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Cool frame from Umbra.

Love this ornate frame from brocade home. Too bad I can’t afford it.

For me, it’s never too soon to start dreaming of autumn. Autumn tree frame at Sprout Home. Check out the sweet little chick frame, also.

Cool photo frames from Walmart. Yes, Walmart.

High Gloss Black Photo Frame – $10

Eco Bamboo Photo Frame – $10

Martha just launched her new line of craft supplies. Haven’t had a chance to check it all out, but I love the cutout mats of these photo frames in the Photo Frame Kit.

Barkley frame from Umbra.
Organically shaped frames inspired by nature. Cast from the bark of deciduous trees. $44.00 USD

Create a quick change photo gallery using job jackets, as described in the latest issue of Blueprint.

image from cb2 catalog

I love this idea for displaying a photo. Have it blown up to a large poster size, then cut into squares and frame with square record album frames. You could also use this with a rasterbated photo or a poster printed on multiple pages with your home printer (use blockposters or posteriza to break the photo into multiple pages).

Remember those beads you’d make from magazines as a kid? These recycled magazine frames look fun to make, too. Or buy ‘em at Urban Outfitters.

Pretty in white. A lovely little ornate rose frame ($14) from Urban Outfitters.

These cool LEGO-like frames from Pylones let you build your photos into all kinds of fun shapes. Great for kids and the boxes have storage compartments, too. Monochromatic or super-colorful – $12 for a set of three.

It finally snowed! It’s just a dusting, but it makes me happy. So some snowflake frames from Pier 1 seemed right for the day. On sale for $5.

This wall-mount easel frame holds everything from a photo to a book. Your picture is held in place with two decorative metal clamps. On sale now at pottery barn for $69.

A favorite photo in a lovely frame makes for a great gift. I’m liking this drawing room frame in flocked velvet from Anthropologie.

There’s something oddly appealing about this – a fuzzy velvety flocked frame. Furame.

Urban outfitters always has some fun photo stuff to check out. The bell jar photo clip has a black base detailed with 3 black roses and a curved metal clip to hold a photo. Also cool – the old school photo album.

Enameled wheel and lattice frames from Shanghai Tang.

Ivan from ATYPYK sent over a picture (above) of a cool DIY book frame. (Thanks Ivan!) I made one myself and it was a lot of fun. Here’s how:

1. Find an old book with a cool cover – check out the dollar/free bins of books at used bookstores. You want to find an old book with a sturdy cover that will look good with a frame cut out of it.
2. On the inside of the front cover, trace around the photo you want to frame.
3. Use a strong knife (I used a box-cutter) to carefully cut along the lines down to the book cloth, but not through it.
4. Peel away the bookboard, leaving the book cloth still attached to the book. Cut a smaller opening in the book cloth, leaving a one-inch border of book cloth around the frame opening. Cut the cloth diagonally in each corner and fold the book cloth over the edge and tape or glue to the inside cover. (This gives the frame opening a cleaner look).
5. For a white border like the frame above, cut out a smaller opening from the first page in the book and tape your photo to the back of this page.

That’s it. You can skip step four and five and instead cut straight through the cover and cloth for the frame, if you don’t want to bother with the whole wrapping the book cloth around the edges part.

Here’s the one I made. Be the first person to correctly identify the state where the picture in the frame was taken and you’ll win this book frame and a pack of fotoclips! Please enter your guesses in the comments.

Update: Joshua was the first to guess the correct state – it’s Kansas! Thanks to everyone who guessed and have a happy weekend.

Cool mailable photo frame from the photojojo store.

Oddest place for a photo frame? I think so.
Broom with view – by Amplifier

Despite of the fact that a broom is a very beautiful everyday object, it is usually hidden away in a cupboard, unless it is used for cleaning.

The Broom With A View incorporates a picture frame. So, when not in use, it functions as a flexible frame stand that can be leant against any wall or furniture in the house. The frame can be easily removed to change the picture.

“Here all is beautiful, here all is false.”

Koziel, a French company, is taking trompe-l’oeil to a new level with these photorealistic wall art pieces. These are photographed reproductions of furniture, objects and decorative arts of old. Unearthed in the antique dealers, the original parts are photographed then digitally improved. Each image is then directly printed on a thin plastic plate which is molded to the original form and contours of the model. Finishing details are added to up the visual trickery – upholstery nails on the armchairs, wooden and brass handles on the doors.

The pieces can also be customized in the color of your choosing.

The English site isn’t up yet, so it’s unclear whether these will be available in the US. I’ll keep you posted.

Great texture on these graph and groove frames from Crate and Barrel.

Just finished reading through the latest ReadyMade magazine. Get your hands on a copy to see how to make these cool framed corkboards to hang your pics and art.

And check out these instructions for a DIY ring flash using a plain old circular fluorescent bulb. Brilliant!

The name “MUJI” is derived from the Japanese phrase “Mujirushi Ryohin,” meaning “No Brand Goods.” Over the last 20 years, they have developed a worldwide following with a guiding philosophy that emphasizes innovative and simple materials, processes, and packaging. The resulting products are streamlined, environmentally friendly, and beautiful in their simplicity.

MoMA has been gradually buidling up their Muji offerings and there are several products for storing and displaying photographs. Here’s a sampling:

1. clear acrylic frames – frames rest securely on two metal bolts for displaying pictures on any desk or tabletop
2. albums – translucent albums, come in four sizes each of which holds 4×6 photos
3. cd wallet – store your digital picture CDs in this very simple wallet
4. recycled photo albums – albums hardbound in dark gray recycled, acid-free paper; include peel off pages with protective plastic covering

New from Chiasso, the ensemble frame ($58).

This symmetrical, modern frame turns treasured artwork and photographs into a unified, modern gallery with 14-4″x 6″ images. Features rounded corners and wide frames to visually separate yet unite your images. Hangs vertically or horizontally. Smooth fibreboard with a black finish makes a modern accent for any room design.

Also available is the collage frame ($158) which holds two 3″x 3.5″, eight 4″x 6″ and one 5″x 7″.

ClipLine is a cool new frame product from Sweden that allows you to hang photos on the wall and change the photos as often as you like. It consists of a wooden base in either oak or walnut that attaches to the wall and a plexiglass cover for your photos that bends enough for you to easily slip in your photographs. It’s also a great option for hanging photos when you might be worried that a traditional glass frame could get knocked down and break. Get it at scandinavian design online.

Great use of fine-gauge ball chain in this frame within a frame from the U+ Studio Collection by Umbra, ($45 at Fosters).

New from West Elm:

1. Photo canvas storage boxes in solid colors ($26)
2. Photo boxes in Kenya print ($26)
3. Thin box frames with deep insets ($12-$29)

I just read about Perpetual Kid over on Funky Finds. Not only do they sell this cool picture frame with backlight for illuminating photo transparencies, they also sell the tic tac toe puzzle frame I wrote about for the photojojo newsletter, which up until now I had only found for sale in the UK. Check out the sliding puzzle frame, too. Fun frames for adults and kids alike.

Snapshot key caddy from Chiasso…

Another modern design where simplicity breeds elegance and function. This cool caddy keeps your keys under your favorite artwork. The sleek, modern frame holds two 5″ x 7″ photos or art. Five notched pegs keep keys and such organized. Stainless steel frame and pegs with glass. $38

I’ve been loving orange and blue combos lately and I think this orange frame from MoMA would look fab with some sunprints. Also comes in white for your favorite minimalist. Made of plastic and glass, the 4 x 6 frame ($18) can be placed horizontally or vertically.

The Collection has been making the blog rounds and with good reason – they have some stunning wall coverings. There’s also this set of flocked vinyl frames to stick up on the wall for your photos.

Katey found these gorgeous frames over at zakkaweb, designed by Lizet Hoevenaar. Also found them here, but alas, this site is also in Japanese.

Barcode frames ($9.99) from Target’s new Independent Studies line.

Jessica posted on the recycled goods from Tiffany Tomato Designs and these frames from pop labels and candy wrappers are pretty cool. Also, cool picture envelopes from old magazines – I’ve been thinking about doing some envelopes with old photos, so now I’m excited to get crackin’ and mail me some letters.

I know I’ve posted on the Do frame before, but I had a lot of trouble tracking down a place to buy it. Well, it’s now available at Unica ($13). Designed by marti guixe for do create by droog design, the do frame is a roll of tape with a frame pattern on it. It can be used to hold everything from photos to poster -perfect for putting up an instant photo gallery on your wall.

Beautiful and beachy frames made from driftwood by Bleu Nature.

From the latest issue of MS Living… Instructions for these photo centerpieces are also on the MS website.

Block print mat from Urban Outfitters – love the patterns on these mats and the simple black lacquer frames. Can be used as wall frame or table frame.

Seems like the eighties are popping up all around me these days. And as someone who received her first camera during that decade, I thought I’d post a little eighties style photo thingy.

Maripolarama – This book of polaroids from Maripol captures the creative scene of the early eighties on the lower east side with images of Madonna, Basquiat, Grace Jones, and Anna Sui among many others.

Pop Star Frame – This has got to be the perfect frame for those eighties self-portraits. I’m thinking the ones I took with the Kodak disc cam – picture day-glo orange mesh top, irridescent mirror sunglasses, and rubber bracelets up to the elbow.

Polaroid Impulse – Straight from 1988, the Polaroid impulse is the epitome of eighties style. Head over to lomography.com – they’ve acquired 200 pieces of pristine, brand new Impulse deadstock, straight from the late 80’s.

Ice Frame – Reminiscent of the Rubik’s cube, these futuristic frames reflect from different angles for an effect that is totally awesome.

Joy has a great post on animal necklaces, some of which are from Fuzz Design, which also carries this great frame. Almost a work of art by itself.

A few people have written in asking where they can buy the acte-deco vinyl wall stickers. I emailed Stéphanie of Atelier Deco in France and they can ship small items like the wall stickers to the US. Send an email to contact@atelierdeco.fr to find out about shipping costs.

Little bird photo holders – I know lots of people are tired of birds, but I married into a family of them (and not the way Stephen Colbert might be thinking). Also sweet frames for a baby and some green loveliness, all from French company, Coming b.

Apartment Therapy has a post on some cool picture frames by Roy Kushner.

“Portaritratti” travel frame ($115) from the new online shop at the Cooper Hewitt.

There’s something so summery about vintage floral patterns – they bring to mind big old midwestern porches, sun tea and snapping green beans into my grandma’s faded apron. And this being the first day of summer, I thought I’d post on these lovely little floral photo frames – the floribunda frame ($25) and garden club frame.

More 3D frames – this time from Urban Outfitters. The Lego-linking cubix frame has a thin membrance that you can fill with any objects along with photos, too. You pop open the frame and put in your item, clip it back together and show it off. You can use a hair dryer to resize the plastic membrane after continued use. Each Cubix works on its own or can be snapped together Comes in two sizes: cubix large – ($20) and cubix small – ($14).

I wrote a piece for today’s photojojo newsletter – all about cool ways for kids to play with your photos. If you haven’t already signed up for photojojo’s newsletter, go do it now! They have lots of cool photo tips, projects, gear reviews and it really is a fun newsletter to read.

I’m having some server/wordpress issues, so the tattoo project instructions are looking funky right now. Will get that fixed as soon as I can. And, I am going on vacation this week, so posting will be light. But check back next Monday for the next installment of “school’s out…” and more fun photo finds.

Joy finds fabulous frames wallpaper – check it out here. Use to put up a whole wall of photos!

This works as a picture frame, vase, or photo collection box. It is a clear box and has a pocket for photos. Plop in some flowers in the vase or just admire your photo through a frame of water. From trendform.

Lily Latifi, a franco-iranian designer, has some really cute felt frames and photo holders that are perfect for kids. I especially like the puzzle-shaped yek-o-yek frames and the duck photo holders. Also available: yek-o-yek photo holders, pebble photo holders, photo birth cards and felt photo frames. Felt frames are 100% felt and washable in cold water.

Boon, the newly launched business of Anjel and Via, is focused on creating unique paper goods using pulp-free abaca papers that are made by a paper-making program in the Phillippines, with proceeds going to local education and a women’s shelter. The designs include some lovely alternatives for holding your photos. They are just now getting retailers, so I’ll post an update on where to buy in the future.

Magnetic Picture Frames (above):
Little magnetic all handmade paper picture frames, tucked in a pouch. Tree-pulp free, they are made from grass fibers. Ribbon handle detailing. Cute, cute, and more cute!

Three-tier Picture Frames (below):
These frames are made entirely of handmade paper! Tree-pulp free, they are made from grass fibers. Lightweight, colorful and durable. A playful touch to any space.

It’s official – summer is here! Grab your sunscreen, crank up the dick dale and hit the beach with these summer-lovin’ photo accessories and gear.

1. Surf Photography of the ’60s & ’70s – signed, limited edition book by LeRoy Grannis at ICP ($400)
   
2. Frog eye lomo cam – first and only lomographic underwater camera ($75)
3. Stripes photo album – from CB2 ($9 )
4. Surf board frame – set of twelve board frames from plum party ($36)
5. Lawn chairs vacation album – at rock scissor paper ($6)
6. Surf stripe large photo album – from hable construction ($45 )

Ever wonder how to create a photo cluster? Even know what the heck a photo cluster is? (I didn’t!) The decorating divas at domino have some tips on getting your frames to look just right (with some links to buy beautiful frames).

photo from domino

More fun vinyl decal wall frame stickers, this time from French company acte-deco. You can choose from many different colors and several styles – stick ‘em on the wall and hang a photo in the center.

Still waiting to hear back from them to see if they ship to the US. (Check out their other cool wall decals, too!)

I love all the great finds at the Toronto-based Up to You. New to the store is an online shop and these self-adhesive vinyl wall decal frames (look for wall decals #3 in the online store). Create your own wall museum of photos with these frames from designer Inga Sempe. (Great for those of you who can’t put nails in your wall – frames can be removed from your wall so you don’t have to worry about wall damage, but can’t be reapplied.)

I’m a big fan of functional art displays, so this beechwood picture frame box is right up my alley. Designer Tim Parsons created this picture frame with a secret compartment for storing storing photographs or any other flat item. It’s also sized to fit print-outs of your digital pics (available in two sizes, A4 and A3). Available from thorsten van elten.

The Cabino Storage Cabinet from Umbra is a wood, glass and acrylic storage cabinet with floating photo display door where you can add in your own pics. Available at Fosters.

These 3-D frames are really cool; you can put in objects along with your pictures and the frame will conform to hold the object. Designed by Hiroshi Kajimoto, select colors are available (and on sale!) at Plum Party.

Woodsy and ropey, these frames would make a great home for your summer camping pics. Also good for a father’s day gift. Get them at Pier One.

Cast-iron bamboo photo frames from west elm.

From the pillow king, Thomas Paul, a happy little silk flower frame. Available online at doe ($14).

Obo photo frame available at amadon (a great site that I found from jessica at funky finds).

I love three by three designs. Their innovative use of magnets leads to products like these cool frames, the colornetic frame and the woodnetic frame. Photos can be displayed on both sides and are held up by small, powerful chromed magnets. Available at velocity art and design.

I had to travel for business yesterday and my reward at the end of these trips is spending a frantic 90 minutes trying to take in the entire ikea store near the train station. (Yes, I have a serious ikea addiction!) I picked up some of these bright little glad dofs frame – less than $4 bucks a piece! Also saw some of the new magnetic frames in the finlir series, a great deal, too.

From left to right: The metall dutt picture holder, bubbla magnetic frame, and the finlir double and heart frames.

Finally, from the ikea PS collection, there is this foldout enkoping table with built-in picture frame. You can add your own photo or use one of the supplied pics.

Alessi’s playful designs appeal to the child within. This whimsical picture frame design adds a great splash of color to your photos. Available at unica home.

Reflection frame from UK scandinavian shop, skandium.

This photo mirror from chiasso let’s you add your favorite photos right in the mirror. Holds eight 4″ x 6″ images ($78).

From the DIM brush and broom project, comes this brush frame. Yes it is a little strange. But the idea behind the project is about finding new uses and designs for a product made in a traditional way. Automation of brush production was making the brushes made by skilled blind workers too expensive, so these new designs were created to expand the market for brushes made by these workers. Online at bytrico (a japanese shop, so not sure if you can actually order online).

Also from bytrico, this clever frame with a level built right in as part of the design. Hang your pics perfectly every time.

This ‘brilliantly simple’ frame from marti guixe is made from adhesive tape with golden frame pattern, enabling you to rapidly set up a personal museum. This was originally presented in the exhibit do + droog design = do. Doesn’t seem to be available any more online, but I am still checking on where to buy.

I love the sleek curve and shape of this white wooden frame ($21) from bo concept. The black frame is a good deal, too ($18). And check out the brown and black glass frames ($23).

awesome. unconventional. doesn’t want pink flowers or chocolates for mother’s day. here we go – your momma is…

… a total rocker

Smoy brooklyn photo cuff ($25) and plush home leather studded frame ($98). (Sadly, rocker mom’s will have to wait a while for the studded frame as it takes a while to ship, so print the pic and give it to her in the meantime).

… the coolest geek

Hard copy? Forget it. Digital locket holds a USB memory drive; load it up with pictures of her favorite offspring. And the digital keychain keeps pics close at hand ($40). (Note: still looking on where to purchase the digital locket, but it was too cool not to post.)

… a super hero

She can do anything. Get her the actionsampler camera ($30) to capture her action packed days. With one shot she’ll get a series of four images on one print. And she can put her super hero pics in the wonder woman album ($11 from chronicle books).

Cool pivot frame from todd oldham for lazy boy. Rotating solid beech wood frame holds photos up to 9×9. And it’s square!

photo from todd oldham site

Looking through foster’s site, I spotted some new umbra products now available. The alma photo album is covered in felt with exposed seam detail and looks like a cozy little home for you photos. The remix frames are from Umbra’s U+ studio line, designed by Michelle Ivanovic and Stuart Li. Silkscreened on birch plywood, and shocking pink, available in 4×6, 5×7, multi, and wall styles.

The bookend picture frame from Josh Owen in baked enamel on steel is a bargain at $12 a pair. Get it at foster’s.

This empress album from shanghai tang is pricey ($115), but I love the cover art. So warhol meets ming. And sometimes your photos are cyring out for some loud, colorful designs on their frames. Mix in the round enamelled frames and this enamelled cloud frame to punch up your photo displays.

Sleek and modern stainless steel frames from lekker home. And reasonably priced, to boot ($19-$25).

Felt foto frame. Designed by andrew schloss. Available at benza design.

Switch your snapshots whenever you want with the spring clip frame from The Museum of Useful Things. Holds a 5×7 photo.

The retro inspired multi happiness frame (in orange/green or black/white plastic coated metal) is a standing, hinged frame that can be snapped together to create a display of multiple frames. Each frame inset can hold two pics and spins around for viewing from both sides.

Another great frame find from design*sponge.

Some recycled frame suggestions in honor of earth day.

Frames from recycled oil drums (from re-found objects).

Urban tree salvage frames, made from city trees that have been removed and salvaged and lath frames, made from reclaimed building materials and (both from grass roots).

3R living frames from reclaimed boat wood.

More reclaimed boat wood frames, plus reclaimed ceiling tin frames (from uncommon goods).

And finally, recycled bike chain frames (available at uncommon goods and eco-artware).

Also, for a green-friendly framing service check out treehugger’s suggestion: green house framers. They have ready-made frames and custom framing services using only reclaimed lumber, earth friendly glues and stains and tree-free and recycled papers. Happy Earth Day!

Some more photo finds from up to you in Toronto (and available to be shipped worldwide). A fun little photo frame postcard made of high recycled content. This frame can be folded together as a free-standing single picture frame, free standing multiple picture frame, or as a single or double hanging picture frame.

Also, the presse-citron zig frame that unfolds to hold countless pictures or postcards, Smoy photo cuffs and a novelty stereoviewer card. (Thanks Dimitra!)

For some frames that are very ornate in design, yet modern in material, check out the polyester resin cast my Brother’s Frame ($190USD) from Harry Allen in blue, white and grey and the black, enamelled frame from Didier Chaudanson and Clotilde De Grave of presse-citron. Each frame compartment in the presse-citron frame is magnetic, so you can slip your pictures in easily (available from up to you in Toronto for $260USD, and they will ship worldwide).

I first read about the online SCAD shop on design*sponge (have I mentioned that I love that blog!?) and went back to check for photo products. I found these colorful wood grain frames.