How To Make A Picture Frame Decorating Tray

April 2, 2026

Jump to Guide·Print Guide·Leave a Review

a square wooden picture frame with a heart in the middle decorated with stickers and markers

Mother’s Day deserves more than a store-bought candle or a last-minute bouquet. A picture frame decorating tray invites little ones to turn a plain wooden frame into a colorful story, layered with scribbles, sparkles, and heartfelt details. The swirls of color and carefully placed embellishments capture a moment in childhood, creating a DIY Mother’s Day gift keepsake that holds more than a photo. It holds the memory of how little the kids once were.

The beauty of this project rests in its imperfections. Lines wander. Glitter goes where it wasn’t meant to. Colors overlap and blur together. Every mark reflects personality and effort. When that Mother’s Day craft for kids is placed into Mom’s hands, it carries a moment in time along with it. Long after the holiday passes, that frame will sit on a shelf or bedside table, quietly preserving not only a photograph, but also the memory of the day it was given.

Why a Picture Frame Decorating Tray Is a Perfect Mother’s Day Activity for Kids

Children love having freedom within a creative space. A decorating tray keeps materials organized while offering plenty of opportunities for imagination. Everything sits in one inviting area: bright paint pens, sparkly glitter, bendable pipe cleaners, and cheerful mom stickers waiting to be placed.

This Mother’s Day craft for kids works beautifully for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary ages. Younger children can focus on scribbling with paint pens and pressing stickers into place. Older kids can experiment with patterns, outlines, and layered decorations. That versatility makes it one of the best handmade Mother’s Day gift ideas from toddler through early grade school.

The frame itself acts as a canvas. A regular rectangular wooden frame provides a classic look. A heart shaped frame adds extra sweetness for Mother’s Day.

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy for details.

What You’ll Need To Make This Picture Frame Decorating Tray

Setting up a picture frame decorating tray is simple. Place the following supplies on a large tray or shallow bin:

Wooden picture frame (regular or heart shaped)
Paint pens in assorted colors
Mom stickers or letter stickers that spell “Mom”
Glitter
School glue
Pipe cleaners in coordinating colors

Wood frames work especially well because they absorb paint beautifully and hold glue securely. Craft stores and dollar stores often carry unfinished wooden frames in various shapes and sizes, making it easy to tailor the Mother’s Day art activity to different ages.

Step-by-Step Instruction For This Picture Frame Decorating Tray

1. Color with Paint Pens

Start by allowing children to color the wooden frame with paint pens. Encourage bold stripes, polka dots, hearts, or abstract swirls. Paint pens glide smoothly across wood and provide vibrant coverage. This stage strengthens fine motor skills as little hands practice control and precision.

a kid coloring a wooden picture frame with markers

2. Add Mom Stickers

Once the paint dries, children can place mom-themed stickers on the frame. Letter stickers spelling “Mom,” “Love,” or “Best Mom” add personality. Positioning stickers helps develop spatial awareness and decision-making.

a kid adding stickers to a wooden picture frame

3. Glue and Sprinkle Glitter

For extra sparkle, dot glue along sections of the frame. A thin line around the border or small glue dots scattered across the frame work well. Sprinkle glitter over the glue and gently tap off excess. The shimmer creates a magical effect and adds a tactile layer to the design.

4. Pipe Cleaner Border

Going a section at a time, apply a thin line of glue around the outer edge of the frame and press a pipe cleaner into place along it. Pipe cleaners can also be twisted into braids or shaped into tiny hearts before attaching. The soft, fuzzy texture adds dimension and sensory interest.

Allow the finished frame to dry completely before inserting a photo.

Join the List

A Sensory Craft for Kids That Builds Skills

This project offers far more than a sweet finished product. It functions as a Mother’s Day activity for kids filled with textures and visual stimulation. Wood, paint, glue, glitter, and soft pipe cleaners engage multiple senses at once.

Fine motor development thrives during tasks like squeezing glue bottles, positioning stickers, and guiding paint pens along edges. Bilateral coordination develops while one hand holds the frame steady as the other adds decorations. Creative decision-making supports cognitive growth and confidence.

For toddlers especially, this type of hands-on art makes an excellent Mother’s Day activity for kids because it allows self-expression without complicated instructions. Scribbles and scattered glitter carry meaning when made with love.

DIY Mother’s Day Gift from Toddler to Big Kids

This decorating tray adapts beautifully across ages.

Toddlers: Focus on coloring with chunky paint pens and pressing large stickers. Adults can assist with glitter and pipe cleaners.
Preschoolers: Add glue details independently and experiment with simple patterns.
Early Elementary: Design more intricate borders, create layered effects with glitter, and write short messages on the frame.

After decorating, insert a recent photo of the child with Mom or a family snapshot. Another sweet option includes drawing a self-portrait to place inside the frame. For families who homeschool or enjoy seasonal crafts, this project fits seamlessly into spring learning themes.

Displaying the Finished DIY Mother’s Day Gift

Once complete, the frame deserves a special presentation. Wrap it in tissue paper and add a handmade card. During a Mother’s Day breakfast or quiet family moment, present the frame as a heartfelt surprise.

Over the years, these decorated frames form a collection. Looking back at frames from toddler years through elementary school creates a timeline of artistic growth and sweet memories. Glitter might flake, paint may fade slightly, yet the love embedded in the creation remains vivid.

Tips for a Smooth Craft Session

Cover the workspace with paper or a washable mat.
Pour small amounts of glitter to limit spills.
Encourage children to describe their design choices.
Allow full drying time before handling extensively.
Keep baby wipes nearby for quick cleanup.

Setting expectations at the start helps maintain focus while still encouraging creativity.

Why This Picture Frame Decorating Tray Stands Out

A picture frame decorating tray offers more than crafting time. It provides a meaningful pause in the week to create something heartfelt. In a world filled with store-bought presents, a DIY Mother’s Day gift carries extra meaning.

Children learn that gifts do not need to be expensive to matter. Time, creativity, and intention turn simple materials into treasured keepsakes. For parents seeking thoughtful handmade Mother’s Day gift ideas from toddlers through elementary years, this sensory craft for kids delivers beauty, skill-building, and lasting memories in one simple tray.

Place the finished frame on a bedside table, desk, or mantel. Every glance at that handmade border of glitter and pipe cleaner will serve as a reminder of small hands, bright colors, and a day dedicated to celebrating Mom.

Mother’s Day Books

How to Catch a Mamasaurus: A Mother’s Day Adventure for Kids

~~$12.99~~ $7.07