How to make a popsicle stick frame

The popsicle was invented by an 1-year-old boy in the 19th century. He had discovered the idea by accident, after leaving a stick in a beverage overnight in the cold. He continued to perfect his idea into adulthood, when he filed for the patent and the famous treat hit the market. It was called "Pop's sicles" because by then he had children who called him Pop.

This adorable story is just the start of the many nostalgic memories associated with the icy treat. Almost everyone can look back on childhood and delight in recalling a popsicle experience with friends or family. That is precisely what makes popsicle stick crafts so perfect for the home. They're easy and affordable; more than that, though, just looking at those charming little sticks makes the heart pitter patter with joy.

Use popsicle sticks, also known as craft sticks, to frame a favorite photograph and you really have something special. Select a frame that fits the photo. Ideally, the width of the frame (measured from the outer edge to where the glass begins) should be 3/4 of an inch so you can place two craft sticks side by side to create a log cabin effect on the frame.

Materials
- Photo frame
- Craft sticks
- Wire cutter
- White chalk paint
- Small bowl or jar
- Paintbrush
- Hot glue gun

Instructions
1. Snip off the rounded ends off of each craft stick with wire cutters. Cut them to different lengths so they fit precisely on the frame when placed end to end.

2. Put white chalk paint into the jar or bowl and paint six of the sticks.

3. Apply hot glue to one side of a craft stick. Line up the stick with the top right corner of the frame and press it into place.

4. Repeat Step 3, working down and around to perfectly line up the sticks on the outer edge of the frame. Use the wire cutters to adjust stick sizes if necessary. Incorporate the painted sticks with the natural wood in a pattern of your choosing.

5. Repeat Step 3 but create a second rectangle of sticks inside the first one. When complete, the entire frame should be covered.

6. Let the frame dry before putting the photo in the frame.