Leftover Wooden Blinds to Pretty Picture Frame

So as I was strolling through Pinterest one day, I came across a picture frame project that gave me an idea to use up some of the load of slats we had leftover from installing our mini blinds in the master bedroom.

I bought these little $2 pictures at the dollar store a while back to go with my beach theme I have going on in my master suite, but I really didn't like the way they looked without a frame....made them look cheap.....maybe because they were! lol! Hmmmmm.

It took 2 slats per frame.  That is because I didn't want those little cut out holes to be a part of my frame.

I set up the trusty saw, dawned my safety glasses and got to cutting.  I don't normally do the cutting myself, but since I was on vacation and home alone when I made these frames...it was all up to me!  By the way...no fingers were harmed in the cutting of these wooden slats!

I measured the little picture first, then cut my pieces slightly smaller to fit just on the very outer top edge of the picture.  You want the inside edges {ones closest to the picture} to end up slightly smaller than the size of your picture.  I laid them out as I cut to make sure they were going to line up properly.

Next, I grabbed the Gorilla wood glue and was ready to assemble my little frame.  At this point you'll want to flip your frame over to the back side and line up all your cuts to form your frame.

I applied glue in each corner cut, got my picture frame to "square", then I used a little piece I cut off and saved to use as a brace for my corners. Just apply a dab of glue and line up over the corner cuts.

Next I used a bit of wood filler on the front side to make sure each of my seams were smooth and uniform.  My first frame wasn't nearly as "perfect" as the second one.  Isn't that how it always goes.....the first try is practice and then you're a pro on the next round!

Even though my slats were already white, I wanted a glossy finish on them so after my wood filler dried and I sanded it smooth, I applied one coated of glossy white paint.

I let them dry really good {which doesn't take long when it's 90 degrees outside at 9:30 in the morning} and then flipped them over applied a very small line of clear silicone to the back inside edge of the frame, lined them up straight onto my pictures and viola....pretty framed art! 

Now nobody will know I only spent $2 on each picture.....well, you know cuz I just told you, but don't tell anyone else, ok? heehee!  It just makes the little space so much more special now.  I love it!
There are so many more ideas on Pinterest for using up your left over or broken wooden mini blind slats.  I have lots of slats and can't wait to try something else.
It doesn't have to be done all at once.  It is a slow process in the works! C-ya next time!

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