Make a Picture Frame from Reclaimed Timber

Do it yourself! Learn the skills and secrets of Home DIY with this workshop, as part of our Woodwork courses in Sydney!

Transform salvaged wood into a beautiful, ready-to-hang frame in this practical, planet-positive workshop.

Whether you want to frame a photo, artwork, or print, you’ll learn traditional woodworking techniques using reclaimed timber, guided by an experienced maker and assistant. Come for the making, stay for the good vibes, friendly company, and the satisfaction of giving discarded materials a second life.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this one-day woodworking course, you should be able to:

• Select and prepare safe, solid reclaimed timber for woodworking projects
• Measure, mark, and cut timber accurately to create crisp mitre or lap joints
• Assemble, glue, clamp, and reinforce frame corners for strength and durability
• Sand, smooth, and finish timber using low-VOC oils or waxes
• Fit acrylic glazing, backing board, turn buttons, D-rings, and hanging wire
• Complete a ready-to-hang frame using hand tools (with optional power tool support)

Course content

What will be covered in this DIY course?

• Hunt through reclaimed timber, learn what’s safe and solid, and prep it like a pro
• Measure, mark, and cut for crisp corners (mitres) or choose the lap joint look
• Glue, clamp, and square it up; add simple reinforcement so it’s sturdy
• Sand, smooth, and finish with low-VOC oils/waxes for that “wow, I made this!” moment
• Fit acrylic glazing, backing board, turn buttons, D-rings, and wire ready to hang

Intended audience

Who is this course for?

This course is perfect for beginners and anyone wanting to build something beautiful and sustainable. It’s a feel-good, hands-on craft day with plenty of support, friendly company, and planet-positive impact.

Course materials

What to bring to class

• Closed shoes, comfy clothes, hair tied back
• A favourite photo or artwork to size your frame
• Your own clean, nail-free reclaimed timber if you want a special look (we’ll check it’s suitable)

What’s included

• All fixings & hardware, acrylic glazing, backing board
• Shared tools and clamps (hand-tool pathway fully supported)
• Friendly guidance from an experienced maker + assistant
• Safety gear on site (glasses, dust masks) or BYO if you prefer

Course venue

This course is offered at Redfern and Summer Hill Campuses.

The venue details will be provided upon enrolment; please ensure you select your preferred location when enrolling. 

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Seated work options, dust-controlled sanding, and low-VOC finishes
• Clear demonstrations and plenty of one-on-one support
• Music, tea/coffee breaks, and a celebratory group photo of your finished frames
• Some instructors are experienced in working with individuals living with disability please advise us of any accessibility needs prior to enrolment so we can accommodate you
• Power tools are optional the full project can be completed using hand tools
• You will leave with your finished, ready-to-hang reclaimed timber frame, a care sheet for oiled finishes, and a simple cut-list cheat sheet so you can make more at home

FAQs

• Total beginner? Perfect! you’re our people.
• Glass or acrylic? We use acrylic for safety; you can swap to glass later.
• Power tools? Optional. Hand-tool path is fully supported.
• Custom sizes? Yes! ask your facilitator on the day.
• Can I bring timber? Yes!  straight, dry, no flaking/unknown paint, nails removed.