• Old wooden picture frames (charity shops or your attic are great places to find these)
• Undercoat
• Good quality masking tape
• Sample pots or any leftover chalky emulsion paint
• Paintbrushes
• Sandpaper
• Clear wax

Step 1: Preparation

Start by giving your old picture frames a good cleaning. Remove any dust or grime with sugar soap. If the frames are painted or varnished, use sandpaper to roughen up the surface slightly to help the undercoat adhere better.

Step 2: Choose Your Colour Palette

Select your colour scheme. We recommend choosing two colours per frame for the best results.

Step 3: Masking Out Your Design

Once your undercoat has dried, mask out your design using good quality masking tape. Use a ruler to keep your stripes equal or play with scale but try to keep the frame symmetrical. Depending on whether your frame is smooth or has ridges, use this to your advantage. If your frame is wide enough, you can alternate the stripe on the second level to create a checkerboard effect.

Step 4: Begin Painting

Start painting your first colour all around your frame, alternating between the masked sections. Wait for it to dry between coats. A hair dryer can be handy if you're a little impatient. Once the first colour is dry, remove the masking tape and reapply it on top of the dried first paint colour to keep the lines crisp. Repeat with your second colour.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once all the paint is dry and the masking tape is removed, apply a clear wax to protect and seal your design. Add a photograph or artwork and find the perfect spot to display your new frame.

These frames look especially good as a collection, especially when you use a variety of frame sizes and thicknesses. Have a bit of fun with it and don't be afraid to mix and match different colours.

Cat and Claire's workshop was a testament to the power of creativity and the joy of making something beautiful out of the ordinary. We hope this DIY project inspires you to try your hand at upcycling and bring a touch of handmade charm into your home.