Craft Project - Fishin' Frame and Mat by Wen Zientek-Sico Do you have a great fishing photo that is just dying for a wonderful frame and mat? This project will be sure to be a perfect match for that photo. It also makes a great gift for your favorite fisherperson.

Fishin' Frame and Mat

This frame was inspired by some of the great pictures I have of myself, my sister, and my cousin fishing with either my father or grandfather when we were little. This custom frame and mat is perfect for framing these special memories, or any photos of your favorite fisherman.

Wooden or plastic frame

Acrylic paint

Paint brush

Pencil

Card stock

Scissors

Photo

Tacky glue or hot glue gun

Colored pencils or markers

Fishing lures (with hooks removed by an adult)

Spinners

Bobbers

Plastic Worms

Plastic Fish

Cover your work surface with newspaper. Remove the glass and backing from the frame and set aside. Paint the frame in a color that matches the lures and other items you will be attaching to the frame. Black or white works really well for this project and the bright colors of the fishy stuff. Let the paint dry and then apply another coat as directed by the manufacturer. While the paint is drying, trace the shape and size of the glass from the frame onto the card stock to determine the size of the mat. Cut the card stock along the lines. Center the photo on the card stock and then glue it to the card stock. Let the glue dry before handling. Decorate the card stock with drawings of fish, lures, worms, and bobbers with the colored pencils or markers. Set the card stock aside. Using the glue, glue the lures, spinners, bobbers, worms, and fish to the frame. Make sure none of the items will cover over the photo and, if you plan on having the frame sit on a surface rather than hang, make sure none of the items hangs down too far on the bottom or else your photo will be crooked. Let the glue dry thoroughly. Reassemble the glass, matted photo, and frame.

Project Developed, Styled, and Photographed by Wen Zientek-Sico.