Easy to make picture frame and wall display, bringing rustic and simple elements to a wall decor

Simplicity of decorating is how I determine what goes into my home. Which may shock some, because I have put in a lot of time and effort into my home. But, I have three kids and a full life; and only 24 hours in a day. I like to choose practical items for my home when I am able. Which is why this Easy to make picture frame and wall display, bringing rustic and simple elements to a wall decor is the perfect kind of craft project for me!

I change pictures in my home a lot and a standard frame with a bunch of clasps and sliders to keep the picture in place is too much for me. Seriously, I dread changing out those pictures because I know what I am up against. For this project I am using wood pallets, I adore their rustic appeal. Most wood pallets clean up beautifully with a wood stain, it is amazing the details in the wood that can be found in the rough pallets.

I cut the pallets down to size. Then used some scrap wood, placing it behind the wood pallets. Then wood glue and nails (for extra insurance on everything staying put).

The base of these rustic and simple wall decor is done! Time to make them shine!

The stain I used is a dark walnut, which is so pretty. I love how it warms up a piece instantly.

Using a cloth I wipe, going with the grain of the wood.

Any clumps or streaks can be easily wiped off. Just keep rubbing the stain into the wood. If the wood pallets are really rough, a light sanding of them before any wood stain going on will help it have a smooth finish.

Rustic with clean lines, which makes it feel modern and not too country.

I printed out some 4×6 pictures and this was my plan at first. However the DIY wall decor was lacking something. Yes, most have a set plan of attack for DIY projects. Me… not so much… I have a plan-ish and then figure out the rest along the way. Because I already had the wood stain and the pallets so far the cost of this project is nothing, so playing around with how it will all come together is no stress on me.

A matte around the pictures is my solution to this problem. I could have also printed out 5×7 pictures instead, but I liked the idea of breaking up the busy wood tones with a simple texture acting as a backdrop for the bright colors in the picture. This is thicker card stock paper that I cut down to size, leaving a generous border around the picture.

Since I want to use this Easy to make picture frame and wall display I am not adding any glue to this. I want to be able to swap out the pictures anytime I want to, so I am using tacks. Yep, only the best supplies in my home!

I placed one in each corner.

Then used double sided tape to put the picture onto the paper.

Done! This project took me maybe 15 minutes, not counting the wood stain to dry. But while that was drying I was off doing other things. It is a crazy easy project!

I want to make a few of these Easy to make picture frame and wall display, bringing rustic and simple elements to a wall decor to have just in case. Yes, that ever important decorating emergency supply kit is a thing in my home. Like I said, I like to change things up a lot so having a few simple options like this to use as backing for pictures, kids art, or even a great wood centerpiece base would be great. I will use these in all of those situations.

I did not make the connection when I was creating this, but there is a definite coastal feel to this Easy to make picture frame and wall display. The dark wood looks like drift wood and the cool tones of the light gray paper looks like a overcast day on the beach. Which really works perfectly for my home. This wall display frame can be made larger or smaller, to accommodate any size picture. With the ease of changing out the pictures it allows me to display a new favorite picture anytime I snap one, or it can be used as a fun display for my kids art. Pretty much a ton of ideas for this little wood pallet project! Like I said in the beginning of this post, I like practical items for my home and these rustic beauties are exactly that!