Ways to Make a Double Picture Frame

If you have several family pictures to frame a double picture frame is a great way to do it. They are versatile in style and design and also give you more frame for your dollar. Many cost about the same as a single frame, and they can be used either as single, double or even triple frames.

For the industrious type that knows a little about woodworking you can even make your own double picture frames. If you have the time, the tools and hardwood it will take about an afternoon.

First start by cutting your frame pieces to the size of the frame. For a 4x6 double picture frame you should count on 4 inches extra along each side for the border, and 1 and a half inch for the middle border. Add another 6 inches for the top and bottom border. Your frame pieces need to surround an area of this size which is 12x18 total. For a 1 inch thick frame that means final dimensions of 13 inches and 17 inches for the frame pieces (subtract one inch for overlapping frame corners).

Assemble the frame pieces using corner brace clamps to ensure you have enough room in the double picture frames for both pictures and the matte. Disassemble the double plicture frame pieces and coat each connecting end with wood glue. Then reset into the clamps.

Tack a nail through the top of the overlapping frame corner and into the side piece. Drill a pilot hole if you are using thin wood, to prevent splitting. Do this for each corner in the double picture frame.

Use a nail punch to recess the nail about 1/16 of an inch, then fill the recess hole with wood putty.

Now measure the inside edges of the frame on all sides. Cut smaller 1/4 inch thick wood slats to fit inside the frame along the edges. Trace an even line along the frame edge about 1/8 inch above the frame backing. Apply glue to the smaller wood slatting pieces and then clamp them to the frame with C-clamps. Wipe away any excess glue right away.

To finish the process, sand and paint the frame once it is completely dry. Then mount photo backing to the back of the frame using small staples and a hand stapler. Then insert a double picture frame matte.

With this method you can create several double picture frames very easily without a whole lot of extra work.

Spencer Baselice is a freelance web writer and copywriter who works for Photoframesplus.com