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    Home » DIY » DIY Photo Frame from a Cigar Box

    DIY Photo Frame from a Cigar Box

    Published Jan 29, 2018 · Updated Jan 28, 2020 by Ginnie · 5 Comments

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    Are you looking for DIY photo frame ideas or creative cigar box crafts? Then, you're going to love this homemade picture frame made from a wood cigar box!

    DIY Cigar Box Photo Frame tutorial! Looking for DIY photo frame ideas? Learn how to make a DIY picture frame from a repurposed cigar box. This easy cigar box craft is a simple vintage inspired wood frame for a fave photograph. A unique cigar box craft idea that's a creative gift for boyfriends, kids, friends, or moms or a home decor decoration you can hang on the wall. | Hello Little Home #cigarbox #cigarboxcraft #diyphotoframe #photocraft #photograph #pictureframes #diypictureframe

    This post contains affiliate links.

    I don't know how much I've mentioned this here, but I come from a crafty family

    Well, at least my mom was crafty. She was always making something, and she taught me how to use a hot glue gun, knit, sew, and so much more.

    I can't remember why exactly, but at a certain point, she collected a bunch of cigar boxes. She never used them for anything though. Instead, she gave them all to me!

    Over the years, I've had all sorts of creative ideas for cigar boxes. I've repurposed cigar boxes into arty shadow boxes, gift boxes, and even DIY cigar box chalkboards (one of my fave projects!).

    My latest idea? This DIY photo frame made from a cigar box!

    A DIY wood picture frame made from a cigar box.

    Cigar Box Picture Frame

    If you've ever wondered what to do with empty cigar boxes, you have to try making your own picture frame!

    This handmade photo frame is so cute, and it's such a creative use for a cigar box. It's also the perfect way to show off a favorite photo.

    I've always loved shadow boxes, and this is a really simple way to create a DIY shadow box picture frame. There's no cutting or sawing wood required, just a little painting and gluing.

    If you want to make a DIY wood picture frame with almost no effort, this is definitely the project for you!

    Closeup of a fun cigar box craft idea: a DIY picture frame.

    I love how the decorative details on this repurposed cigar box came through in this DIY picture frame, too.

    Although you could remove all the patterned papers and paint the box, I think the original details add so much character to the finished frame, as well as color and fun pattern.

    I'm so happy with how this homemade photo frame turned out, and I can't wait to show you how to make your own frame, too!

    DIY photo frame supplies.

    How to Make a DIY Photo Frame from a Cigar Box

    Want to try this DIY photo frame idea for yourself? Here's what you'll need:

    • cigar box (Find them on Amazon or in cigar stores, flea markets, vintage stores, etc.)
    • utility knife
    • craft glue
    • painters tape
    • foam brush
    • craft paint (I used FolkArt Vintage White.)
    • corner rounder
    • foam mounting squares
    • clear photo corners, optional

    Okay, let's get started!

    Most cigar boxes are lined with paper. Pull it out as carefully as possible.

    If any of the paper sticks, peel as much off as you can. You don't want any loose edges.

    Removing paper from the inside of the cigar box for the homemade picture frame.

    Next, you need to remove the lid.

    The lid side of the box will not have the same patterned paper as the other edges. If your box is like most cigar boxes though, that same paper is probably on the outside of the box lid though.

    Use the utility knife to cut through just the inside layer of the paper connecting the lid to the box. Then, pull the lid off, carefully separating the patterned paper on the outside from the lid.

    Removing the lid from the cigar box with a utility knife.

    Once you've separated the lid from the box, fold the patterned paper from the outside of the box toward the inside of the box.

    Paste it in place with the craft glue.

    Glueing trim to the cigar box with craft glue.

    There are a few ways to finish the inside of the box:

    • Leave the wood as-is. You may need to sand it down a bit anywhere there's paper still stuck on.
    • Use paper to cover the inside of the box.
    • Paint it.

    I briefly considered covering the inside with paper, but I decided it would be easier to paint it using craft paint and a foam brush.

    You could sand down the parts with paper still attached, but to be honest, I painted right over it (lazy crafter here!). It turned out fine. If the paper in your box is not glued on as strongly as it was in my box though, it may bubble up when you paint it. Consider yourself warned!

    Cigar boxes are made from really porous wood, so you'll need to add a few layers of paint (mine took four coats). It does dry fast ... use a hair dryer to speed things up, if you want.

    Painting the inside of the cigar box with craft paint.

    To protect the patterned paper on the sides of the box, cover it with painters tape.

    Applying painters tape to protect the inside of the cigar box frame.

    I had some leftover holiday cards, so that's where my photo came from. Basically, I cut the text part of the card off ... ha ha.

    A couple of the corners were already rounded, so I used a corner rounder to round the other two.

    I love how the photo looks with rounded corners, and I recommend doing this with your pic, too. It will look more finished.

    Rounding the edges on my photo with a corner rounder.

    I wanted to create some added dimension in my DIY picture frame, so I decided to raise the photo from the back of the box a bit.

    To do the same, you'll need to place foam mounting squares in each corner of the photo. I used two layers of mounting squares for a little extra height.

    Obviously, this was not a precious photo! If you're using a picture that you don't want to damage, you may want to use a copy of it

    Another option is to attach the mounting squares to a plain piece of paper, then attach the photo to the plain paper with clear photo corners. That way you'll be able to remove the photo later without damaging it.

    Applying foam mounting square to the photo before attaching to the cigar box.

    Once the mounting squares are attached, simply press the photo onto the back of the shadow box.

    I eye-balled the placement, but feel free to measure if you're looking for perfection. Like I mentioned earlier, I'm a lazy crafter!

    Don't press the corners down until you're totally sure of the photo placement. That way you can adjust the pic a little if you need to.

    The finished DIY photo frame made from a cigar box.

    And that's all there is to it ... your DIY photo frame from a cigar box is finished. Wasn't that easy?

    I'm absolutely in love how this homemade shadow box frame turned out!

    It's so cute that I'm tempted to make another one, although I'm down to my last cigar box. So I need to be a little stingy.

    DIY photo frame made from a cigar box displayed on a table.

    Did you love this DIY Photo Frame from a Cigar Box?

    Let me know if you make your own picture frame ... I'd love to see how it turns out!

    If you liked this handmade photo frame, here are some other photography projects you'll love, too:

    • DIY Canvas Mounted Instagram Photos
    • Cheap + Easy DIY Photo Display
    • How to Create a Yearly Family Photo Book
    • Easy Picture Frame Makeover

    Stop by The Shabby Creek Cottage for more do it yourself picture frames from some of my fellow bloggers!

    And make sure to check out my DIY Cigar Box Chalkboard (below), too, if you're looking for other cigar box craft ideas.

    DIY Cigar Box Chalkboard ... super fun and easy to make! The perfect craft for kids or make a bunch for girls night out! This simple DIY chalkboard is a fun craft project anyone will enjoy! | Hello Little Home

    Did you enjoy this post?

    Please share it so others can find it, too!

    DIY Cigar Box Photo Frame tutorial! Looking for DIY photo frame ideas? Learn how to make a DIY picture frame from a repurposed cigar box. This easy cigar box craft is a simple vintage inspired wood frame for a fave photograph. A unique cigar box craft idea that's a creative gift for boyfriends, kids, friends, or moms or a home decor decoration you can hang on the wall. | Hello Little Home #cigarbox #cigarboxcraft #diyphotoframe #photocraft #photograph #pictureframes #diypictureframe

    How do you like to display your favorite photos?

    DIY Photo Frame from a Cigar Box
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    About Ginnie

    Ginnie is the writer, photographer, and chief content creator behind Hello Little Home. She loves trying new things (whether that’s creating delicious vegetarian recipes, exploring a new city, trying a fun DIY project, or sharing a pretty makeup look), and she hopes to inspire you to do the same! Read more about Ginnie here.

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    5 Comments
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    DIY Glasses Case (FREE Pattern + Easy Tutorial) | Hello Little Home
    6 days ago

    […] Cigar Box Photo Frame […]

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    Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled.com
    4 years ago

    Cute! Makes me wish I had some of my grandpa's old cigar boxes. Visiting from BFF party.

    0
    Reply
    Author
    Ginnie
    4 years ago
    Reply to  Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled.com

    Thanks, Victoria! That would have been such a sweet memento 🙂

    0
    Reply
    Paula
    4 years ago

    What a cute idea! In elementary school I remember the teacher had us use cigar boxes for our pencils, etc. Can you imagine if a teacher asked a child to bring in a cigar box these days? Ha! They are great for storage and the cute pattern on yours makes a pretty frame.

    0
    Reply
    Author
    Ginnie
    4 years ago
    Reply to  Paula

    Ha ha ... that is so true! The pencil boxes I used in school did look a lot like cigar boxes, so maybe that's where the idea came from. 😉

    0
    Reply

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    Hi, I'm Ginnie! Welcome to Hello Little Home, which is all about inspiring everyday creativity! I'm excited to share my favorite things with you ... vegetarian recipes, travel inspiration, DIY projects, decor ideas, beauty and fashion tips, and more! Read more about me here!

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