Transform Your Existing Photo Frames into Festive Christmas Decor

Learn how to turn your photo frames into festive Christmas decor using vintage Santa prints, ribbon, and creativity. A budget-friendly holiday craft anyone can do!

I absolutely love decorating for the holidays! I’m a bit embarrassed to admit how many Tupperware bins I have in my attic filled with just Christmas decor! While I love pulling out all of my bought, made and thrifted decor, I don’t love taking down all of my existing decor to swap it out.

That’s where today’s craft comes in! Sometimes the best pieces come from items you already have at home! In this simple DIY tutorial, I’ll show you how to transform your existing photo frames into festive Christmas decorations using prints of vintage images and a few creative touches!

Materials Needed

• Image of Santa of choice
• Inkjet printer
• Photo frame – this is the photo frame I used
• Adhesive tape
• Red polyester ribbon (1/4″ thick)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Scissors

Step-By-Step Instructions

*Note: the frame I used did not have glass. The saying on the inside of my frame was glued in and I was unable to remove it.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.

• STEP 1: Find a vintage design you like online and print using an ink jet printer (I found my image via Google by searching “vintage Santa print” (this is the link to the image I used)
• STEP 2: Fold the printed image to the correct size of your frame
• STEP 3: Cut out vintage print using scissors
• STEP 4: Roll pieces of tape and adhere the vintage print to the frame

• STEP 5: Tie 1/4″ wide ribbon into a bow. Cut tails of the ribbon to desired length
• STEP 6: Using a lighter, heat seal the ends of the bow so the ribbon does not fray
• STEP 7: Carefully apply a dab of hot glue on the center of the bow
• STEP 8: Adhere bow to the necks of the reindeer

Isn’t this transformation just the cutest? I love how I was able to add a little Christmas magic to my home without completely swapping out my regular decor. By using a vintage Santa Claus print and some red ribbon, I turned a regular photo frame into an adorable holiday piece—and it was so simple to do!

Here’s another frame I transformed. I bought the frame from Hobby Lobby and purchased this digital image from Etsy.

Variations Using Glass Front Photo Frames

If you have a photo frame that has a glass piece to it, simply swap out the photo with the vintage print of your design! Easy peasy!

If the design is not large enough to fill your entire exposed frame area, use a piece of scrapbook paper or festive wrapping paper as the background and place the vintage print on top of that and secure with tape.

Where To Find Vintage Prints

My favorite go-to place to find vintage artwork is Etsy. The options are endless! You can also just do a Google search for whatever type of image you are searching for. Be sure to click one the “images” tab of your Google results.

Share Your Project!

I’d love to see how you transform your photo frames into holiday decor! Tag me on Instagram or Pinterest at @GatheredInTheKitchen so I can see your festive projects!

More Easy Christmas Crafts & Decor Ideas!

DIY Fresh Clippings Christmas Wreath

Learn how to create a beautiful Christmas wreath using fresh pine clippings to add a natural touch to your holiday decor.

Paint Your Own Ceramic Christmas Tree with Light Kit

Create a personalized ceramic Christmas tree with a light kit, perfect for adding a nostalgic touch to your holiday decor.

DIY Christmas Themed Winter Wooden Signs

Design custom wooden Christmas signs to add a cozy and personalized feel to your home during the holiday season.

Turn Old Christmas Cookie Tins into a Beautiful Farmhouse 3 Tier Stand

Repurpose old cookie tins into a charming farmhouse-style 3-tier stand, perfect for displaying holiday treats or decor.