Love and Laundry

diy, crafts, recipes

  • Home
  • About Me
  • DIY & Crafts
    • Sewing
  • Recipes
  • Around the House

Patriotic/Military Tribute Photo Frame {Tutorial}

June 16, 2012 by Shatzi 45 Comments

Military Patriotic Photo Frames

I’ve been wanting to post this tutorial for a while. I actually first did this for Father’s Day last year.  I was trying really hard to think of something for Father’s Day for my father-in-law and step-dad.  In all of that thinking, it dawned on me that they both served in the Military.  My father-in-law served in the National Guard and my awesome step-dad served in the Army.  I think it’s a cool thing for our kids to have such a rich military heritage.  When I made the gifts last year, I knew that I wanted to make a duplicate of each for our family as a reminder of this rich heritage.

I’m so glad that I didn’t make these for our family last year, because now I can share with you how I did it!


Here’s what you need:

Military Patriotic Photo Frame supplies

An 8×10 floating picture frame. I got mine from Wal-mart for around $10.
An 8×10 photo. If you want a copy of the background I used, email me {shatziweb(at)gmail(dot)com} and I’ll send you the .png file.
Vinyl quotes. I used the quote “Land of the Free; Because of the Brave”
Vinyl star stencil. For the quote and the star stencils, I used my Silhouette to cut out the vinyl.
Glass Etching Cream. It’s kind of expensive to buy, but it lasts forever. I think this bottle was $18ish dollars. I’ve used it for many crafts and have only used less than 1/4 of the bottle.

Once you have all of the supplies, these come together really quickly.  To start, take the two glass pieces out of the picture frame.

Military Patriotic Photo Frame step 1

Set the top glass piece aside. We’ll use that in a little bit.

Remove the sample paper so you can place your 8×10 photo. I’m a little bit of a perfectionist, but it’s pretty important that you get the photo centered. I used a measuring tape to double check. The frame comes with a couple of adhesive squares to mount your photo on the glass.

Military Patriotic Photo Frame step 2

After the photo is in place, apply the vinyl directly to the glass.

Military Patriotic Photo Frame step 3

When I put the vinyl on, I just freehanded the centering. But, the most important thing is placing the words closer to the photo than the edge. If you put it too high up, there is a chance the frame will cut off some of the letters. Basically…center it left to right. Vertically, you want it to be off centered and closer to the photo.
When the vinyl is in place, grab the top glass piece and set it on top of the photo.

Military Patriotic Photo Frame step 4

I like to use the photo as a guide for placing the star stencils.  I didn’t double check to make sure they were exactly even, but I tried really hard to get them as even as I could. It would make the frame look strange to have the stars not aligned.

Military Patriotic Photo Frame step 5

Once the vinyl star stencil is in place, set aside the bottom photo/glass piece. Get out the glass etching cream.  Before you apply the etching cream, make sure that the vinyl is completely smoothed out. You don’t want any cream seeping under a rogue wrinkle.

Military Patriotic Photo Frame step 6

Follow the directions on your etching cream bottle.  For mine, it had to sit for 5 minutes before being rinsed off.  In my experience, the more consistent etch you want, the heavier you need to apply the cream.  If you’re going for an un-even, rustic look, don’t apply the cream as heavy. It probably goes without saying, but only put the etching cream where you want the glass to be etched.  If you accidentally drop a blob in the middle, even if you wipe it quickly, it may still slightly etch the glass.  Definitely something to be careful about.

When it’s finished, I just rinsed the cream off in the sink. The vinyl just comes off with the cream.
Now, clean the glass,  put your glass pieces back together and place them back in the frame.  And that’s it!

Military Patriotic Photo Frame step 8

With the 4th of July right around the corner, these would be perfect for decorations.  Or, as a very last minute Father’s Day present. Or, maybe both!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Comments

  1. Tiffany says

    June 16, 2012 at 4:43 pm

    Love this idea! My dad is a former marine and would be honored. I only wish I had seen this before Father’s Day weekend. :) Keeping this in mind for his Birthday! Thanks for a wonderful idea!

    Tiffany@ Tiffanyandcoblog.blogspot.com

    Reply
  2. Phil and Darby Hawley says

    June 16, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    This is perfect!!! You did a great job on this!!
    I’m ordering a Silhouette this weekend; I’m so excited!

    Reply
    • jennifer says

      July 3, 2015 at 9:37 am

      What is the silhouette

      Reply
  3. Earning My Cape says

    June 16, 2012 at 5:47 pm

    I love this!!!!
    Thanks so much for sharing with my Super Link Party! :-)

    Reply
  4. Kelley @ TheGrantLife.com says

    June 16, 2012 at 10:47 pm

    What a great idea! Ill have to do this with my hubbys Navy picture :)

    Reply
  5. Anna Williams says

    June 16, 2012 at 11:46 pm

    This is a lovely idea and I really love the etched stars too! Thanks for joining in on the networking blog hop – always great to meet some fantastic new bloggers xx

    Anna (My Design Ethos)

    Reply
  6. Jenny @ The NY Melrose Family says

    June 17, 2012 at 5:31 am

    This is gorgeous. My brother in law just got back from his 3 rd tour as a marine. This would be perfect for him. I’m stopping in from the blog hop and im a new follower. I host a weekly link party on wednesdays and I’d love for ou to join in at http://www.thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com

    Reply
  7. Kristy @ Cup of Jo says

    June 17, 2012 at 9:24 am

    This turned out great!
    Super cute blog! Newly following from LLR Hop!

    Reply
  8. Tiffany @ Blabbering Thoughts says

    June 17, 2012 at 9:51 am

    What a cuuuute project! Newest follower from the hop :)

    Reply
  9. Thrifty Miss Smith says

    June 17, 2012 at 10:00 am

    You my friend are amazing :) I love love love this! You couldn’t have picked a better quote either, it’s just perfect.

    I’ve been wanting to etch my glass canisters in my kitchen but for some reason I’ve been a little intimidated.. but it doesn’t look that hard :) Thanks for the tip!

    Reply
  10. Shasta Farrar says

    June 17, 2012 at 6:23 pm

    Great project and gift for father’s day. I’m stopping by from Thee Networking Blog Hop. So nice to “meet” you. I’m a new follower on facebook and linky followers.

    Shasta
    http://intheoldroad.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  11. Mindy, from My Life As says

    June 17, 2012 at 7:07 pm

    Love this idea! I am following along via the blog hop!

    Reply
  12. Kathryn Pepper says

    June 17, 2012 at 9:28 pm

    Found your blog through the blog hop & I’m your newest follower!

    Kathryn
    destinationcraft.blogspot.com

    Reply
  13. craftybiggers says

    June 18, 2012 at 6:01 am

    Pretty much every male in family has or is serving. I can’t wait to give these a try. The etching cream scares me but you make it look so easy.

    Reply
  14. Etcetorize says

    June 18, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    I’m sure your men will be very touched by such a thoughtful gift. Thanks so much for sharing at Etcetorize this week~

    Reply
  15. Jenny says

    June 18, 2012 at 1:46 pm

    This is such a great and special idea! Stopping by from the Networking Blog Hop…I would love if you would come say hello :)
    Modern Modest Beauty

    Reply
  16. Mrs. Pancakes says

    June 18, 2012 at 4:12 pm

    What a great idea!!

    Reply
  17. Elena @ CDACN says

    June 18, 2012 at 8:39 pm

    I love this craft and will be passing it on to a good friend whose husband served in Iraq. I’m just hopping over from the June blog hop. Come give me a visit at and on facebook!

    Reply
  18. suzyhomemaker says

    June 19, 2012 at 7:44 pm

    This is such a special project. Very unique. I am hosting a Patriotic link up party and I have been trying to find more posts that have a military theme to them. I would love for you to link up.

    http://www.suzyhomemaker.net/2012/05/lets-party-like-its-1776.html

    Thanks

    Reply
  19. Navy Wifey Peters says

    June 19, 2012 at 8:17 pm

    I love the frames. This is a really good idea. As a military wife and military child, I should’ve done something like this years ago! thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  20. Connie says

    June 19, 2012 at 10:10 pm

    Love this post, please link it up with me Wednesday on Wow Us Wednesday. Following you on linky followers :)

    Reply
  21. Katherines Corner says

    June 20, 2012 at 8:24 am

    A lovely tribute! xo

    Reply
  22. debra says

    June 21, 2012 at 9:29 am

    What a beautiful gift! A tribute to both fathers AND the military!
    My son served in Iraq and my grandson is named after a comrade who died there so we are a mil family too :)

    Reply
  23. SayNotSweetAnne says

    June 21, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    This is beautiful! I love it as a gift or keepsake! You were featured on this week’s Sweet Sharing Monday! http://saynotsweetanne.com/2012/sweet-sharing-monday-wrap-up-8/

    Reply
  24. Sarah Larsen says

    June 22, 2012 at 8:05 am

    I’m an Army wife and I can’t wait to make this for my husband!

    I would love for you to share this at my Flaunt It Friday Link Party. Make sure you enter for the great giveaway too! :)

    Sarah@
    http://www.blissfulbucketlist.com

    Reply
  25. Claiming Our Space says

    June 23, 2012 at 7:01 pm

    This is great! D was in the Army, my dad was in the Air Force and I bet they would love to get one of these. Thanks so much for sharing on Tout It Tuesday! Hope to see you next week.

    Reply
  26. Becolorful says

    June 24, 2012 at 11:22 am

    Wow. This is really great. I have so many features already this week but if you want to add it again next week I will add it to the recap post. So glad you shared this on BeColorful. Have a great week.
    p

    Reply
  27. suzyhomemaker says

    June 26, 2012 at 6:55 am

    Thanks for linking up and sharing!

    Reply
  28. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    June 26, 2012 at 10:31 am

    Shatzi, This project is simply wonderful! So artistic and PATRIOTIC! I am re-doing a bedroom in an Americana theme and I am copying this whole project using a picture of my Dad who served!!!! Thank you so much for showing us how to honor our brave servicemen and women in such a classy and unique way! I have a weekly DYI linky called TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS. It goes live Wednesday evenings at 8:00… I would love you to share this great tutorial!!!

    Reply
  29. Michelles Tasty Creations says

    June 27, 2012 at 8:10 am

    Love this! I have never used the vinyl lettering on the glass, Brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing at Creative Thursday.

    Reply
  30. Ginger says

    June 28, 2012 at 6:30 am

    Featuring YOU today!

    Ginger @ gingersnapcrafts.com

    http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/06/take-look-at-you-red-white-blue-edition.html

    Reply
  31. Jess@Coxs Corner says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:04 am

    Oh I absolutely LOVE this! I’m so glad that you shared it!

    Reply
  32. Melanie says

    June 29, 2012 at 2:04 pm

    That is a lovely tribute, would love to make one for my Granddaddy’s picture!!!

    Reply
  33. Becolorful says

    July 1, 2012 at 8:26 pm

    You may remember I loved this. Thanks for linking it up again this week so I could feature it on Motivated Monday at BeColorful
    p

    Reply
  34. Carrie Appel says

    July 2, 2012 at 5:57 pm

    I am in LOVE with this! I am an army wife so I will be adding this to my to-do-list!
    -Carrie Eve @
    a-hooahs-housewife.blogspot.com

    Reply
  35. Photo Frames Creation says

    August 7, 2012 at 2:31 am

    Pictures are the best way to save the memories of your life’s Happy moments and frames play an important role in preserving these pictures with care and safety. Here you have given really nice examples of beautiful photo frames creativity. It is a great tribute to our freedom fighters.

    Reply
  36. alan haynes says

    October 13, 2015 at 5:54 am

    Very good blog. Many thanks for the suggestıons and ınfo

    Reply
  37. David Hayes says

    October 13, 2015 at 5:56 am

    Very good article. A fitting tribute

    Reply
  38. McKenzie says

    January 9, 2017 at 2:01 pm

    Love the quote and such a great idea! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  39. Heather says

    June 26, 2017 at 10:24 am

    Wow, this looks so professionally made! I love how etching looks on the glass. This makes for a great gift, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  40. Raisefrequency -Yudith says

    February 4, 2018 at 10:34 pm

    Thank you for sharing how to make this patriotic photo frame. The quotes are beautiful. Such a lovely gift to show appreciation and acknowledgment for their courageous service

    Reply
  41. diplomas framing West Caldwell NJ says

    February 20, 2018 at 10:48 pm

    Great! Learned a lot in this. Frames really makes everything beautiful. No matter what it is there are frames that will match with your art.

    Reply
  42. amir shehzad says

    March 23, 2018 at 10:59 pm

    wow great thanks for sharing classy status in english 2018

    Reply
  43. prints framing NJ says

    April 7, 2018 at 5:22 am

    Framing is primarily used to make sure that your art looks great. Quality presentation enhances every aspect of the art; a poorly selected frame can make even the best piece of are look terrible. A well selected frame and mat should not overpower the artwork and should draw the eye to the piece in a natural way.

    Reply
  44. museum quality framing Fairfield NJ says

    April 24, 2018 at 1:59 am

    Frames for photographs come in all shapes and sizes and can include shooting through overhanging branches, shooting through windows, using tunnels, arches or doorways – you can even use people for example shooting over shoulders or between heads etc.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Food Advertising by logo
1 month FREE trial of GoDaddy Website Builder!
logo
Food Advertising by

L&L on Pinterest

Food Advertising by logo

L&L on Instagram

  • Family pictures!! I love taking pictures in the fall if
  • We woke up to inches and inches of snow this
  • If youre still looking for something to make for dinner
  • 17 years married to this handsome man! I truly truly

L&L on Facebook

Facebook By Weblizar Powered By Weblizar
Food Advertising by logo

Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2018 Love & Laundry · All Rights Reserved · Privacy Policy