Tools and Materials
Buckle
Photo or photocopy of image
Dremel rotary tool
#409 cutoff wheel
#932 grinding stone
Pencil
Card stock
Scissors
Archival double-sided tape or glue
Small paintbrush
Adhesive magnetic sheeting
Belt Buckle Frame How-To
1. Use buckle that has a sizable opening, and choose a graphically bold image, such as a close-up portrait. Make a photocopy of the photo, reducing it to fit, if necessary.
2. Remove the buckle's center bar using a Dremel rotary tool fitted with a #409 cutoff wheel. On a low setting, cut a section from the middle of the center bar, leaving about 1/4 inch at each end to prevent chipping. Carefully abrade the rest of the bar with a #932 grinding stone. You may use vise grips padded with cloth to hold it steady.
3. Trace the outside of the buckle onto card stock. Cut out the shape; this forms the backing. Attach the photocopy to the backing with archival double-sided tape or archival glue. Glue the front edges of the photocopy to the buckle, and weigh it down with a few books. Let dry for at least eight hours. To magnetize frames, cut several strips from adhesive magnetic sheeting, and affix them to the backing.
Return to Belt-Buckle Frames.
I can't wait to make these! I need to go to the thrift store ASAP! ;)
Great idea! Man, something else to keep an eye open for at yard sales now!!
Putting a piece of acetate on top of the picture will protect it from environmental factors and make it really look like a frame. This is a really neat idea!
No doubt a superb idea!! I made a wreath of photos with these buckles and my husband loves it...
to bfcreations:
Take a look at your local Thrift shops for belts with large buckles!
To redladybug45
Christmas is coming! Tell someone you want gift cards from the "hardware stores" Most of the craft stores and discount stores have tools for ladies. Sears just added a line of tools for ladies, page 45 of the Wish Book. Buy quality tools so they last.
I was raised using tools and can embarrass some men.
Horsewife
To redladybug45
Christmas is coming! Tell someone you want gift cards from the "hardware stores" Most of the craft stores and discount stores have tools for ladies. Sears just added a line of tools for ladies, page 45 of the Wish Book. Buy quality tools so they last.
I was raised using tools and can embarrass some men.
Horsewife
Shouldn't be hard to find the buckels for me. My father-in-law and husband were cowboys when they were younger. My f-i-l would make his own with his big intial on them. Oh and they were in silver of course. Tackie, yes, but I would never get away with cutting them up. Loved this idea. Thanks, pam from calif.
hmmmmmm...wonder how hard it is to locate old buckles (lucite or jadite) like these? It will be a fun new treasure item to look for when I go "junking"!
To "redladybug45": I'm a 'single gal' of 67, and I have a Dremel; along with a drill and a tool any single gal should have around the house .... a portable screwdriver. If you live alone you need these tools to help you be more independent, not having to depend on someone else, or hire a professional to do a small job. Indeed, safety is first. Wear your safety glasses when doing something like this and keep those fingers away from the sharp blades.
I love the idea! Now to find big old buckles like that.
Looking at those fingers near the blade of the Dremel is extremely dangerous. Those blades tend to bounce when it comes in contact with the metal, plastic or wood. The blades can also fly apart. Wear safety goggles and use a clamp to hold down what you are cutting.
This is a fabulous idea and looks so great, but how many single gals have these tools on hand!!!!
What a clever way to frame a photo - and a good way to recycle too!