Create Your Own Picture Frame
2-4 Years, 4-6 Years, 6 Plus
A simple creative activity where children use colourful card and wooden craft sticks to design and build their own picture frame. Once complete, it can display a favourite photograph, drawing or piece of artwork.
Learn what you need to do for this activity
Learn what is needed in order to do this activity
Learn how you can adapt this activity and reuse
Learn the Benefits of this activity
What do you do:
Choose a coloured background and arrange the craft sticks around the edges to create a frame.
Help your child glue the pieces into position if needed.
Once the frame is dry, add a favourite photograph, drawing or artwork to the centre.
What's Needed:
Wooden craft sticks
Coloured card or paper
Child-safe glue
Favourite photograph, drawing or artwork
Optional craft or natural decorations
How to Adapt
For younger toddlers: Prepare the basic frame in advance and let them choose the colours and help position the craft sticks.
For older children: Encourage them to construct their frame independently and personalise it with drawings, patterns, names or decorations.
Make it more open-ended: Provide natural loose parts, stickers, fabric, buttons or recycled craft materials and let your child decide how they want to decorate their frame.
Benefits of the Activity
Develops fine motor skills
Strengthens hand-eye coordination
Encourages creativity and self-expression
Develops spatial awareness
Supports colour recognition
Encourages decision-making
Builds confidence and independence
