This year, I finally did it!

I'm such a DIY gal, it's hard for me to admit that there are times when I can't or shouldn't do everything myself.  

Case in point - family photos. 

Back when there was just one baby, the old click the timer and run trick was good enough for a couple of photos with everyone in it, and then a whole bunch more with one parent missing.  

Now with two kids?  I knew it would take a great deal of luck to get the whole family in a photo with eyes open and happy, exactly when the timer goes off on the camera.  And I am definitely not lucky in that way.

So we worked with a photographer this year to capture our family this holiday season.

I'm so thankful that Heather was able to capture our family this Holiday season.  We so loved how these photos turned out, I decided to frame the prints into a gallery wall.

I loved these gallery frames, but knew I could come up with something alot more reasonably priced - a set of 20 frames would cost me $418 on sale.  Here my chance redeem my DIY self!

So I built 20 wood frames for about $30 - mats included.  In fairness, I did not add glass which would have added to the cost, depending on the size.  I will probably cut my own out of acrylic glass after I finish making a few bigger frames too.

Aren't the photos so much more beautiful with the wood frames?  

I used 1x2 furring strips for the wood - they are so inexpensive ($1 here in Alaska for 8 feet) and have so much character.  

I stained the wood with Rustoleum Early American.  It's a nice rich color on pine.

This was such a fun and easy project that will have meaning to our family for years to come.  These little frames will make great gifts too!

I'm sharing the plans for this project below for you to use with your own photos.  And stay tuned, I will be sharing soon a video tutorial as well!!!

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Ana + Family