1.
Measure the picture you want to frame. Add about 2 inches to the height and width so that frame will be about 1 inch wide on each side of your picture. For example, a frame for a 2" by 3" school picture might be 4 inches wide and 6 inches tall.
2.
Shaping
Roll the Play Clay with a rolling pin until about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick. Lay the ruler on the play clay and measure the height and width of the frame; mark each corner of your picture frame by poking tiny holes in the play clay with a toothpick. Use the long metal spatula to cut the outside edges of the frame. Remove the excess Play Clay.
The opening for the picture should be a little smaller than the photo. Use the ruler to measure an opening for the picture about 1/4 inch smaller than the picture on each side. With a small knife, cut out the opening. To decorate the edge of the frame, use tiny cookie cutters or a drinking straw to make interesting cut-out designs. Or press cookie cutters, rubber stamps or the tip of a toothpick lightly into frames to make textured designs.
With pancake turner, carefully lift the frame from the tabletop and place on the wire rack set in the shallow baking pan.3.
Oven Drying: Preheat oven to 350ºF, then turn the oven off. Place the baking pan in the oven and leave it until oven is cold; turn the play clay items once or twice to help them dry evenly. Repeat as necessary until dry. (When reheating the oven, be sure to take the baking pan out before turning on the heat.) Air-dry Play Clay overnight on wire racks, turning occasionally to speed up drying and make the trees dry evenly. 4.
Decorating and Assembling the Picture Frame
Paint or draw designs on the frame as desired. Coat trees on all sides with clear acrylic to seal. Let dry. Attach any small decorations with glue. Let dry. Glue or tape the picture into the frame. Display your picture frame in a small acrylic or wood easel or glue magnets to the back.
