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Easy DIY Graduation Photo Frame Card Box

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Make an Easy DIY Graduation Photo Frame Card Box with Dollar Store Frames in under 15 minutes and for less than $10!

graduation card box with photos

Graduation Photo Card Box

This project is part of the Craft Lightning Challenge hosted by The Country Chic Cottage, 30 Minute Crafts and Pet Scribbles.

Easy DIY Graduation Photo Frame Card Box Our Crafty Mom #craftlightning #graduationcardbox #graduation #cardbox #dollarstore #diydecor #ourcraftymom

If you are new to Our Crafty Mom-welcome! My daughter, Amanda, graduated from College last week and her Graduation party is Saturday.

I have been in complete Graduation party mode trying to DIY as much as possible, not only to keep costs down, but also to personalize it for Amanda.

She is obsessed with Chipotle Mexican Food, so we are having them cater the party. 

We decided to run with it and have a total Mexican Fiesta celebration!

I will be sharing photos from the party Tuesday so be sure to come back, plus there will be a Giveaway.

There will also be tons of DIY projects that you can incorporate for any party. 

Now, let’s get to the card box.

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Easy DIY Graduation Photo Frame Card Box Supplies

supplies for card box

I started by giving the frames a quick whitewash of paint and then used aqua card stock to serve as a mat.

This is totally optional though.

card box frames

paper for graduation card box

Next, add your photos first as it is difficult to get them in once the frames are attached. 

This will be a keepsake box that Amanda can place mementos in, so I chose photos that hopefully she will want to keep, but they can be changed out if needed. 

The photo below is one of Amanda’s favorite Professors-Alex Picard.

She was an absolute blessing throughout Amanda’s four years.

photos in card box for graduation

Now you want to put the frames together. You can secure them with screws and L Brackets  if you like, but I chose to use E-6000 adhesive as I didn’t have any L Brackets.

If it appears unsteady, I may add them prior to the party.

Once you have the frames secured, the card box is pretty complete.   

All that is left is to make the top for guests to add cards.

Easy DIY Graduation Photo Frame box inside

I will point out that the making of the card box with the four wood frames was made in 15 minutes.

If you choose to add a cover like I did, I would add another 15 minutes.

side view of Graduation Photo Frame Card Box

Easy DIY Graduation Photo Frame Card Box Our Crafty Mom #craftlightning #graduationcardbox #graduation #cardbox #dollarstore #diydecor #ourcraftymom

Easy DIY Graduation Photo Frame Card Box with photos

It is really a simple project and you can use just the four frames for decorative purposes to hold battery operated candles like the one I made here in a smaller size of 5×7:

coastal lantern with dollar store frames

DIY Lantern From Dollar Store Frames

Here is an easy tutorial for the card box cover:

Fabric Covered Foam Top For Graduation Card Box Supplies

  • Foam Board
  • Fabric
  • X-Acto Knife
  • Staple Gun

Cut the foam board to fit securely in the top of the card box.

Use an X-Acto knife to cut a large slot to fit cards.

Also cut a piece of foam to fit the bottom of the card box.

foam for card box

Cover the top of the foam board with batting and pretty fabric.

I used a staple gun to attach the fabric to the foam board and cut a slit out of the fabric for the card opening.

top of card box

The cover fits securely in the top of the card box so it can be removed easily.

I didn’t want the cover to be permanent in case she wanted to use it as a lantern later.

completed card box with photos

I will include this photo frame card box set up at the Graduation party Saturday so you can see how it looked.

This is a great way to personalize a card box and use it as a keepsake box for years to come!

Wouldn’t this same idea work great for a Wedding?

You could use engagement photos in place of the Graduation photos.

graduation photo box to hold cards

For even more Graduation ideas, check out below:

Summer Fiesta Graduation Party

50 Amazing Graduation Party Ideas

**PIN FOR LATER**

pin collage with graduation card box

diy graduation card box

Easy DIY Graduation Photo Frame Card Box

Yield: 1 Card Box
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $5-$10

Learn how to make a super simple DIY Graduation Photo Frame Card Box using Dollar Store Frames. This card box can be made for less than $10! It makes a perfect keepsake box after!

Materials

  • 4 Wood Frames 8x10
  • E6000 Craft Adhesive
  • Paint Of Your Choice
  • Card Stock
  • Foam Board
  • Fabric

Tools

  • Paint Brush
  • X-Acto Knife
  • Staple Gun

Instructions

  1. Give the frames a quick whitewash of paint.
  2. Add aqua card stock to serve as a mat. 
  3. Secure your photos.
  4. Put the frames together with E-6000 adhesive. 
  5. Cut the foam board to fit securely on top of the card box.
  6. Use an X-Acto knife to cut a large slot to fit cards.
  7. Secure a piece of foam to fit the bottom of the card box. 

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

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before and after graduation card box

Google Web Story: Easy Card Box for Graduation

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diplomas framing West Caldwell NJ

Wednesday 20th of June 2018

I love pictures and arts on frames. Really makes the design more appealing and beautiful. Nice.

Kasia

Wednesday 13th of June 2018

What a great idea! Simple and fast and yet looking really pretty :) I also like the candle holder. Very nice! Thanks for sharing Michelle!

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