Home » Repurposed Furniture » Photo Holder Tutorial

Photo Holder Tutorial

ByGail Wilson Published on Updated on
44 Comments

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I am so happy to share this easy photo holder tutorial using scrap spindles and wire with you!

Read the entire article to see more great projects using bits and pieces.

Chippy Spindle Wire Photo Holders

Here’s a quick tutorial on how to make these darling photo holders:

Paint or decoupage wood scraps and add curly wires to make unique photo holders.

 

Supplies To Make Easy DIY Photo Holders

  • scrapbooking paper
  • wooden blocks (I used children’s building blocks)
  • glue stick
  • 16 gauge black tie wire
  • Wire Cutters
  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • Random reclaimed items, bottles, spindles, etc
  • not shown: drill, paper cutter (optional)

Use Scrapbooking Paper

Your paper will be adhered to the wooden block with a permanent glue stick or spray adhesive. Another option is contact paper with a pattern that matches your decor.

An Old Chair Spindle Curls Wire

I used 16 gauge dark annealed steel wire, needle-nose pliers (cutting and bending wire), and an old chair spindle (coiling wire).

I like using the old chair spindle because it narrows to a smaller diameter. Wrap the wire around 2 1/2 times.

Slide the coiled wire off of the spindle.

Use the needle-nosed pliers to grab the inner circle piece and twist it around to make your coil. Flatten the coil.

Because this is a do-it-yourself project, you’re in complete control of how tight your wire coil is and how many rotations it has.

Drill holes into your block of wood. Cut your scrapbooking paper and glue it around the wood block, then insert your coiled wire into the hole. Of course, you could also paint or stain your wooden blocks.

DIY Photo Holder

Colorful blocks: Do you like straight wires or curly wires? Wrap your wire around a Sharpie or pencil to achieve curly wires.

Chippy spindles, straight wires, or curly wires?

Vintage Bottle Wire Photo Holders

Small bottles can be easily found at thrift stores. Do you like the blue bottles best? It’s fun to experiment with how you wrap the wire around the bottles.

This rustic shadow box has always been one of my favorite projects. It displays a photo on an easy DIY photo holder!

Joan at Anything Goes has me looking at everything in a whole new way—anything and everything—and wondering if I can make that into a photo holder! Thanks, Joan, for the inspiration!

See more bits and pieces projects here.

Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.

44 Comments

  5. Cute idea and so simple. Love it! My favorites are the ones made out of old spindles. I go for the antique look every time. And I like the curly wires the best. I think they add more visual interest. Hope I win!

    Reply

  17. I just signed up to follow your blog. I love your photo holders and I like them all. However, the birds are very cute. Congrats on over 100 followers. I am happy to enter your giveaway too.Hugs, Jeanne

    Reply

  23. I am loving how you used the little glass bottles to make photo holders. I also love the colorful blocks, especially the one in the middle with three wires. It’s so fun and quirky. Great stuff!

    Reply

  32. Congrats on your 100 followers..That’s too cool!

    Ok I love the chippy spindles–cause I love all things shabby chic!!

    Going to sign up as a follower right after this post!

    Have a great week. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  34. All the styles are cute, but the chippy spindles are definitely my style! I love them!! I have been a follower of your talent and will continue to be. I’m so happy for your over 100 followers celebrations, keep the inspiration going girl!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.