DIY Crown Moulding Picture Frames- Lowe’s $50 and Change Project Giveaway

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I had so many DIY projects that I have been meaning to do that I didn’t know where to start. One thing that I have always wanted to do is make some huge frames to put on a big empty wall in my front room. I have always loved the large decorative frames that you can purchase, but they usually come with a hefty price tag. I decided that I could make my own using some of the gorgeous crown moulding from Lowe’s for much less than what you would pay if you bought one.

I headed over to Lowe’s to check out all their crown moulding options . . . holy cow! They had tons!!! I chose a piece of crown moulding that was 4 1/4″ wide and 8 feet long. I wanted 3 big frames, so I purchased three pieces (one piece of moulding per frame).

Take your piece of crown moulding and measure a 45 degree angle at one end. I found it easiest to use a miter box saw, which you can find at Lowe’s for a couple of bucks. It definitely makes cutting your perfect angles a lot easier!

After you make your first cut, decide how large you want your picture to be in the frame. I decided that I wanted my picture to be a 12×12″, so the INSIDE measurement of the frame is 12″. I made a mark where I needed to make my next 45 degree angle cut.

Cut the other side- make sure that your angles are going in opposite directions!

Go back to your large piece of crown moulding and cut your next piece with 45 degree angles. You will have to cut a small triangle piece like this each time to make your 4 equal sides of the frame. Repeat the steps to cut all 4 pieces.

Lay all your pieces together and make sure that they fit. Sand down the edges of each piece so that they are smooth and lay flush when pieced together with the other sides of the frame.

Using wood glue, glue the ends together.

To insure a seamless frame, I used tie downs to secure our frame in place while the wood glue dried. You could also use clamps.

Once the glue is completely dry (I let mine sit overnight), use L-shaped corner brace to reinforce your frame.

You will want to make sure that your screws for the corner braces are not longer than the depth of your frame (the first screws that we used went all the way through our frame! Oops!).

Next comes the fun part- spray paint! I used Valspar Indigo Streamer (a blue color) and Golden Maize (a yellow color).

I ended up spraying each frame with 2 coats and it was more than enough.

I took some pictures of my kids and had them printed at Sam’s Club for less than $3 each.

To put them in the frames, I actually just glued each picture onto a large piece of cardboard that was cut a little bigger than the picture (the picture was 12×12″ and the cardboard was 13×13″). I then hot glued the cardboard to the back of the frame and we were good to go!

Each picture frame was about $20 to make . . . I made the three of them for about $60 total!

I love the way that fill up my entire wall and add a pop of color to my room!

These frames would make a great Christmas gift if you have someone who is hard to shop for on your list this year! 🙂

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Questions & Reviews

stealinsugars says:

I'd love to try the crown molding frame! I'd also like to fashion one into a holder for my daughter's hairbows.
Amber Henry says:

I've been dying to make my own headboard!
~Amber
[email protected]
drownschick says:

DIY I would want to make is a first in first out can orginazer to put in my pantry as a Gift to myself I have shown it to my hubby but it has not made his priorty list yet... So i would love to prove to him that I love him thats why I keep him, not to do my Hunny do list....
Kathleen Bielat says:

I'd make a wooden Family Birthday calendar. It can be added on as the family grows!
drownschick says:

email is [email protected]
Guymon Family says:

I would like to repaint me dresser. It's the old brown color and it definitely needs updating! [email protected]
Kate says:

I'd like to try a lego building table for my boys. Also try out those frames!
AshleighJo says:

I want to make a cute board that hangs on the wall, with clothespins glued on in a row. Then across the top, it says "Looking For My Sole Mate", and put socks missing their other half in the clothespins. My son is always losing socks, and I want a cute way to help us remember to look for them in the laundry.
Mary Neumann says:

After seeing this project, I want to make my own Crown Molding Picture Frames! This has been added to my to-do list! Great job! ([email protected])
BrieAnn says:

i'd get the wood to make this toddler bed that I saw on pinterest for my little girl.
email is [email protected]
stealinsugars says:

[email protected]
Vincent Gomez says:

I would finish up the DIY projects that are in progress= a menu board that needs spray painting, a hutch tht needs some pantry organizing (meal plan storage and first in first out can system) and/or maybe some Christmas Lights since this is the first Christmas my sailor will be home and NOT deployed! YEA!!! (hoping i can get him to finish the projects)

[email protected]
Bela Sage says:

I would love to put together some sensory discovery boxes for my baby and a light table and a table for sand/messy play for my toddler. [email protected]
Vicki says:

Would love to make a message board using chalkboard paint and the molding. Love your frames!!
Vicki says:

[email protected]
Donnie says:

My children have complained that we haven't given them any framed pictures of us so we would like to make a rustic/beachy looking frame to put us cute old folks in and give to them. Thanks.
Donnie W.
ki4ggs(at)gmail(dot)com
LucySue says:

I want to make a platform bed for my teenaged daughter.
lucysue(at)live(dot)com
Lis@ says:

I would make a coat rack, but this looks like a fun project.
Bri'sMommy says:

I want to frame the mirrors in our bathroom. We have the huge mirrors installed by the contractors and they look horrible. Your frames are adorable....love the colors!!
Oh My Baby says:

we are actually in the middle of building shelves in our master closet! It's been fun and challenging but looking great so far!
Fruitful Vine Lady says:

I would love to make these frames! So beautiful. Thanks for sharing the instructions. You make it look so easy.
[email protected]
Diana - FreeStyleMama says:

I would make my husband a shelf/bulletin board to hang his running metals & bibs on. [email protected]
Vicki says:

I would love to learn how to make bookshelves.
Thanks!
Chantiel says:

I would love to try this project!
chantiezy(at)hotmail(dot)com
Mami2jcn says:

I'd like to make a bookshelf.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com
Nicole-Lynn says:

Very nice! I like how those frames turned out and it seems so easy and manageable to do!

I'd like to DIY a wood paneled ceiling in our kitchen! Thanks for the opportunity.

[email protected]
Neeberz says:

I would like to fix our game room!

[email protected]
never David usually Lisa says:

This comment has been removed by the author.
never David usually Lisa says:

I would for sure make a framed magnetic board to attach scrabble pieces magnetically so we can have a continuous game of Scrabble going on ;)

[email protected]
Tiffany says:

Those frames are super cute! I would love to make a simple entry table.

tiffbarr(at)yahoo.com
TheWritingMommy says:

If i were to win a Lowe's gift card, I would make PVC bows with soft tipped arrows for my children. Every since the Hunger Games books, they are archery enthusiasts, and the pvc bows are the perfect starter sets because they don't hurt if you take one in the booty.
TheWritingMommy says:

oops, forgot to leave my email address; [email protected]

Peace, and Happy Thanksgiving y'all
suburban prep says:

My husband has taken the molding off of the baseboard in the master bathroom. He will be putting down new tile and then hopefully once he is finished with that he will then put in a new toilet.

msgb245 at gmail dot com
Ayana Huff says:

I would make a molding chore chart
Sara P says:

I've been wanting to make a tufted headboard. Email is Perkosara at gmail dot com
rkjb85 says:

I want to make a spice rack for my new kitchen!
New Creations Boutique says:

I would make a collage of pic frames for my foyer/entryway going up the stairs of my kids as they've gotten older & our new little buddle of joy! [email protected]
Jenn says:

I have been wanting to make a beadboard shelf. [email protected]
Mel says:

I want to create a chalkboard piece in my office for notes and reminders! [email protected]
madeforreal.com says:

Would love hubs to make a planked wall in our room!
Nicole says:

I've been mentioning to my husband that I would like to make a washer/dryer riser forever now. My in-laws always tease us about it "need us to come help move the washer/dryer this weekend?", lol.
McKenzie Guymon says:

I have actually been planning out a gallery wall that those picture frames would be perfect for!

girllovesglam (at) yahoo (dot) com
*Manda* says:

I would make the DIY shelf's I saw for my daughters nursery.
Dani says:

I was starting to get bored with the all-black frames I have on the two gallery walls in my house, plus I have other walls to adorn, so these frames are right up my alley! I'd love to give these a shot.

close.to.bliss at gmail.com
JC says:

I'd like to make a small table set for DDs.
Ellen says:

I'd make your picture frames and now I have step by step,instructions! :-)
Linda Owens says:

I would love to frame the mirror in my powder room.
Linda O.
Autumn Rowland says:

I would make a bookcase to hold my stockpile!
Unknown says:

THESE AMAZING FRAMS! That's what Im hoping to make :)
SalBug says:

I want to make some wall shelves for my son's bedroom.

[email protected]
sally(dot)lustig(at)yahoo(dot)com
Jen T says:

I'd love to make some shelves for my daughter's room. jennylyn683(at)gmail(dot)com.
throuthehaze says:

I really want to make some honeycomb shaped shelves :)
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
benkylashurtz says:

Pottery Barn knockoff black paint finish on a dresser.

[email protected]
bhdingee says:

I want to make a large chalkboard/memo board! [email protected]
Sallie says:

I'd really like to make a measuring spoons/cups holder to go on the inside of a cabinet door. Our apartment is super small so I'm trying to use all the hidden areas I can!

[email protected]
The Lucksters says:

Which project? Where to start! I am moving and have a mountain of projects. One I would really like is to make my own picture frames! Im going to buy that saw guide thing next time I go.
Pointers says:

I Love the frame idea. I might have to try those. My hubby just made us a headboard and now we need some garage shelves!
theresesophia says:

I've got a desk and filing cabinet (and a table) that need painting...I would love to be able to buy the things I need to finish up that project! Thanks!!! theogles2(at)yahoo(dot)com
Amanda says:

I would love to put the finishing touches on the laundry room that my husband expanded three years ago. I still haven't finished putting in the moulding and baseboards!
David and Lindsay says:

I'd love to refinish our coffee table.
Chelsea says:

I would totally make these frames! Great tutorial, girls! Thank you very much!

chelsealexander at hotmail.com
Keiza says:

I would make a long bench for our kitchen table. It's been needed many times over the last few years!
[email protected]
Fancy That Notion says:

I would love to make a craft supplies organizer using PVC piping. And maybe some hardware jewelry!:)
Fancythatnotion(at)gmail(dot)com
Michelle J. says:

I'd love to make some mini marshmallow guns!
Amanda says:

We want to add some shelving and a gallery wall of pictures to our living room!

[email protected]
mlogan298 says:

Gearing up to add crown molding to our living room before Christmas!
Mo 'Betta says:

My DIY list is long...but at the top is refinishing an old dresser for my son's room (kimmplusthree at yahoo dot com)
Lorene Holbrook says:

I want to make a hair dryer holder i saw on pinterest. It was made from pvc pipe!
Destiny says:

I'm redoing my bedroom so I'm working on lots of diy projects. A headboard is the next big diy.
patti says:

Hi, I'd like to do a built-in for my dining room so that I can use it as a sewing room!
Angela McGeown says:

I would like to make bookshelves for my daughter's bedroom.
[email protected]
Frickin' Fabulous at 40 says:

I've pinned an upholstered headboard idea and I would make that! [email protected]
Cindy Brickley says:

My son went to art school and gave me some of his art work. I would like to frame them. So that's what I would do with the gift card.
[email protected]
Casey m. Niehoff says:

I would love to try these frames. What a great idea! [email protected]
Cathy N says:

I would love to make a frame for the huge mirror over our mantel. It was left behind by the previous owner and it's nice but lacking a decent frame. [email protected]
momof2girls says:

I've been wanting to make my own desktop accessories using gables that you get from Lowe's. I would glue them together to make letter and folder holders.

[email protected]
Quilt Hollow says:

I loved this tutorial! I'm always looking for simple SQUARE frames for quilt blocks. This is wonderful and I learned I can spray paint the woos...even better!
Jessica says:

Your frames came out great! I love the colors! There are tons of DIY projects on my list right now, but the most important would be new steps for the back door. [[email protected]]
kellyr78 says:

I would like to make a cabinet for my kids room's to store their ever-growing collection of knick knacks.

KellywcuATyahooDOTcom
Mary says:

I want to make over the window shelves for my craft room. I'd love to win the gift card to purchase the lumber for it.
The Hopkins Home says:

I want to build a farm table and bench for our dining room. : )
christenandsteveATsbcglobalDOTnet
Jeannie says:

I need to do some painting.
SavannahsSmiles says:

I would buy flowers.
Kristen says:

I was just telling Mark that I need him to make me some frames for our new family pictures! Yours turned out awesome and your kids are so cute. M looks so much like his Dad! See you in St. George!
pquadkris(at)hotmail(dot)com
Sarah says:

I'd like to make a couple of these crown molding frames for my wedding pictures!!
The Allen Family says:

Wow, those are fabulous! I'd actually love to try making your frames since I have a wall I'm hoping to fill up soon with frames.
Julie says:

I want to make a frame for a bathroom mirror using crown molding!
JackieToo says:

This comment has been removed by the author.
Emily says:

What cute frames! I hope I win so I can make some additional stprage solutions for my pantry!
Healthy Organic & Cheap says:

I'm not very good at making things, but I would probably buy some stuff to help me with getting organized!
Stefani says:

I would definitely make some picture frames - thanks for the great tutorial & giveaway! :)
Marsha Benoit Connell says:

I just love these frames ... I am going to make these in January when I get free time.
April Miller says:

I would love to make a nice toy box for our daughters toys. Thank you for the chance!
physicschick says:

I need to replace some trim on my porch railings, but your picture frames are awesome! Going to make a gallery wall with them!
stefanie gladden says:

I'd love to make a Nighttime Ambiance for my backyard and around the pool!

stefanie.gladden(at)gmail.com
Courtney @ Kisses Come in Twos says:

My husband and I have actually been discussing making a crown molding frame for a large map we want to put on the wall in our son's room.
Jan says:

Right now I'm in the middle of making table centerpieces for my works holiday party.
Jessica says:

My husband and I would love to make some custom diy art for our condo, and this would really help with material costs!

jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com
JoEllen says:

I got a free dresser that needs some tlc. Can't wait to get my hands on it!
Lorry and David says:

I would love to make way too many things, but one of the top projects I have in mind is a headboard or framing a mirror....lorrymrudd @gmail.com
Sarah says:

We want to make a doll house for our daughter.
Amy J. says:

wow...those are cute photo frames!!! i think i might try my hand at it if i won!
Steph @ Crafting in the Rain says:

Cute! I did something similar a while ago, but also put a beadboard background on them. I love my new big frame! For $50 at Lowes, I'd love to put some board and batten in our little dining corner.
MANDY83 says:

so cute! I would love to make a small cabinet for our bathroom.

pokergrl8 at gmail.com
Daphne says:

I want to frame some beautiful fabric prints.
Amy says:

I'd like to make a plant stand for some of my houseplants.
Stacy says:

I really need to paint my bedroom! glavi47 at yahoo dot com
Holly @ abakershouse.com says:

Great project! I just got a miter box to work on a homemade ring toss game-- one just like my grandmother had at her house when we were little. I would love to get the finishing touches for that project at Lowes. thanks!
Sadie says:

I'd love to make the molding frames! Thanks for the giveaway! :)
Briana Richardson says:

I would love to paint my computer desk and make it a little more sturdy.
briana.richardson at yahoo dot com
chris gambell says:

I would love to make a dining bench with a wooden headboard as the back piece. I have seen several on the web and am inspired.
Jessica says:

My husband and I want to make a nice bookshelf for our books and dvds and we have a set of chairs we want to refinish also!
jessica(at)gmail(dot)com
Rebecca says:

I would love to make the frames!! Or a nice bookcase.

rebeccalynn78 at gmail.com
Lisa says:

I would buy some paint for my daughter's nursery!
Danyelle says:

I'd love to make some frames like you have. I also need to do something in the coat closet to hang the hats and gloves.
Jen says:

Cute Project, I've thought about doing something like it for a while. Thanks for the tutorial.

I'd love to get enough paint to finish all the trim in my house.
pickledseeds says:

I would love to make these frames!

pickledseeds at yahoo dot com
heatherp626 says:

I am loving the crown molding frames you all made! Great idea!!
April @ PolkaDots n' PinkySwears says:

I just got the kids picture made and it's a 20x20! With that being such a hard size frame to buy, this would be PERFECT to make for that!!!
Kay says:

I would use it for paint for my kitchen cupboards. Love the frames.
Thomas Murphy says:

I would like to make bookshelves.
rounder9834 @yahoo.com
[email protected] says:

Love your pictures frames--especially the colors! I want to make mudroom lockers (even though I don't have a mudroom).
K's Mom says:

I totally need to get some picture frames up on the wall. We've been in our new house for over a year and the walls are still empty!
auzzardo1016 says:

And sandpaper & elbow grease (do they sell that stuff Lowe . Haha) for my lovely textured walls!
Jane226 says:

We're actually in the middle of painting our living room and applying new base boards and crown moulding!
michaela hoenigman says:

I want to make a shelf!
mitchiesmom says:

I would love to re-do the ceiling in our kitchen with wainscoating sheets in a funky diamond shape!!! I'll do it - just gotta get the nerve up!!!
locaboca says:

I'd like to make a cool memo board with chalkboard paint and a frame.
Our Pinteresting Family says:

I really love this idea you've shared. I'm currently in the midst of making built ins so I'd love to fancy them up with some lighting at the top. Megan
gbenga Temple says:

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Addison Addy says:

I am most impressed by this blogs because its very beautiful and gorgeous
Mark says:

Nice job on the frames. I would make a planter box for the patio.
Connie Dionne says:

I would make a personal handmade gift for my son's new wife. A distressed look frame with following wording. "Our Daughter-in-Love. Welcome to our family. 8-03-2013" Then put a black and white photo of her in her wedding dress in the frame and give it to her at our family Thanksgiving gathering.
Pam says:

I plan to make an antique looking frame by working with crown moulding and trim. It will be used to hold my daughter's bridal photo for her wedding reception in November. I thank you for your instructions! I'm also going to paint and glaze...excited.
mitersawbuzz says:

Love this idea! What a clever and beautifully executed design. Can?t wait to make my own.
Brian says:

This is super cute and looks really easy! It's so much fun to build something rather than just buy it. And you can make a lot of frames out of just one board. Thanks for sharing!
Lisa says:

I have some really large artwork created on wood pieces that I would like to frame. I too am attracted to the 3 and 4 in crown mound the pictures are multiple sizes but an example is 36 x 24. I have sever of them covering an entry wall none of which have frames. I want to stain the crown molding in different stain colors.
tracy says:

Cabinet Doors! Mine are plain and ugly. Put those "frames" on the front of plain cabinets, paint and add simple hardware. I will post before and after pics. This is the cheapest and most extravagent way to go!
joejaramani says:

I'm sure you'll learn how to make it if you'll read woodprix instructions from cover to cover :)
Linda silvidi says:

Did you add glass to any frame and how did you hold you picture to the frame?
Camille says:

HI Linda! I didn't use any glass and I actually just taped the printed photo to the back of the frame! It didn't look very pretty from the backside, but you would never know from the front! :)
CC says:

I just made my own headboard using the new version of lattice.