TUTORIAL: DIY BOBBIN FRAMES FOR LESS THAN $40

A few weeks ago I stumbled upon these chic Bobbin frames on Etsy and fell in love:

They were a bit pricey and shipping across the pond was over $54, so I decided to attempt a DIY.

I am happy to report it was successful, quick, and very easy, so today I’m sharing a tutorial that will give you a Bobbin frame look on a budget!

What you’ll need:

•  These Amazon frames $11.82 (you can get more if you’d like, but I ordered the pack of two to start)
• 15 mm half wood balls $6 (it’s important you get the 15 mm because they’re the perfect width for the Amazon frames)
• Glue gun (this is my glue gun of choice because it’s cordless)
• Glue sticks (I only needed 1/2 glue stick per frame)
• Spray primer $5
• Paintbrush 
• Paint color of choice (I chose Farrow and Ball French Gray)
• Polyurethane triple thick spray $13

TOTAL COST OF MATERIALS TO MAKE TWO FRAMES (NOT INCLUDING GLUE GUN, GLUE STICKS, PAINT BRUSH AND PAINT, WHICH I ALREADY HAD): $36

Two frames for less than $40 is way cheaper than the Etsy frames! For just one of the same size frames on Etsy + shipping, it came out to over $100. 

STEP 1:

Hot glue the balls to the frame. Like the Bobbin frames on Etsy, I glued the balls very close together, but you can space them a bit apart if you prefer. 

STEP 2:

Prime the frame. I hand-painted with Killz but I recommend spraying for smoother and quicker coverage

STEP 3:

Once the primer dries, it’s time for your first coat of paint. I chose Farrow and Ball French Gray.

Use a small (good quality) brush to paint the balls and frame.

And make sure you….how do I say this…get in between the balls

Let dry and paint a second coat if necessary

Moving on to the last step (see, I told you this would be super easy)

STEP 4:

This is the part where you really get this finished lacquered look:

Lay your frame on a cardboard box or any other flat/dust-free surface outside and spray with Varathane Polyurethane triple thick spray

I only used one coat because I was pleased with how it dried

Let it cure for about 24 hours and…

Voila!

Hope this was helpful! If DIY’s aren’t your thing, you can shop the look below: