DIY XPS Foam Photo Frames – Stylish, Lightweight & Easy to Make!
Looking for a creative way to showcase your favourite photos? XPS (extruded polystyrene) foam is a lightweight, durable material that’s perfect for crafting beautiful, custom photo frames right from home. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, this project is simple, fast, and satisfying.
✨ Why Use XPS Foam for Photo Frames?
XPS foam is often used in model-making and insulation, but it’s also fantastic for crafts:
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Lightweight – Easy to hang on walls or stick on the fridge.
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Sturdy but easy to cut – Great for kids and adults alike.
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Customisable – Paint it, carve it, glue it – the possibilities are endless.
🧰 Materials You’ll Need:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| XPS foam sheet (2.5 cm thick works best) | Frame base |
| Utility knife or craft knife | To cut the foam |
| Ruler & pencil | For measuring and marking |
| Sandpaper (medium grit) | To smooth the edges |
| Acrylic paint or spray paint | For decorating the frame |
| Hot glue gun or strong craft glue | For assembling layers |
| Clear plastic sheet (optional) | As a photo cover |
| Cardboard or foam backing | To support the photo |
| Embellishments (stickers, beads, washi tape) | Optional – for flair |
| Your photo! | The star of the show |
✂️ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Frame
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Decide the outer size of your frame (e.g., 6" x 8").
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Mark a smaller rectangle inside it to create the photo window (e.g., 4" x 6").
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Use a sharp utility knife to cut the outer edge, then carefully cut out the inner window.
💡 Tip: Use a metal ruler as a guide to get straight edges.
Step 2: Smooth and Shape the Foam
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Lightly sand the edges using medium grit sandpaper to remove rough cuts.
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Bevel the front edge or round the corners if you want a more finished, elegant look.
Step 3: Paint and Decorate
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Use acrylic paint for bright, opaque colour or spray paint for an even coat.
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Allow to dry completely.
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Add embellishments: glue on buttons, wrap washi tape around edges, or stencil a name or date.
Step 4: Attach the Backing and Photo
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Cut a piece of cardboard or foam the same size as the frame.
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Place your photo behind the window and secure it with glue or tape.
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Optionally, add a clear plastic sheet over the photo for protection.
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Glue the backing to the foam frame, sealing in the photo.
Step 5: Display It!
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Add a magnet on the back to display it on the fridge.
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Glue on a pop-out stand for desktop display.
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Or stick a wall hook or ribbon on the back to hang it up.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version:
Let kids decorate pre-cut foam frames with stickers, pom poms, and glitter glue. Great for birthday parties or school holiday craft time!
📸 Ideas for Themes
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Mother’s/Father’s Day: Add handwritten notes or small painted handprints.
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Holiday Photos: Use seasonal colours, glitter, or snowflake cutouts.
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Best Friend Frames: Decorate with inside jokes, emojis, or shared memories.
♻️ Eco Note:
Reusing off-cuts of XPS foam from other projects helps reduce waste—perfect for sustainable crafting!
📦 Want to Try It?
Check out our XPS Foam Sheets here – minimum 2.5 cm thick for best results. Perfect for this and dozens of other creative projects!
💬 Final Thoughts
Crafting your own photo frame isn’t just fun—it’s meaningful. You get to preserve your memories in a frame made by hand, tailored to your style. Whether you're crafting solo or with kids, this is a perfect 30-minute weekend project with lasting value.