Picture Frame Ribbon Hanger

Here's an idea fit to be tied--instantly transform an old frame into a chic and convenient ribbon dispenser for a craft room or work space.

• A large, thick wooden picture frame
• Primed 1"x4" wood boards (see instructions for measurements)
• Small nails
• Hammer
• Drill press or hand drill
• Wooden dowels, cut to width of frame
• Picture wire
• Eye hooks
• Satin finish spray paint in the color of your choice

The basic idea is to make a second, thinner frame, which is mounted to the back of the original frame; the second frame contains the series of holes the dowels are inserted through. Wear gloves and safety glasses.

1. Determine where the thickest part of the original frame is (from inside to outside edge). This is the line along which you will attach the second frame. Take measurements along that perimeter line to determine the dimensions of your second frame.
2. Using those measurements, cut top, bottom and side pieces for the second frame using the primed 1"x4" wood.
3. Clamp (or temporarily nail) together the two side pieces. This enables you to drill holes for the dowels through both pieces at once, to ensure they line up.
4. Drill holes slightly larger than your dowels down the side pieces. One-inch spacing between holes works well and allows for maximum adjustability of the dowels. Ensure the holes are positioned far enough from the front edge in order to clear any "lip" the original frame may have on the back.
5. Separate the side pieces. Nail the top, bottom and side pieces together to create your new frame.
6. Nail the new frame to the back of the original frame (use short enough nails that you won't go through the front of the original frame).
7. Paint frame and dowels with spray paint as desired.
8. Attach two eye hooks to the back of the new frame and add picture wire for hanging.
9. Insert dowels through holes as desired, sliding on ribbon spools as you go.

Used with permission from The Salvage Studio, to be published in October 2008 by Skipstone