How to Create Stacked Frames Art

Hello Friends,

Right now, architectural wall art is having a big moment. And to celebrate, we are sharing an easy DIY stacked frames art, inspired by Crate and Barrel.

How to Create Stacked Frames Art

What can I say? It’s another ORC week and another fabulous wall art inspired by one of my fellow ORCers. After I saw Diane’s photo of this wall art on Instagram, I looked high and low for a similar one to fit my space.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Fusion Mineral Paint, but all projects and opinions are 100% my own.

And I gotta tell ya, it didn’t take long to realize that, although all of the online sources that sell modern pieces had some version of this stacked art, none of the sources had one that fit my space.

So I did what I always do. LOL….

I figured out how to make one that would work.

And you can, too.

Here’s how.

Steps to Create Stacked Frames Art

Step One: Wood Selection

• Wood selection matters. This brand is 0.75 inches (deep) and 1.5 inches (wide).

• I like this brand because (for pine) it is straight and strong, and it does not bow when a little added weight adds stress to long runs.

• After the amount of wood needed is determined, the line of best fit (for length) to prevent waste can be figured. I used two 6-foot pieces for two large frames and had only small pieces of wood waste.

Step Two: Size of Base Frame

• Set the base size by adding tape to the wall or cutting a template out of paper.

• Then measure the perimeter on all the sides and add these numbers together for the total linear feet of wood needed.

• Then play around to find the best fit for 4-foot, 6-foot, or 8-foot sections of pine.

• If you don’t have a saw, ask the home improvement store to cut the pieces for you. They do not cut mitered corners, but should cut straight cuts (to create butt joints) over about 6-12 inches long.

Step Three: Build the Base Frame

• Next, build the base frame.

• If you don’t have a drill for wood screws, the frame can be assembled using brackets like these. These fit on the inside corners and would likely be seen, but they are super sturdy. There are also flat L-type brackets that would fit on the backside of the frame. Ask the helper at the home improvement store to show you the best bracket for your size frame.

• Add hanging hardware to the back of the base frame. Yes, add the hardware now. 

• Notice, the first frame is made with the pine flat so there is as much surface area (1.5 inches) as possible to glue the second frame.

Step Four: Size of Second Frame

• For my stack, the second frame is similar in size to the first, but the pine is flipped on its side (0.75 inches wide and 1.5 inches deep) to create more depth from the wall.

• Notice six contact points (glue points) where the second frame connects to the first. Five of these glue points have significant surface-to-surface contact. This is important as the pieces, although pine, are still a bit weighty.

Step Five: Add Additional Frames

• Additional frames are added on the two base frames using a stash of premade frames.

• The flatter the frame front, the easier it is to stack and get glueable contact points.

• Use a quick-set, super-glue type of contact adhesive. I tried this product for the first time and LOVED it.

• Set one frame at a time.

• Tape the angle and the corner of the frame going on that space.

• Remove the frame, add glue to the contact points and QUICKLY set the frame in place.

• Sorry about the old vinyl tablecloth as a drop cloth. **redfacehere**

• Then weight down the frame.

• I glued a frame, weighted it down and left it several hours before adding another frame.

• And with every addition, the frame was hung back on the wall to make sure the next frame addition would be keeping the art balanced.

Step Six: Paint the Stacked Frame Art

• Once the glue is cured, paint the stacked frame art.

• Flip it over and paint the back first.

• Be sure to support the stack while painting and drying.

• Then flip it back over and paint the front.

• I waited to paint the structure because I wanted to glue fully-cured surfaces.

• I could have painted the individual pieces, waited for them to dry to touch, sand the glue spots and then glue.

• But, in my heart of hearts, working with super-dry surfaces that didn’t need sanding seemed easier.

• So I went this route.

Turns out, I only used two additional pre-made frames. With the drapery panels on the right and left, more frames stacked on the art was making the space really busy.  As a result, the art was losing its impact. So adapting the “less is more” philosophy, I only used four large frames instead of two large plus several small ones. 

In the room, the piece fills the space nicely while remaining open, airy and balanced with the rest of the art. You’ll see what I mean next week in the full room reveal.

But for now, to keep this inspo for later, please PIN the image below.

Resources

www.fusionmineralpaint.com 

In case you missed previous Fall 2019 ORC Posts

Week 1 – Media Room Makeover Plan

Week 2 – How to Buy and Install a Staircase Runner

Week 3 – How to Paint a Mini Wall Mural

Week 4 – How to Color Correct Furniture Without Repainting

Week 5 – You are here

Week 6 – The Reveal 

Our Hosts

And as always, we extend a special thanks to our gracious hosts, Linda at Calling It Home , One Room Challenge and Better Homes and Gardens. And invite you to enjoy over 200 more room renovations,  click One Room Challenge. #oneroomchallenge #ORC #betterhomesandgardens #bhgorc

#homeimprovement #homedecor #fusionmineralpaint #mediaroom #mediaroommakeover #stackedframesart