Miniature molding provides a striated border, for the same hand-carved look as genuine Tramp Art -- no chiseling required. A traditional frame like this one pairs well with vintage memorabilia, such as a colorful stamp collection.

How-To

Use a miter box to cut 45-degree angles at ends of dollhouse trim.

Tools and Materials

• 1/4-by-1-inch basswood (see below for lengths)
• Miter box
• Wooden frame, 12 1/2 by 16 1/2 inches
• Sandpaper, fine grit
• Tacky glue, such as Aleene's
• Flat-bristle brushes
• 1/4-by-9/16-inch dollhouse molding
• Primer and paint

1. Cut basswood to the following lengths with miter box:
   2 vertical pieces 6 inches longer than exterior length of frame
   2 horizontal pieces to fit the interior width
   4 pieces 2 3/4 inches long
   4 pieces 6 inches long
2. Assemble and glue cut pieces, sanding ends of wood as necessary for a good fit: Attach the vertical pieces along the length of the frame. Add the horizontal pieces to the width.
3. Attach the 2 3/4-inch pieces to right and left sides of the frame, forming a right angle; glue.
4. Set the 6-inch pieces at a diagonal over the inside corners of the frame; glue.
5. Cut 1/4-by-9/16-inch dollhouse molding with miter box to fit length and width, cutting 45-degree angles at each end. Fit the pieces between the diagonal pieces, and glue.
6. After glue has dried, apply 1 coat of primer, let dry, and then apply 2 coats of paint.