Make Custom Frames For Your Favorite Albums

Vinyl is back. And whether you're an avid collector or a newbie starting out, this simple DIY project for homemade album frames is well within reach. The first step is to find a collection of interesting album art that matches your decor. The recent vinyl resurgence means vintage album prices are on the rise, but you have an advantage over collectors because LP condition doesn't matter for this project. Finding albums at garage sales and in thrift store bins is more affordable than buying them in record stores. Check with relatives to see if they will part with a few album covers from their stash.

Once you have a collection, it's time to build the frames. You'll need corner trim, plus a few other carpentry and crafts supplies for this project. After that, just follow our seven simple steps to craft DIY album frames.

Learn How to Make a DIY Picture Frame

• 3/4-inch corner trim (allow 5 feet per frame)
• Miter saw
• Measuring tape
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Wood glue
• Clamps
• 23-gauge pin nailer
• Spray paint
• Record album cover
• Putty knife/paint multi-tool
• Glazier points
• Hammer

Gather materials. When purchasing trim keep in mind that material will be lost when you make your cuts. Purchase a piece of trim 1 foot longer than the perimeter of your frame. We allotted 5 feet per frame. Rough-cut the trim into four 15-inch lengths. Measure 13 inches and mark each piece.

Set your miter saw to a 45-degree angle. Cut the first piece of trim using the pencil mark you made as the end of the cut. 

Editor's Tip: You can use a hand or power miter saw, but if you are comfortable using a power saw we've found it will give you smoother, more accurate cuts.

Cut the angle in the opposite direction at the other end. The result should be trim that measures 13 inches on the long side and 12 inches on the short side. Continue measuring and cutting all four sides of the frame.

Check to see that your pieces will fit together tightly. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the edges. Glue the four pieces together. Clamp the frame while the glue dries. 

Create a Copper Leaf Picture Frame

Use a pin nailer to further secure all four corners. Insert one or two nails into each corner.

Spray the frame with several light coats of paint, allowing the final coat to dry thoroughly overnight. We kept our frames white, but feel free to use any desired shade, including shimmering metallic spray paint.

Place album in the frame. Use a putty knife to gently push the tips of the glazier points into the frame. To avoid damaging the album, press into the wood instead of down toward the album. We inserted two glazier points per side.