This photo frame craft uses simple craft sticks and rubber bands to make a gift worthy DIY picture frame! #pictureframe #craftsforkids #DIYframe

Is there anything a kid can’t make from a pile of craft sticks?  This photo frame craft is so simple- once you show your kiddo the basics set them free and let them make!  These make super sweet gifts when filled with a pic or a kid original drawing!

Materials for this DIY frame…

We used plain wooden craft sticks for the frame craft in the pics below.  These are slightly larger than the traditional Popsicle stick but either will do.  Use what you have.  Our crafts sticks were plain and we added color using washable markers.  There are craft sticks that come already colored.  They colors are great and they’re very vibrant!

You’ll also want a pile of assorted rubber bands to choose from. Colored rubber bands are a fun way to add more personality to your DIY frame!

And, of course, you’ll want something for your frame to frame!  That can be an existing photo or picture or you can make something special just for your frame!

This photo frame craft uses simple craft sticks and rubber bands to make a gift worthy DIY picture frame! #pictureframe #craftsforkids #DIYframe

Adding color….

If you’re starting with plain wooden craft sticks start by adding some color.  These are super easy to decorate with markers.  If you’re using washable markers colors tend to bleed into one another so patterns can get tricky.  I recommend sticking with solid colors or a pretty large bold pattern if using washable markers.

We have a set of these permanent alcohol based markers that work like magic on these crafts sticks. Patterns stay put. These are double tipped- a fine tip and broad tip.  Not every kid is ready for permanent markers but if yours is- these are amazing!

Each picture frame will take four craft sticks.  Once the assembling begins these are super fast.  Color lots of craft sticks- you’ll want to make more than one!

This photo frame craft uses simple craft sticks and rubber bands to make a gift worthy DIY picture frame! #pictureframe #craftsforkids #DIYframe

Attaching your picture frame pieces…

So you should have four colored (or not) crafts sticks and four rubber bands at this point.  Create a right angle with the first two craft sticks by overlapping them near the end.  Take one rubber band and loop it around every which way until the pieces are held tight.  If you’re picky these corners might all look the same.  I was happy helping my kiddos loop them around any which way that holds.

Add another stick, working to keep those corners at ninety degrees.  While the first couple of rubber bands loop easily this gets hard as access gets tighter.  Try putting the rubber band around the craft stick before overlapping it with the craft stick that’s already a part of the frame!

This photo frame craft uses simple craft sticks and rubber bands to make a gift worthy DIY picture frame! #pictureframe #craftsforkids #DIYframe

Adding original artwork to your DIY photo frame craft…

Kids loving giving their own artwork as gifts.  I know my kids my kids aren’t the only ones that shine when they give handmade gifts an when they see their work on display.  These little DIY photo frames are the perfect way to dress up a photo.  (Print one from your phone’s favorite album.  Even if the printing isn’t photo quality your kiddo will love using it in their artwork!)

Or use these little frames to dress up an original work by your kiddo.  Just trim to size then use a glue stick to add a little adhesive to the four front edge of their work and stick it on!

This photo frame craft uses simple craft sticks and rubber bands to make a gift worthy DIY picture frame! #pictureframe #craftsforkids #DIYframe

How about a paper picture frame…..

If you love the idea of making your own picture frame but don’t have craft sticks handy check out this paper picture frame idea.  All you need is the free printable template, a piece of card stock, and maybe some markers to jazz up the finished product and you’re set!

This is one of my all time favorite (and most visited) posts.  I think it’s because it takes such minimal supplies and makes a crazy cute finished product!

This photo frame craft uses simple craft sticks and rubber bands to make a gift worthy DIY picture frame! #pictureframe #craftsforkids #DIYframe

If you enjoyed this photo frame craft I hope you’ll share!

Every share helps me to bring you more fun projects and free printable resources!

Connect the visual arts and the growth mindset with four video lesson and printable resources!