How to Make a Large Swirly Frame

An Easy to Make Frame

I saw these huge swirly frames in the local craft store. The wheels were turning and I had all sorts of ideas on how I could use them… until I checked the price! $79.99 was way more than I was willing to pay and even at half off (which is usually what they are advertised at) was still a little steep for me. I figured I could make my own for a fraction of the price and today I’ll show you how to make a large swirly frame!

Materials:

• 1 – 2′ x 4′ sheet of 1/2″ MDF (will yield two large frames and two small frames)
• Pattern for frame
• Jigsaw (a bandsaw works really well for this project, also!)
• Drill with a 1/2″ bit (or large enough to make a hole for the jigsaw blade to fit into)
• Router with a decorative bit and a rabbeting bit (<– affiliate link!)

I bought a 4′ x 8′ sheet of MDF for $20 and had it cut down to 2′ x 4′ pieces. It is much more economical that way (for me, anyway) plus, I have plenty of material left over to make more frames.

Start by drawing out your frame. I used my Silhouette Cameo program to enlarge a curvy gift tag, then cut it out with brown kraft paper. You can also draw the basic rectangle for the frame, then add the “swirls” to the outside.

Trace the design on the MDF.

I used a 1×3 board (lined up with the outside edge of the curves) to draw the inner part of the frame that will be cut out but decided it was too small, so I used a 1×4 instead.

 I used the drill with a 1/2″ drill bit to drill holes just inside each corner of the inner part of the frame so I could cut it out with my jigsaw. I used the material that was cut out of the center of the frame to make a smaller frame using the same methods – I didn’t want to waste any material!!

I used the bandsaw to cut out the curvy part of the frame (because the jigsaw and I do not agree on anything most times!). I used the router to cut a rabbet on the inside of the frame for glass or whatever I decide to put in there, then used the decorative bit to rout the outside edge of the frame.

 I painted them Mark Twain Gray Brick by Valspar… Kinda looks like chalkboard paint, doesn’t it?

I really love this tutorial on how to make a large swirly frame but I haven’t yet decided how I’d like to use the frames – photos, jewelry organization, magnet board, chalkboard, etc., or maybe just hang as is… What do you think?

Got a project you’ve completed using my plans? Share photos with me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com or designsbystudioc {at} gmail {dot} com. I would love to feature your work on DbSC!

Originally posted 2013-04-25 08:00:36.