When it comes to art in my home, I’ve come to realize that I like it done. But changeable.

I am not one who gets gratification from constant arranging and rearranging… Especially when nail holes, spackle, and touch-up painting are involved. So I like the art I hang to stay hung. For a long time.

BUT that sort of flies in the face of my artistic temperament. I like to change things up… [I just don’t want to have to change them to… you know… change them.]

So, anyhoo, enter the clip frame. [The above are from DaySpring, and they are my inspiration!] I love clip frames for their versatility (make them look any way you want) and practicality. They are ideal for kids’ art display, office memo board, photo frames, even wedding reception decor, and, of course… a creative’s space.

You can make a clip frame in pretty much any size. Heck, get a 4′ x 8′ sheet of 1/4″ ply and use the whole thing as a large scale display if you want! Clip to your heart’s content. For a more manageable size, keeping it at or under 12″ x 12″ works well so you can use a sheet of scrapbook paper to decorate it. [For a larger clip frame, using a sheet of designer wrapping paper is also a great route to take!] I had a whole slew of these cut from one sheet of 1/4″ plywood that cost around $15 for the sheet at Lowe’s–they cut it for me.

SUPPLIES:

1/4″ piece of plywood cut to your preferred size, rough edges sanded smooth (I use 6″ x 8″ pieces in this post)

scrapbook paper, enough to cover the front and, optionally, the back of your piece of wood. (I used paper from a 12″ x 12″ pad trimmed to size)

glue stick (or spray glue or mod podge)

grip clip(s) (I used size #1, 1-1/4″ wide ones in this post)

1/4″ screw(s)

12-16″ ribbon

duct tape

screwdriver

rough grit sandpaper (I used 60 grit)

scissors (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

This project almost could not be simpler! Once you have your piece of wood (and the raw edges are sanded), simply glue a sheet of scrapbook paper to cover its surface. [You can use a glue stick, spray glue, or mod podge, etc., to glue down, and–optionally–mod podge to seal your surface.]

[You can either pre-cut the paper to size or glue it down and then sand the edges to rough off the excess paper.]

A magnetic screwdriver definitely comes in handy with a screw this small!

Place the grip clip where you want it on your frame, and screw it straight through the back hole of the clip to the wood. You do not need to pre-drill, just push a little as you turn the screwdriver. Don’t overturn the screw and strip the hole, making your clip loose.

Finally, flip over your clip frame, and duct tape a piece of ribbon to the back to form a hanger. If you are giving this as a gift (or just want the back to look pretty too), glue a piece of cut-to-size or trimmed scrapbook paper to the back also.

They are super cute left simple, but embellishments are fun too!

I added a little fun burlap “bow” to one…

And when I did this craft at a MOPS International gathering last week, I was so tickled with all the fun creativity!

One mom googled bird images on her phone to inspire this cute design.

And this mom clearly has her act more together than I, as she seems to be a meal planner! [Hmm… or maybe this is where she clips the takeout menus?! Ha!]

I loved this creative look too with torn paper layers.

So use your imagination and creativity, and make something personalized and special!

Use for wedding reception table numbers, kids’ party scavenger hunt/treasure map holders (that double as party favors), scripture verse-of-the-week holder, easily-changed photo frames or kid art displays (I’ve got a bigger triple-clip one in the works with just such a plan in mind!), cute teacher gifts, and more!