DIY Photo Frame from a Cigar Box

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Did you enjoy this post?

Please share it so others can find it, too!

How do you like to display your favorite photos?