How to Make Your Own Photo Boxes

I first fell in love with the wooden boxed photograph several years back while I was following the work of e.soule, a photographer of tiny objects and toys. She makes the most amazing wooden boxes for her snappy photos. Like all good things, it took me a while to perfect the technique, but now I feel like I can safely make my own photo boxes. Here is your tutorial... enjoy!!

How to Make You Own Photo Boxes

| Supplies |

Wooden box { called wooden painting panel in art supply store | I bought mine at Dick Blick, but Michael's now carries a verision }
Photograph sized to the frame { I ordered my photo for the size of the frame, which was easy since my photo was already a square shape. You could easily cut your down to be whatever size you need with an exacto knife }
Spray adhesive { photo safe | I used permanent not removable, but I think you could get away with either }
Water based dark stain { buy the tiniest container you can find }
Brayer
Painters tape
Small paintbrush

| Steps |

Carefully tape off the front of the frame from the edges. Be very careful with this step and go as close to the edge as possible with the tape. Any stain that sneaks under may prevent your photo from adhering properly.

Stain the edges of the frame. Apply small amounts at a time, let sit for desired time {the longer the darker} and then wipe with a cloth. Repeat this step as much as desired to build up your stain color.

Spray the adhesive onto the back of the photograph. Proper spraying technique would be to start spraying way over each edge of the photograph so that you don't have too much adhesive on the edges.

Carefully place photo on the frame. Use brayer if needed to remove any air pockets or bubbles.

Allow to dry.

Enjoy!!