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!

how to make a large swirly frame SANY2121 copy

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.

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Trace the design on the MDF.

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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.

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 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!!

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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.

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how to make a large swirly frame 2050

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

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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.

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