Decorating your first apartment should be an exciting event. After years of living with family or in a dorm room, you can finally take ownership of your own space. But one thing is certain: being an adult is expensive. Although you may need to make due with a futon instead of a couch for another year, there are plenty of other ways to upgrade your style in your new adult apartment. And touching up your old posters with some style is definitely one of them. Leave the tack, tape, and pins behind this year by DIY-ing your way to inexpensive “frames” for your favorite pieces of art. These magnetic frames are the perfect weekend project to spruce up your new digs. Aside from being inexpensive and easy to make, they also help protect your art from punctures and tears with the help of magnets. This project can be adapted for any size poster, so feel free to really make these frames your own. Here’s a how-to video that you can use for inspiration. Here are the materials you will need to begin:
  • 4 wooden sticks per frame, at least ½ inch wider than poster
  • 8 magnets per frame
  • Wood stain or paint of your choice
  • Glue
  • Twine
Once you’ve rounded up all of your materials, it’s time to get to work! Directions 1. Lay out the wooden sticks on top of newspaper. Be sure they are all the same length. 2. Paint one side of each stick using paint or wood stain to create your desired color and texture. Allow them to dry. 3. Once dry, it’s time to glue your magnets! Measure your poster to ensure the magnets reach nearly the entire width when placed on top of the sticks. Check the polarization of your magnets to ensure they don’t repel their future partners. 4. On two of the wooden sticks, glue your magnets on the painted side. On the other two, glue your magnets on the unpainted side. Allow the glue to dry. 5. Take out your twine. Tie it to each end of one of the sticks with the magnets glued on top. 6. Lay your poster of choice on top of the two sticks with the magnets glued on the painted side. Once it’s positioned properly, attach the other sticks to hold the poster in place. 7. Hang your poster and gaze upon your handy work in awe! What poster are you planning to frame?