Tie Frame

This project is a wonderful gift for Father's Day or in memory of a departed Dad, using old neck ties. A memory frame can be made and distributed to all surviving children.

Two different frames are discussed. A pre-made, wooden craft frame you would use to hold photos, and one made with artist's canvas stretchers that could hold a child's artwork.

Materials:

• Old neck ties
• Hot glue or tacky glue
• Pre-made wooden craft frame or 4 artist's canvas stretchers (any size to fit child's artwork)
• Transparency film (for use with canvas stretcher frame)
• Cardboard (also for use with canvas stretcher frame)
• Scissors

Procedure:

1. Prepare the frame. If you are using a wooden craft frame, take out the backing and glass. Wipe down with a dry cloth or paper towel to remove any debris. If you are using canvas stretchers, glue them together to form your frame, and then wipe free of debris as mentioned with the other frame.
2. Next, cut open the tie(s) so that they are totally flat and consist of a single layer of material. Figure out how you want the ties to look on your frame, then position them before you glue to avoid mistakes and maybe having to tear it apart later.
3. Cut the ties to fit your frame; making sure that they will cover the front and sides of your frame completely. You can place the ties in a diagonal, straight across, up-and-down, or in a patchwork pattern. They can go around to the back of the frame, but care should be taken that the material will not interfere with the placement of the glass. Those using canvas stretchers can confidently wrap the tie around to the back and glue.
4. When glue is dry, replace glass and add photo. If you are using stretchers, cut a piece of transparency film (obtained at office supply stores) to fit over the opening and glue to the back of the frame.
5. Glue the child's artwork to the piece of cardboard (cut to fit frame), and then glue to back of frame. If there are some gaps and frame does not fit perfectly around artwork, you can use construction paper or scrap material in-between the artwork and cardboard.

Another variance of this project would be to use foam board. This would leave you a lot more flexibility as you could cut it to any shape and size. Then you would cover it just like instructed for the artist's canvas stretchers.

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