Popsicle Stick Picture Frames

This is one of those projects that requires little time and effort but loads of imagination. It’s not like these popsicle stick picture frames are really a new idea. I mean, you have certainly seen popsicle stick frames before, even if it was in your own childhood. But now you will be able to complete this easy kids’ craft picture frame knowing that you have everything that you need in your bag.

If it helps, keep some frames (follow step 1) all prepped and ready in the bag to decorate when the urge strikes. It’s the kind of thing that you can be doing while dinner is in the oven or when your child is whining about how bored they are when school is out of session and you just need to grab something quickly (along with maybe a little of your own wine).

After it is completed, the creativity continues, as you will be able to fill it with photos, drawings, paintings, a poem, quotes, etc. I know that you will truly enjoy making these easy kids’ craft picture frames and find that the time you have spent crafting together is quality time. (Have you ever noticed how chatty children get when they have something in their hands. They really do open up, even the boys.) Keep your frame and put it in a place of honor in your home or gift it to someone special. Hey, this might even make a great Father’s Day or Mother’s Day gift!   

SUPPLIES FROM THE BAG

• Wide popsicle sticks (4 per frame)
• Elmer’s glue
• Stapler with staples
• Pipe cleaner
• Glue stick
• Everything else in the bag (yes everything!)

**If you are new here and haven’t learned about “the bag” of goodies that you should keep on hand, click on the link above or go to the “fill your bag” page to learn how this site is about to change your life…no, really. You will never parent the same. Get ready for more quality time with your kids. Fill your bag and craft along to every project on this site, without missing an “ingredient”. Because EVERY project on this site is made from the SAME master list!

Step 1

• Form a square with 4 popsicle sticks 
• Secure the corners with a dot of Elmer’s glue
• Allow the glue to dry

Step 2 (optional)

• Cut a piece of pipe cleaner approximately 3 inches long
• Bend the pipe cleaner into a curve
• Secure at the top of the frame, in back, with a staple or generous dot of glue (allow glue to dry)

Step 3

• Decorate the frame with whatever items in the bag strike your fancy

There is no wrong way to do this. I cannot say this strongly enough. You can make ones that look like my picture, but really, where is the fun in that? Just go crazy. Make squigglies with the pipe cleaners and have them coming out of the frame or paint a work of art or pull cotton balls so that they are fuzzy and glue them in place so that the frame is soft and puffy or go crazy with the tissue paper or, well, you get the point. Dig in the bag and pull out whatever makes you happy.

Your popsicle stick picture frames should be uniquely yours!

Step 4

• Make or find something to go inside the frame, such as a piece of newspaper or construction paper on which you have made a picture, for example
• Cut the item to size, just slightly bigger than the opening in the center of the frame. Be sure that the square you cut overlaps popsicle sticks.
• Use the glue stick to adhere the artwork to the back of the frame.

Step 5

• Share your creation with someone special and with this community. We would love to see what your imagination has come up with and post it in the gallery (with credit given, of course).

“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” -Maria Montessori. I absolutely love this quote because it reminds us that kids are way more capable than we usually given them credit for. It’s true that they don’t think like adults and have their own way of doing things…AND THAT IS AMAZING!!!

Let them be kids, let them explore, let them figure it out. Don’t give them the answers. Allow them to struggle a little and then create something which is absolutely and truly theirs. It is a magical thing. As my mentor Ruth Soukup would say, Rules are for suckers. Sometimes it is good to push the boundaries, question the rules, and see where it takes us.

And be sure to give your kids lots of encouragement along the way! Wondering what to say, even if your kiddo is struggling a little? Try these words of encouragment…

BONUS

Make a stand for your popsicle stick picture frames by folding a paper plate in half and cutting out a triangle shape. Now cut away some of the triangle so that there is a notch at the bottom. Snip off the top of the triangle (if desired). Decorate the stand however you would like.

If you enjoyed this craft, save it to your favorite Pinterest board!