Quick and Easy

It starts with a plain wooden frame.

I think my frames came from Oriental Trading Company.  I've had them laying around for a bit because I thought they would make a great project.  Turns out they can be a super quick project too.

All that's needed for this project is a plain frame (which can probably be picked up anywhere from the Dollar Tree to your local craft store), paint, paintbrushes and a sponge.  If you would like to make a bunch of these as gifts for the other students in your child's classroom, or if you would like to do this as a classroom art project, frames similar to this one can be bought in increments of three dozen here: http://www.discountofficeitems.com/office-supplies/teaching-art/arts-crafts/craft-supplies/creativity-street-wood-frame-ornaments-frames/p65192.html?ref=bizrate&source=bizrate&utm_medium=shopping_engine&utm_source=bizrate.  With shipping, they will end up being more than a dollar a piece though.

Once you have your frame and other materials ready, it's time to get decorating! I chose to paint the entire frame white.  Then, using the sponge, I layered some color over the white layer.  I used acrylic paint since I already had some at the house.  It's very easy to clean off of the photo plastic in the center if your paint gets messy.  It's also very quick and easy to clean up if it gets on your hands or clothes.

My frame turned out like this.  I think these would make fantastic Christmas or birthday presents.  Just put a picture in to finish it off.  The best part? Even with assembling all of the materials together, it takes less than ten minutes!