Filigree frames on the fly

This is, without a doubt, the simplest and fastest way to create a gorgeous picture frame that I know of, and the total cost should be under $5 depending on where you get your materials.

Materials needed: One wide edged wooden picture frame (I get mine at thrift stores for under a dollar each), various lace and braid trims from the craft or fabric store (look for sales and make sure that you collect a good variety of these.. they should not be ruffled type trims, only flat styles), metallic gold paint (silver is okay also, or colors), polyurethane coating, Aleene's Tacky Glue, sponge brush, paintbrushes, scissors.

Step one: Prepare the frame by removing the glass and cleaning the frame (and the glass). Allow to dry. The cleaning is very important, particularly if using a second hand frame, as dust and grime can cause the trim to fall off later on down the line. Use a damp sponge and a mild soap for this.

Step two: Select a broad piece of lace trim, wide enough to cover the full front edges of the frame.

Step three: Using a sponge brush, coat the frame with tacky glue, an inch or so at a time, laying your trim down as you go. At each of the four corners cut the lace diagonally and start with a fresh piece of corner-cut lace at the turn.

Step four: Select a narrower piece of lace or braid trim, and glue this on top of the first layer. You can place this around the inside edge of the broader lace, around the outside edge, around both edges, it is up to you, but I find that both edges works best for me. Select a third piece of trim (this one should be of a medium width, or better yet, a piece of nice braid or rickrack - something with strong texture) and glue that down in the center of the broad trim. When gluing down your trims, make sure that you match up the edges with a diagonal cut at the corners.

Step five: After all of your glue has dried and your trims are laying nice and flat on the frame, open up your metallic gold (or silver or colored) paint, and using a broad paintbrush, coat the whole thing with the paint. I find that two coats is best, as it completely covers the lace and gives a 'solid' look, while still allowing the lace detail to show. Let the paint dry thoroughly between coats.

Step six: After the paint is completely dried, coat the entire thing with one or two layers of polyurethane. This step is optional, use it only if you want the frame to be very shiny and hard coated. For a softer look, leave the polyurethane coating off.

Optional ideas: Pick up a mat in a soft cream color, paint a delicate filigree pattern onto it with the gold paint, and use that to mat the photograph you plan to frame. These frames look beautiful when used for artwork or prints. You can also paint the frame backing in gold and then hot glue small keepsakes onto the backing for a memory display. You can also hot glue small filigree pieces from the craft store at the corners or edges for a more intricate look yet.