How to Make a Floating Picture Frame

In this video we show you how to make a floating picture frame. This style frame is called a “Floating frame” as the artwork has a spacing around its parameter and feels like the artwork is floating. Here we are framing a paint by numbers painting that my wife did recently using the Pink Picasso painting kit. We used red oak and poplar to build the picture frame.
Hopefully you all find the video helpful and interesting.
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Thank you for watching!
#FloatingFrame #PictureFrame #DIYPictureFraming

Hello my friend.
nice design. you made a good picture frame. congratulations. Thank you for sharing the details. Stay healthy and happy. See you. Big greetings.
Your friend Mehmet

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks Mehmet as always for the kind words

[@naptimecreations]

Great idea to use the playing cards for equal spacing. Brilliant 😁

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks and yep the use of playing cards is an old handy trick.

[@naptimecreations]

@@LonghornWorkshop love it 😁😁😁

[@CoffeewithCarey]

Gorgeous frame. And very clever using the playing cards as a spacer. The only improvement I can see for next time is to staple the canvas onto the stretcher on the backside so you don’t see any staples from the side angle😊👍

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks appreciate that and the feedback.

[@stunningmisadventures]

The floating frame and calendar turned out great!! Beautiful outcome!

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thank you

[@mountainfrost7095]

Coming from a guy who doesn't even own a hand saw, nothing to not like. Simple and beautifully done. 👍

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thank you very much, appreciate the comment

[@SunShineArtFun]

You are a very considerate husband. Got some lovely tips to use. Thanks for posting

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks and glad it helped

[@SujMenon]

Brilliant framing, spacing and mitres all looks very consistent. But the star of the show is the actual painting itself. Looks fantastic 👍😁

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Cheers mate, yeah some of those kits take forever to do, the wife spent a lot of time getting that painting done.

[@born7thjuly]

There is everything to like. Amazing work to build that frame.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thank you very much

[@FixitFingers]

Love these family combo builds, great to be able to work together on a new addition to the house :D

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks mate and absolutely right it’s great to be working together. Although they don’t understand that we have to be inspired before we start a shop project and that could take weeks…🤣

[@grahamparsons6620]

What a great project, your wife does the artwork and you do the frame, not only does it look fantastic you have saved a fortune, now that’s why makers make, nice job mate 👌👌👌👍👍👍🇦🇺

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks mate, and true sure does help to be able to make stuff the way you want it and not pay an arm and a leg. Appreciate your support…

[@austintaylor6916]

I like it when people keep things simple and efficient. Good video!
Well done.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks appreciate that. I prefer to get to the point and try to keep it simple.

[@briansbuildsandoutdoors4936]

Good job mate, Mrs Longhorn will be very pleased. You know the old saying, happy wife, happy life! All the best, Brian.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Only problem now is she wants everything in the house framed…☹️

[@MonjeHanShan]

Muchas gracias, hermoso como queda! 🙏🏻

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks

[@a_numbers_girl7025]

Beautiful ---and the playing card trick was genius! Thank you

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thank you, I appreciate that

[@rickg4802]

Paint stirring sticks work great too.

[@julietphillips1991]

The painting is beautiful and you did a fine job framing...I am sure you earned bonus points!

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thank you! It’s always good to bank some bonus points

[@projectwood7221]

Very good Job...always something a little different. Big fan of these.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thank you I appreciate that

[@cindytutu4632]

Thank you 💖 really grateful ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks!

[@foltz-art]

Brilliant Frame 👏 beautiful Art 🎨 ✌

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks man appreciate that. Going over to your great channel to check out what’s going on there…

[@woodfather]

oh hey, that's a beautiful frame. good job.
I just last week made a frame to fit my daughters paint by colour picture, but after seeing this, i think i'll remake it in this style. Mine is more of a regular photo frame with a glass panel. Cheers!

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks mate appreciate that. Can’t wait to see your build soon on your great channel.

[@juanarmadillo8814]

Your video perspective was ideal since the view was directly on the area you were discussing/demonstrating. Your pace and vocal presentation were also well thought out and clear and understandable. I will keep your video in my SAVED collection and refer to your site in case I need other instructions.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks sir, appreciate the feedback and the kind words

[@TheGrantAlexander]

Hey Harki, great job! So interesting to see you take a completely different way of making it compared to the two different ways I have made floating frames.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks Grant appreciate that. You are right though, literally many ways to make floating frames or any frame to be honest. Cheers!

[@TheGrantAlexander]

@@LonghornWorkshop ya good to see lots of different ways people think!

[@franciscaRodrigues-pw3kb]

Obrigada por compartilhar! Serviço muito bom

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thank you very much

[@masjabrikdiy8422]

hello friends greetings healthy and successful always. Thank you for sharing knowledge and always faithfully watching your latest stuff.❤❤❤

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks again for the support sir

[@19woodworks]

Nicely done mate!

[@nikeakshay]

Perfect

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thank you!

[@rickkohl7503]

Looks great...I'm gonna give it a try... great video.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks appreciate that. Good luck with yours, it’s really a straight forward build.

[@naptimecreations]

So awesome, you are both so talented 🤗

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks but seriously half of it is having the right tools.

[@naptimecreations]

@@LonghornWorkshop most definitely, and the space for all the tools 😆😁

[@barryrobinson8679]

Very helpful.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks man, appreciate that

[@DeanMakes]

Nice one! they look really good.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks man

[@armida9999]

Thanks for the video!! I should try your method here and in the other video. The painting looks even better framed!! We’ll done to you both 🎉

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks

[@gmac9667]

This is cool.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks man appreciate that

[@samueleinstein]

Really nice work! And lovely oak. I personally feel though with floater frames that it benefits a lot from having the canvas set into the frame a bit more (more so than with normal frames). This is especially noticed when looking at the piece from the side. Cheers!

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thank you, appreciate your feedback. Agree that if the artwork is set in a little it would look good.

[@armida9999]

Should check if you have any video for the people without all those great tools, just the basic ones (for us who paint, but would like to try to build the frames using some basic hand tools). The quality of the video and your explanations are amazing, I know it takes a lot of time setting the camera and editing - thanks again for sharing!

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Hopefully soon I can do a video with basic tools

[@porker5749]

The only thing I thought could be improved was hiding the staples that secured the art to the stretcher, by placing them lower on the stretcher or on the bottom of the stretcher.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

You are right on that. Thanks again for watching and leaving a constructive comment, appreciate that.

[@porker5749]

@@LonghornWorkshop You're very welcome. Please keep making videos for us new comers and everyone that loves wood working!

[@sandroluismontero9234]

Also you can paint in white the staples in white on the top.

[@Ali-sb7ui]

Great done Man 👍 👌

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks man appreciate that

[@metalartRestoration123]

Nice frame mate I'm sure she appreciated that. U could even do the same idea and add LED strip in the gap.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Yeah thanks, that’s a good idea on the led. Will have to Keep that in mind .

[@a.p.a.woodmetal3412]

Hi buddy, i loved this wood work 🤗👏👏👏👍👍👍 . Like great job.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks man I am glad. Hope you are well

[@Bendezium]

Nice technique, loves the extra touch of painting the mounting frame black. Definitely would have made it smaller though so the painting wouldn't show any bare canvas

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks man appreciate it. Yeah I left the bare canvas as I didn’t want the painting to blend into the frame. But I see your point, maybe the next one I will try that. Thanks again…

[@cleitonrocha81]

Thanks!! Very helpful. Maybe you could staple the canvas at the back side of the frame, so it would be invisible.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks, would have liked to staple it in the back but didn’t have enough material. But pout taken, there are other ways to hid the staples

[@mrsmithsartroom4kids282]

Great picture frame my friend!!!😄😄😄😄

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks appreciate that Sir.

[@emmanuelcaceres5022]

👏👏👏👏

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks

[@itawad]

Nice video

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks!

[@DamianDArienzo]

Well done :). All critique was good. Nice work :)

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks and I just subbed you to give you some support!!

[@MommaBearsCorner]

oh if we could only make comments on the ads on youtube. lol anyway, great video on picture frame. thanks for sharing. good job. learning a great deal about how different people make their frames That is a very nice frame. thanks again.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks for watching and commenting, really appreciate that. True about the ads but it is what it is sadly.

[@justinbyers1441]

Man that is awesome great work and great video, only thing i didn't like is that I didn't think of that 😉 nicely done man keep up the good work 👍

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks JB appreciate the support. Love using playing cards as spacers, I stole that idea from someone else…lol

[@PaweKrajewski]

Good job! 😀👍

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks again for your support

[@AbbasAli-32]

Great job.love from Pakistan ❤.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thank you and thanks for leaving a comment

[@reymz_builds]

Good job man

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks!

[@TR__3]

Well done! The playing cards as spacers is a great idea. Also, I really appreciate you not having any noisy, distracting music in your video.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thank you I appreciate that.

[@nacersaadi4881]

Very nice

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks

[@sumosprojects]

Beautiful tight mitres Harki & a nice project yet again finished mate 🍻👍

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks mate, was on the list for a while. Glad it’s done …

[@MarkMcCluney]

Lovely neat work Harki. I like the caption style; is that a new detail or have I just missed it before? Very enjoyable vid mate, thank you.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks Mark, er indoors was pleased so all’s good. It’s not a new cation style, maybe just one I have not used before. Hope you are well mate

[@808zhu]

Nice work 👍👍

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks!

[@808zhu]

@@LonghornWorkshop One thing that occurred to me on this was, are the staples visible?

[@LonghornWorkshop]

@@808zhu yeah the stables are a little if you get close enough.

[@808zhu]

@@LonghornWorkshop i was wondering if it's possible to situate the staples on the back of the frame that the canvas sits on..?

[@LonghornWorkshop]

@@808zhu you can do that and that’s what should be done however in my case I wanted a little bit of the unpainted canvas to show on the face, so didn’t have enough to stable on the back.

[@knothead5]

Thanks for the excellent tutorial. I had just searched for the definition of a floating frame. Your video came up on a second search. My complements on the precise insructions and "show-and-tell" aspects of the video. Saving it for future reference. I would like to know how to mount a photo mounted on a piece of, not sure of the terminology, backing for the photo. Will check later and, again, thanks two whole bunches!

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks and appreciate you leaving a comment. Not sure about your question, are you saying that you have a photo already counted on a had backer board and you want to frame that?

[@knothead5]

To clarify, I would like to know what material to back up a photo. I priced some aluminum laminated material but it's expensive. Two box stores carry a variety of plywoods, acrylic, etc. I don't do canvas paintings. I also belong to a local photography group. Might pick up a buck or two making floating frames. Got some time on my hands, might print a photo and make a floating frame. Thanks for your reply; shows me you are interested in those who comment on your video.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

@@knothead5 I have never mounted a photo so can’t really give any specific ideas. But you should experiment with 1/2” plywood or masonite board, or 1/4” MDF board. Good luck and would love to see how it comes out.

[@moodyblooms]

Ok I love the succulents in the pic!! Nicely done. What is the name of the black plastic tool that pushes the wood along at 3:50? I need to get my dad one of those...he jut uses a block of food and that would be much better.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks! It’s called a push stick, you should be able to find them on Amazon or any one of the big box stores. Keep in mind there are many shapes for a push stick, most woodworkers make their own out of scrap wood. Anyway it’s called a push stick.

[@SwayTree]

Hi! I just wanted to point out that this is a strainer, not a stretcher. Stretcher's corners aren't fixed, they are just tightly fitted . In every corner you have keys that allow you to adjust tension of a painting if needed. Canvas change with time and the conditions they are kept in (temperature, humidity etc.). Although I don't know how it would work with a floating frame. Maybe you would need to leave two sides of a painting not screwed in?

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks for that, appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Not a professional framer so this is good info.

[@richardleto7142]

Real nice!
So on a 24 x 30 painting, my inside mitres would be 24 1/2 x 30 1/2?
Also, where did you get that frame clamping device?
Thanks!!

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Yes correct on the measurements. I always cut one miter first and then put it up against the frame make sure of the second cut mark before cutting the second miter.
The clamp is called a strap clamp from Bassey. There should be a link to in in the description of the video, you can buy that on Amazon sir Home Depot may have it at the store.

[@joecruz6237]

Great job! I also watched your other video where you glued the wood together before cutting the 45 degree cuts. For a 16x20 canvas, before cutting, should I measure 16 1/2 by 20 1/2 then make my cuts?

[@joecruz6237]

Are these measurements correct? Thanks.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Yes always measure first and the make the cuts. If it’s you first time cut the first 45 then lay your canvas next to it so that you know where the next cut will be approximately. Also always longer than you need and then check with the canvas and then make the final cuts.
Nothing more frustrating that cutting it short. We all been there…lol

[@00luv2sing00]

Such a cool process! What’s the name of the tool you used at 4:30 for keeping the frame together while the glue sets?

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks appreciate that. I think you mean at 6:30, that was a strap clamp. The one I was using is made by Bassey, if you google Bassey strap clamp you will find it.
Thanks again for watching and commenting

[@juanvillafuerte8118]

Saludos, graciuas por mostrar tu proceso, pero lo complicas mucho, haciendo dobles marcos. sino estan bien calibradas tus herramientas se generan trabajos extras por tener que ajustar malos cortes. En resumen, se pudo aver fabricado mejor.

[@carolinestover8734]

you can see all the staples on the sides

[@shelleychen9392]

What kind of timber to stretch the canvas? Would some soft wood change shape in humid condition?

[@LonghornWorkshop]

I used plywood as I had it in hand, or any softwood will work. You can always paint it if it’s too humid where you are. For me so far no issues, and the the painting is screwed to the frame so we should be good.

[@avimatatiaho8548]

Hello, great work and very talented👍
do you sell your floating frame as well?thank you

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thank you! I only do custom work locally as this is not my full time job.
Appreciate you watching and commenting

[@SoySatiel]

Podrías decirme el nombre de las herramientas que usaste?

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Sorry I don’t have a tools list, is there something specific you saw that you need details on ?

[@Sandy-of6pt]

I love this style, it looks beautiful, but I would rather not see the staples used to secure the canvas to the inner frame

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks and you are right on the staples.

[@franciscojavierherrera2958]

Cuál es el valor de marco flotante gracias

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thank you

[@lavytechworld6192]

Where has this video been?, I have been looking for this idea for the last 4 months

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Hope it was worth the wait…😊

[@lavytechworld6192]

Yes I can now proceed with my diy wall art

[@franciscojavierherrera2958]

Camch Isit on

[@donaldhammond516]

Pity you left the white canvas showing!Also not paint inside the frame! Perhaps next time?

[@LonghornWorkshop]

The white canvas showing was deliberate, I can see why some people would t like that. Painting inside the frame I agree with and just didn’t do it on this frame. Thanks for watching and the great observations, really appreciate it

[@IdeaTuMismo]

Que buena idea!!! 🤩 Yo hice un marco casero muy sencillo para mi espejo, si quieres verlo te dejo el vídeo aquí czcams.com/video/3F2lKYMxR50/video.html y sería genial que me des tu opinión, gracias. Un saludo.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thanks I will check it out now. Also subscribed to your great channel

[@IdeaTuMismo]

@@LonghornWorkshop muchas gracias amigo! 🤗

[@unicornfrenchbulldogs1063]

What a nice husband you are!

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Thank you

[@harkidodia2513]

Nice