Once Upon A Time-Wall Art

I used stretcher boards for this project.  They are SUPER cheap.  They are meant to be used to stretch a canvas, but they worked really well for this project.  The size I used were 40 inches tall by 16 inches wide.

The frame ended up costing me less than $10.  I put them together and then filled the corners with Spackle.  After the Spackle dried, I painted the frame with some paint that has sand in it.  LOVE it!

Then I took patterned paper and covered 12X12 sheets of chipboard with it.  Making sure to match up the patterns on the paper since it took several 12X12 sheets of chipboard to fit in the frame.  I punched holes diagonally across from each other on the edges of the paper covered chipboard and then tied one continuous length of colored hemp in a criss-cross pattern on the paper.  Then I stapled these to the back of the frame.

For extra support, I stapled a few pieces of balsa wood across the back of the frame.  One on the top.  One in the middle, and on across the bottom.

After that, I cut out the Once Upon a Time title in vinyl with my Cricut.  I used the Storybook Cartridge for this one.

Then I matted  several sepia toned wallet photos.  I used ribbon and clips to attach the photos on the string.  I added a couple of embellishments and VOILA!  I had my priceless work of art.

This is a great way to showcase some of your favorite family photos all in one spot.  I get comments about it all the time when people see it. 

Have fun creating!!!  :)