How to Make a Triangular Picture Frame

Who said that picture frames have to be rectangular??? What about a triangular picture frame? A triangular frame is easy to make, and perfect decorated as a Christmas tree.

Supplies to Make a Triangular Picture Frame:

• Scrap lengths of ¼" MDF (medium-density fiberboard)
• Scrap piece of ¼" MDF about 3" x 1½"
• Wood glue
• Gesso
• FolkArt Peridot Extreme Glitter acrylic paint
• FolkArt Brushed Gold Brushed Metal acrylic paint
• Wooden skewer
• Hot glue
• Acetate
• Cardstock or light weight chipboard
• Photo

Equipment to Make a Triangular Picture Frame:

• Proxxon Table Saw FET
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/E
• Proxxon Professional Rotary Tool and Drill Stand
• Proxxon Delta Sander

Instruction for Making a Triangular Picture Frame:

1. Decide on the dimensions of your frame. The sides of my equilateral triangle measure 6½", and I cut the MDF into ½" widths. 
2. The rabbet is a step-shaped recess cut along the back edge of the frame to receive the protective acetate, photo, and backing. To make the rabbet: Adjust the blade height on the table saw to about 1/8". Make a cut 3/8" from the edge of the board. Make successive, parallel cuts moving toward the edge of the board.
   
3. Cut three ½" wide strips for the sides of the frame. These need to be cut longer than your desired finished length to allow for cutting the corner angles. Since I was using scrap, I cut my strips to about 8½".
4. Set the angle gauge on the table saw to 60°.
   
5. With the strip help securely against the angle gauge, make the corner cuts. After making the first cut, measure and mark your desired length along the edge of the strip opposite the rabbet. Repeat for the remaining two sides.
   
6. Use wood glue to glue the three sides together.
   
7. On the back side of the frame, mark the center of the bottom strip. Drill a hole for the support piece, taking care not to drill all the way through to the front of the frame.
   
8. Print the star pattern and adhere to the small scrap piece of MDF. Cover the surface of the MDF with painter's tape. Next, spray the back of the pattern with spray adhesive, and adhere pattern to top of the painter's tape. The spray adhesive holds the pattern in place, and the painter's tape makes for easy removal. Cut the stars on the band saw.
   
9. If necessary, sand any rough or uneven edges with the Delta sander. Often when using MDF, you don't need to do any sanding.
10. Cover the frame and star with a cost of gesso.
    
11.  When the gesso is dry, paint the pieces. When the pieces are dry glue the star to the top of the frame.
    
12. Cut acetate, photo, and cardstock to fit the frame. I secured these in place with a bead of hot glue.
13. Insert a skewer or toothpick in the hole you drilled on the bottom strip of the frame to serve as a support. 
    
14. Enjoy your triangular frames!!