DIY Anthropologie Inspired Frame: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you captivated by the charm of Anthropologie’s home decor but hesitant about the price tag? Do you adore minimal, elegant frames that add a touch of sophistication to your space? If so, you’re in the right place! I was completely smitten with a particular set of frames from Anthropologie, envisioning them adorning my walls. However, my excitement was short-lived when I discovered they were no longer available. Undeterred, I decided to embark on a DIY adventure to create a similar version myself. And guess what? I succeeded! This tutorial will guide you through the process of crafting your own Anthropologie-inspired frame, allowing you to achieve the same high-end look without breaking the bank.

This project is perfect for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their home decor. It’s a relatively quick and easy DIY that can be completed in just a few hours. Plus, it’s a great way to upcycle materials and create something unique and beautiful. So, gather your supplies, and let’s get started!

Why DIY an Anthropologie Frame?

Before diving into the tutorial, let’s discuss why DIYing this Anthropologie-inspired frame is a fantastic idea:

• Cost-Effective: Replicating the look of high-end decor through DIY projects is significantly cheaper than purchasing the original.
• Customization: DIY allows you to tailor the frame to your specific preferences, choosing the colors, materials, and embellishments that perfectly match your style.
• Creative Outlet: Engaging in DIY projects is a rewarding way to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your home.
• Upcycling Opportunity: This project provides a chance to repurpose old materials like garage sale jewelry, giving them a new lease on life.
• Sense of Accomplishment: There’s a unique satisfaction in creating something beautiful with your own hands.

Materials You’ll Need

Here’s a comprehensive list of the materials you’ll need to create your own Anthropologie-inspired frame:

• Float Frame: A float frame, readily available at stores like Walmart, serves as the base for this project. Choose a size that suits your desired picture or artwork.
• Spray Paint: Krylon Short Cuts Gold Leaf spray paint is recommended for achieving a luxurious, metallic finish. However, feel free to experiment with other colors to match your decor.
• Super Glue or Hot Glue: Use a strong adhesive to securely attach the washers and embellishments to the frame.
• Small Metal Washers: These will add a decorative element to the top of the frame, mimicking the design of the Anthropologie original.
• Clothespins or Hair Pins: These will act as clamps to hold the washers in place while the glue dries.
• Gold Necklace (or alternatives): Source a gold necklace from a garage sale or thrift store for an affordable option. Alternatively, you can use leather cord, twine, or any material that complements your style.
• Jewelry Snippers or Wire Cutter: These tools are essential for cutting the gold necklace or chosen material to the desired length.
• Plastic Spray Paint Primer: Applying a primer specifically designed for plastic ensures optimal adhesion of the spray paint to the frame.

Step 1: Preparing the Frame

Begin by disassembling the float frame. Carefully separate the pieces and identify the top section. This is where you’ll be attaching the metal washers. Apply a small amount of super glue to the back of each washer and firmly press it onto the top of the frame. Use clothespins or hair pins to hold the washers in place while the glue dries completely. This ensures a strong and secure bond.

Once the glue has dried, the frame pieces are ready for the next step: priming and painting.

Step 2: Priming and Painting

Before applying the gold spray paint, it’s crucial to prime the plastic frame. Use a plastic spray paint primer to ensure proper adhesion and prevent the paint from chipping or peeling. Apply a thin, even coat of primer and allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once the primer is dry, apply several light coats of Krylon Short Cuts Gold Leaf spray paint, or your chosen color, to the frame pieces. Ensure that you spray in a well-ventilated area and follow the instructions on the spray paint can. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next, building up the color gradually for a smooth and even finish.

Step 3: Framing Your Picture

After the paint has dried completely, carefully reassemble the float frame. Insert your chosen picture, artwork, or photograph into the frame, ensuring it is centered and properly aligned.

Step 4: Adding the Gold Strand

Now, it’s time to add the decorative gold strand that gives this frame its Anthropologie-inspired flair. Using your jewelry snippers or wire cutter, cut the gold necklace (or your chosen material) to the desired length. Remember to remove the clasps from the necklace.

Feed one end of the strand through the back of the frame, near the top corner. Tie a knot in the strand on the front side of the frame, close to the frame itself. This knot will secure the strand in place. Apply a small dab of super glue to the knot to further reinforce it. Allow the glue to dry completely before trimming any excess strand.

Repeat the process on the other side of the frame, ensuring the gold strand is taut and evenly distributed. Tie a knot, glue it securely, and trim any excess strand.

Step 5: Hanging and Displaying Your Frame

Your DIY Anthropologie-inspired frame is now complete! It’s time to hang it and admire your handiwork.

Hanging Tip: Because the plastic frame can slip on and off, you’ll want to avoid relying solely on the gold strand to support the frame’s weight. Instead, utilize the clear hardware built into the back of the frame to hang it securely using a nail. The gold strand will serve primarily as a decorative element.

While you could glue the top piece of the frame to the rest of the structure for added stability, this would limit your ability to change the picture in the future. Leaving it unglued allows for easy swapping of images whenever you desire.

I absolutely love how this project turned out, especially with the vintage card I’ve been eagerly waiting to frame. It adds a touch of elegance and personality to my space.

This project is not only easy and affordable, but it’s also a fantastic way to personalize your home decor. The possibilities are endless – experiment with different colors, materials, and embellishments to create a frame that perfectly reflects your unique style.

This project took just a couple of hours, making it a perfect weekend DIY. I’m planning to create a gallery wall featuring several of these frames hung at varying heights. The result is a visually appealing and personalized display that adds character to any room.

If you’re looking for more wall decor ideas, be sure to check out other DIY projects online for further inspiration.

Happy crafting!