How to Make a Picture Frame Memory Wreath has been in my head for a few years now. It is such a meaningful and sweet idea for a wreath! It is the absolute perfect gift for any Mom on Mother’s Day.
Since the digital era invaded us, the old paper pictures on display have become less an less of a thing and it is time to get back to basics again!
I am always looking for new ways to display photos. I love unique ideas and this one from Karianne from Thistlewood Farms takes the cake.
She used a grapevine wreath and mini frames to create this keepsake wreath for her home. Isn’t it lovely?
I love the black and white with the burlap bow. Be still in my heart. If you love this idea, you have to check out. It is to die for.
Hi Infarrantly Creative Readers!
My name is KariAnne and I blog over at Thistlewood Farm. I am so excited to be here today sharing a fun, easy way to display photographs.
As a mother of four, I am always looking for ways to capture those special moments in time with my children.
I try to live each day in the moment, but the days speed by so quickly.
The other day I blinked….and my toddler was in kindergarten.
I blinked again…..and my kindergartener was sixteen and driving.
This is why it is so important to me to preserve family moments and memories.
Before it’s time to blink again.
How to Make a Picture Wreath Frame
Step 1: Assemble supplies and remove the easels from the frames.
The frames I chose were connected by a hinge on the back.
I twisted the easel part of the frame until it was loose and then removed the pin between the hinges.
After removing the easel part of the picture frame, the hinge should remain attached to the frame.
This allows the frames to lay flat on the wreath.
Discard hinges (unless you are planning on starting a highly sought after hinge collection).
Step 2: Print out the photographs you want to use with the wreath.
I printed out black and white pictures from my computer onto basic photo paper.
I printed out wallet size photographs and it was almost the perfect size for the 2″x3″ frames.
Step 3: Add pictures to frame.
Make sure you have a variety of the 2″ x 3″ frames and you have a selection of horizontal and vertical photographs.
Continue until all frames have been filled.
Step 4: Add floral wire to the back of the picture frames.
Cut each piece of floral wire in half and thread through the holes where the hinges used to be attached.
Pull the wire tight and twist.
Make sure the wire is taut against the frame so it will stabilize itself against the wreath.
Step 5: Add wire with the picture frame to the wreath.
Take the open end of the wire and wrap it around a branch of the grapevine wreath.
Twist and secure tightly so the frame lays flat against the wreath.
Tuck the ends of the floral wire into the wreath.
Step 6: Continue adding picture frames to the wreath.
Add the picture frames to the wreath, alternating frame styles and horizontal and vertical pictures.
Picture frames should overlap and be spaced closely together.
Carry on until you have filled the entire wreath.
It took me approximately 24 picture frames to complete the wreath.
Displaying and Preserving the Beautiful Wreath Picture Frame
As a DIY enthusiast, one of the most exciting parts of creating a photo wreath frame is deciding how to display it. There are several options to consider, each offering a unique way to showcase your cherished memories.
Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Hang on the Wall
One of the classic and popular ways to display your memory wreath is by hanging it on the wall. Find a suitable spot where it can become a focal point, such as a living room, hallway, or bedroom.
Use a sturdy nail or a hook to ensure it stays securely in place. Experiment with different heights and arrangements to find the perfect spot.
Place on a Stand or Easel
Another great option is to place your memory wreath on a stand or easel. This allows you to showcase it on a table, shelf, or mantel.
Look for a stand or easel that complements the style and size of your decoration wreath frame. This way, it can stand tall and proud, catching the attention of anyone who sees it.
Incorporate Into a Gallery Wall
If you have a collection of photographs or artwork, consider incorporating your memory wreath into a larger gallery wall display. Arrange it alongside other framed pictures, artwork, or even mirrors. This creates a visually striking and personalized gallery that tells your unique story.
Preserving the Picture Wreath Frame
Now that you’ve created your beautiful memory wreath, it’s important to preserve it properly to ensure its longevity. Here are a few tips to help you keep it in pristine condition:
- Avoid exposing the wreath to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as it can cause fading or damage to the photographs.
- Dust the wreath regularly with a soft, dry cloth to keep it clean and free from debris.
- If you’re storing the wreath, wrap it in acid-free tissue paper or place it in a protective box to prevent any potential damage.
- Consider using a clear, archival-quality spray sealant to protect the photographs from moisture and fading. Be sure to follow the instructions on the sealant product carefully.
Remember, by displaying your memory wreath with care and preserving it properly, you can enjoy its beauty and the memories it holds for years to come.
Alternative Uses for Memory Wreaths
Congratulations on creating your picture frame memory wreath! Not only is it a wonderful keepsake, but it also opens up a world of creative possibilities beyond its traditional display.
Here are some alternative uses for memory wreaths that you may find inspiring:
Gifting for Special Occasions
Memory wreaths make heartfelt and unique gifts for special occasions. Consider giving one to a close friend or family member.
Customize the wreath with photographs that hold sentimental value to them, making it a truly cherished and personalized gift. You can create a floral wreath design for debut parties, add leaves for wedding celebrations, or a festive wreath picture frame for family reunions.
Incorporating Into Memorial Displays
Memory wreaths can also be a beautiful addition to memorial displays. If you’re honoring the memory of a loved one or commemorating a significant event, incorporate the wreath into the display.
Surround it with flowers, candles, or other meaningful objects to create a touching tribute.
Using as Unique Decorative Pieces
Memory wreaths can be used as eye-catching decorative pieces for events or parties. Hang them on the door to welcome guests to a milestone celebration or display them on tabletops as centerpieces
The wreaths will not only add a personal touch but also serve as conversation starters, sparking memories and stories among your guests.
Framing Memories: Tying the Last Bow
The possibilities for displaying and utilizing your picture wreath frame are endless. Whether you choose to hang it on a wall, place it on a stand, or incorporate it into a larger display, your wreath will become a cherished reminder of precious moments.
Additionally, gifting it or using it as a decorative piece can spread joy and create lasting memories for others. Embrace your creativity, and let your memory wreath shine in all its glory!
Hang up your picture frame memory wreath and your heart will smile.
Families are such a blessing and what better way to preserve the wonderful moments you spend together, so you can be ready for the next time you blink 🙂
Karianne updated it and made a new one in black and white.
Read also: Burlap Photo Wreath and DIY Tissue Paper Wreath
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LOVE this so much!! Thank you for sharing!
I love this!!! What a great way to show off all my grandbabies!!
Gorgeous wreath, KariAnne! Thank you Beckie for posting this! I think I’m going to make two of these for the grandmas for Christmas.
Gorgeous! What a terrific idea!
Here’s to taking all of those photos off of the computer and phone and getting them displayed in a fabulous way like this! Blink … oops my kids just grew another inch!
Kelly
Everything this girl does is as amazing as she is!
What a gorgeous wreath! All the photos make it SUCH a treasure. Definitely something that would make a gorgeous wedding gift filled with pictures of the bride and groom 🙂
I love it!
Oh KariAnne I love it!! I am going to add this to my growing list!! Thank you for sharing the “how to” in such a wonderful photo tutorial. ~ Lori
What a cute Idea Kari! I did something recently, similar but nothing to this awesomeness. Now I have to rethink mine. LOL!~ Thanks for sharing all your inspiration.
would make a great gift!
Gorgeous wreath Karianne, I just love all of your work! Thanks for inviting me to stop by here, this is a lovely blog also.
Gorgemegus….loverly…and shut the door….WOW
yes I like it,can yu tell…the one I did was never this pretty…
I will have to make another….I used a foam form, wrapped in burlap and pinned the pics…I sold this at my booth….but this one is so much better thank yu for inspirations….
Love this Karianne! I just blinked and my oldest went to college this year…another blink and my 15yr old is driving! Yikes…I need to stop blinking! And I need to start collecting mini frames and make a beautiful memory wreath like yours! Thanks for sharing.
Love this!
What a wonderful idea. i blinked, and now all 3 of mine are in college!!! 🙂
Another wonderful idea, KariAnne. I do not know how you do it, but I’m so glad you do 🙂 Where do you buy your burlap ribbon and is it wired? Thanks so much for sharing!
She’s gone and done it again.
Gorgeous and unique! Totally in love with this wreath! Beautiful job, KariAnne!
Where did you buy your picture frames for this project? This is such a great idea!
Thistlewood Farm is one of my favorite blogs! I love all of Karen’s ideas and her wonderful sense of humour!
Kari,
Just adore, adore this project! You’ve given me a super fabulous idea for a Christmas wreath featuring all our past holiday cards in frames …
So I pinned and tweeted and FB’d and Google+’d …
🙂
Linda
(Awesome post my friend!)
I really love this! The wreath is unique and a beautiful way to display pictures.
THIS is great! I think this will be the perfect Christmas gift for my parents who have everything.
Thank you for sharing.
Karianne- you never disappoint! Love this idea.
Karianne….I saw this on Pinterest! I should have known it was you! You are so awesome! LOVE it!
This is such a cute idea … great way to capture those memories!!
Hey, love this idea, gave me an idea or two for Christmas…
just wondering where you got the frames?…
thanks, Kiera
Well I just blinked, and my oldest little birdie flew the nest into his own apartment so I totally get the blinking thing. I’m trying not too blink to much with Mekenzie, I want to keep her around for a little while longer. 😉 This is such a fabulous idea Kari, and so unique and gorgeous! Thank you for sharing it with us AND thank you Beckie for adding such a great talent to an amazing line up of contributors!
Heather
This is wonderful. What a great idea for a bride and groom!! Love it!
Awesome Awesome Awesome!!! Love it KariAnne. Yep, my oldest just moved out into his own place last month when I blinked… and my middle guy is a senior and my baby baby is a freshman this year. They really do grow so fast. Love your idea- KariAnne is an awesome choice to add to your fabulous contributors Beckie!!
Where did you find your 2 x 3 frames?
Gorgeous! I need a truckload of mini-frames now-a wreath for me and many more for gifts. Thanks for sharing this great idea!!!
This looks fantastic! How much did it cost in total? Really want to attempt to make one but I’m not the must able in the craft department haha.
GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kari, you ROCK (again and again!) I am so doing this…just as soon as I get my pumpkin painted… ;D
Love it! (just one small thing … you reference discarding the hinges … and I think you mean “easel” — it took me a long couple of minutes to realize that the hinges are MEANT to stay on the frame … )
I’m hopeful that this one actually makes it to my COMPLETED project list — so awesome, classy and meaningful!
I love this idea, thank you for sharing!!!
I absolutely love this! Pinning and I’m totally making one of these! Great job.
LOVE this Becky! I’ll be featuring it on Craft Gossip 🙂 so cool 🙂
What a clever idea! I LOVE it! Definitely want to make one of these!
As always, a lovely project from Karianne! Love it!
Amanda, Thanks so much! It means a lot 🙂
I love this idea! With 2 children and 2 grandsons this will be wonderful to display their photos!
Where can someone find the frames? I love this and think this is a good gift for family
I want to know where you got the FRAMES too and everything else would be awesome if you can share that too!!!
I love this! I’m going to make it for my moms bday. Thank you so much for the idea! I was wondering where you got your frames too? I’m having a hard time finding any that will work. @zolane I’m not sure about where she got her burlap but I did find some at michaels.
I was wondering if anyone could give me suggestions about where to buy 2×3 silver frames, in bulk, online. I would like to make my mom, mother-in-law, and grandmothers each one; which means I need about 100 Frames. 🙂 Any suggestions are appreciated!
Thanks!
I was wondering where you got your frames for this wreath? I want to make a few and cant seem to figure out where to buy any online. I live in Germany so I cant get them here either. Thank you for your help!
yay! I am so doing this as a Christmas gift!!
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
Great project! Pinned & stumbled.
Oh I love this! I’m always looking for new ways to display photos too. This looks fantastic
Beautiful. I want to make it but where did you find frames??? Thanks
Kristi
Where did you get the frames? It’s beautiful. Frames are hard to find….
Such a cute idea! Where did you find the frames? I’d love to make this for a Christmas gift! Thanks for sharing and the wonderful directions.
I seen frames for this at the Dollar Tree, Christmas Tree shop, wedding area at JoAnn’s. Good luck:)
This is such a great idea. Just wondering where you found all the frames?
Michaels in their dollar section.
I had no luck at Michaels, but Dollar Store had all kinds of frames. Ebay has some as well.
This would make a great holiday gift and there’s all kinds of ways to customize the design. Thanks for this creative gift idea!
Very great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanetd to mention that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing on your rss feed and I’m hoping you write again very soon!
Kari,
Thank you soooo much for sharing your awesome creativity with us!! I love taking photos of family events, but quite often I don’t end up getting them printed off for a long time. Now that will change! I can’t wait to make a wreath for my parents for Christmas – it will be pictures from my wedding November 3rd!!!
This is such a beautiful idea — and the wedding idea above — great — for 20 years, I’ve wanted to do something with our wedding pictures where they were really seen instead of just the traditional ones displayed – I have about 100 proofs that are in a book to pick from and they include precious family members no longer with us — this is perfect. Thanks for posting.
What a beautiful project!! I see several ladies have asked but I don’t see a reply to where you got the frames for the wreath? Thank you so much for sharing!
I saw this on Pinterest, and I was instantly smitten. What a beautiful idea. We are moving into a new home, and this will definitely be over our mantle. Thank you for such a great keepsake.
I know isn’t it adorable? I absolutely love creative ways to showcase family photos.
Michaels or you can try the Dollar spot at Target sometime they have them.
What a neat idea! This will be a great gift for my parent’s 45 anniversary. I was looking for different ideas and this is perfect.
Thanks for sharing.
i found some by googling WEDDING FAVORS…there are several designs for the borders so you can change them up, and cost under $3.00 each. the more you purchase the cheaper they are!
Thanks for the great idea! I did this for my mother-in-laws 80th bday with pics of her childhood. It was the hit of the party!!
Just your ideas- thanks so much!!!!
Shush…this is dog-on- outta this world CUTE! Love it..simple yet so meaningful..and did I mention.. CUTE?! Great job lady- thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for the idea. I made one for my parent’s 45th anniversary and my mom cried, twice! My dad even loved it!
Thanks again!
That is too precious! Thanks for sharing!
I love this! I can’t wait to make my mom one of these for Christmas!!
Where did you get the frames? 24 is a lot; is there somewhere to get them relatively cheaply?
Michaels has them for $1
i hit michaels yesterday and they were $3 each. Eeek… was trying to do this without spending a fortune! I’ve been hitting thrift stores and almost have enough. I’m spray painting them all, so doesn’t matter what color.
Eeek indeed. Three dollars a piece is a killer. The thrift store is a great idea, and you could also try the dollar store.
I adore this wreath and bet your mom would too. That’s why I had to showcase it again. Karianne is amazing!
Where did you get the wreath from? Can I order it online to come to the UK?
It was made by one my past contributors, KariAnne from Thistlewood Farms.
Kelly: Just did this, some of my frames where from Micheal’s. Make sure to scan them because some said $3.99 but rang up at $1.49.
Thank you so much for these great instructions. I have wanted to do this for myself. I had to do a 50th anniversary gift for my in laws and thought this is perfect! Hopefully I can do it quickly…I only have a few days. eek
I LOVE the idea of giving this as an anniversary gift. So sweet! I hope you can get it done, and happy anniversary to your in-laws!
You can order 3×2 frames in cases of 24 online from the Dollar Tree. If you have one in your area you can do in store pick up for free! This is what I did. Thanks for the great project! I’m getting married in 3 weeks and am making this for thank you gift for our parents.
Thank you so much for sharing, Stephanie. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! 🙂
Yep, some beauties are worth a repeat … and this is one of them! Just adore this idea!
Comfort and joy from your neighbor at Nester’s tonight!
Such a pretty way to celebrate and share memories all at once!
I just adore this wreath that KariAnne made. I am so glad you like it too, Bonita!
Thank you so much, Linda, for stopping over!
Hello – love this idea for my mother! where did you find your frames? I have been looking but can’t seem to find any as cute as what you show. thanks for sharing
Hello – cute idea! where did you find your frames? thanks for sharing
Did you check the dollar store?
Where did you find the picture frames at?
I believe KariAnne found hers in the dollar section of Michael’s; however, that was a few years ago. I have also seen them at the Dollar Tree, Christmas Tree shop, wedding area at JoAnn’s. I would check around. Good luck!
My mother-n-law has dementia. Because she has begun to wander away from the house, we will be placing her in a care facility soon. I will be making this wreath for her door, so she will be able to recognize her room in her new home. Thank you for the inspiration!
How wonderful, Lynn! You are so welcome!
You have a great list here! Thanks for the ideas. God bless.
Where did you find the photo frames?
Hi Kelly, I have seen frames like this at the Dollar Tree, Christmas Tree shop, wedding area at JoAnn’s, etc. I hope you can find some!
Where did you get your silver mini photo frames for your wreath?
Just made this for my boyfriend’s mother for Christmas! I used a bunch of family photos of all of her children as well as our daughter and her grandson and then put holiday foliage along the inside of the wreath for the season. I’m giving her a burlap bow so she can change it out seasonally. It’s so gorgeous and I’m really happy I saw this post! Thanks for the great tutorial!
This is such a nice idea! My wife will love this.
This has got to be my favourite craft yet! I might try to nake this. xx Beckie you are really amazingly creative.
Thank you so much Tina. I hope you try this wreath. It is a great keepsake for your memories!