Personal Picture frame

This is a great gift you can have the kids make(or help them make) for many occasions. Grandma's will love them just about any time of the year! (Great for mother's day. )

Here's all you'll need:

two pieces of card

Macaroni or other pasta

Plus:

Glue,
scissors,
paint and paintbrush
or spray paint.

Here's what you do:

Select your card. Shirt card, cereal box card or old greeting cards work well if you don't want to spend a lot of money. Choose the size according to your picture size and availability of material. 5X7 is a good size.
Cut the card so that you have two identical pieces. Cut out the opening in one piece of card the size and shape you want ( an oval opening gives you more room for decorations, but you can use a rectangular one if you wish).
I recommend leaving at least 3/4 of an inch at the narrowest points.
Glue your pasta to the card with the opening. Don't limit yourself to pasta. if you feel creative try different things. My oldest daughter and I used buttons once. Beans, seashells, puzzle pieces, candy, and pine cones, are just a few things that come to my mind as interesting textures.
When you are finished allow your piece to dry, if you use white glue or school glue I recommend allowing it to dry overnight. If you decide to use heavier objects ie. pine cones or shells I would strongly recommend using a glue gun or another stronger glue.
When it is dry paint it. I find spray paint gives a more even coat, and drys faster.
When your paint is dry glue the second piece of card to the back. Hint: if you want extra space for sliding your pictures in and out glue popsicle sticks along the top and two sides before gluing the backing on.
Now you may add some extras if you wish, dried flowers, ribbon, lace, use your imagination. You don't have to use my shapes, I've seen ones done on a round surface painted green and hung on the Christmas tree!

When I get the opportunity I will post a picture of one of the ones my daughter and I made. I hope you enjoy making these gifts as much as we have!