue gun. Adhere the photo to the back of the tin tile so that it shows through the cut opening. Let the glue dry completely.