You just spent weeks carefully placing thousands of tiny sparkling gems onto a sticky canvas. The final result is absolutely gorgeous, but now you face a very common crafter dilemma.
How do you actually display this masterpiece? Keeping it rolled up in a dark closet is definitely not an option. Fortunately, you have plenty of brilliant ways to show off your hard work, ranging from cheap do it yourself tricks to gorgeous gallery displays.
Let us look at the absolute best ways to frame your finished piece so it can finally get the attention it deserves.
1. Traditional Photo Frames and Poster Frames
The most straightforward approach is grabbing a standard picture frame from a local craft store. If you are working with a massive canvas, plastic poster frames from retail stores are incredibly cheap and lightweight.
Just remember one crucial detail. Diamond paintings are heavy. If you stand the frame upright, the sheer weight of the gems might cause the canvas to slide down behind the glass.
Always use some double sided tape or spray adhesive to securely attach the fabric back to the sturdy frame board before closing it up.
2. The Clever Wooden Serving Tray Trick
If you want a totally unique display, take a trip to the unfinished wood section of your favorite craft store. You can easily mount your canvas inside a shallow wooden plaque or a wooden serving tray.
First, paint the wood using a chalk paint color that matches your artwork. Next, carefully trim away the blank white borders of your canvas.
Apply a brush on adhesive to the back of your trimmed fabric, wait until the glue feels slightly tacky, and press it firmly into the center of the wooden tray.
You now have a gorgeous rustic display piece that can even double as a functional serving tray for your coffee table.
3. Blank Pre Stretched Canvases and Stretcher Bars
For a beautiful frameless gallery look, you can mount your project just like a traditional oil painting. You can buy a cheap blank canvas that is already stretched tightly over a wooden frame.
Simply coat the blank canvas and the back of your diamond artwork with spray adhesive, smooth them together, and let it dry.
Alternatively, you can buy a set of wooden stretcher bars and wrap your sparkling canvas directly around the wood.Wrapping the sparkly edges over the sides creates a fantastic three dimensional effect on your living room wall.
4. The Budget Friendly Foam Board
If you want a super lightweight and inexpensive option, grab a piece of rigid foam board. Use a sharp utility knife to cut the foam directly down to the exact size of your printed image.
Glue the canvas right onto the foam, and firmly fold the excess blank borders over the back. Because foam board weighs almost nothing, you can hang your finished masterpiece using a couple of removable Velcro wall strips.
This means you will leave absolutely no nail holes in your walls.
5. Thrift Store Treasure Hunting
Do not underestimate your local thrift shop. You can often find stunning ornate vintage frames for just a few dollars. Take your canvas measurements with you and hunt for a piece that fits.
Even if the old frame looks slightly damaged, a quick coat of fresh spray paint will instantly transform it into the perfect custom border for your sparkling art.
6. Magnetic Wooden Hangers
Here is a fresh and modern idea that requires zero crafting skills. Magnetic poster hangers consist of four flat wooden sticks embedded with strong magnets.
You simply clamp the top and bottom edges of your canvas between the magnetic wooden strips and hang it from the attached string.
This minimalist style leaves the sparkling surface entirely exposed so it can catch the ambient light beautifully in your room.
7. Modern Floating Frames
If you want to make a serious visual impact, try a floating frame. These frames trap your artwork tightly between two solid panes of clear glass or acrylic.
Once you trim the blank white borders off your canvas and secure it between the glass layers, your sparkling masterpiece will literally look like it is magically floating directly against your wall color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to seal my painting before framing it?
If you place your artwork tightly behind a sheet of glass or plastic, sealing is completely optional.
However, if you use the wooden tray method, a magnetic hanger, or a foam board where the gems are constantly exposed to the open air, you should definitely apply a coat of clear brush on sealant. This keeps household dust out and prevents the gems from popping off over time.
Is it safe to cut the blank borders off my canvas?
Yes. Almost every framing method requires you to carefully trim away the legend, the color codes, and the white margins. Just use a sharp pair of scissors or a craft knife and cut right up to the edge of the printed image.
Can I hire a professional to frame it?
Absolutely. If your finished piece is a deeply meaningful custom photo or a massive landscape, taking it to a professional framing shop is a wonderful choice. They will stretch and mount it perfectly. Since custom framing can get a bit pricey, always check online for store coupons before you go.
Summary
Turning your completed project into gorgeous wall decor is the ultimate reward for your patience and hard work.
Whether you choose a simple foam board mount, a rustic wooden tray, or a chic floating glass display, framing completely elevates your sparkling art.
Are you feeling inspired to start your next creative journey? Visit Made With Diamonds today to browse our stunning new collections and find your next perfect masterpiece.
