Show us a Favorite Photo
Choose a favorite photo, make a simple cardboard frame and decorate it, then present and explain why the picture is special.
About this activity
Choose a favorite photo, make a simple cardboard frame and decorate it, then present and explain why the picture is special.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Choose your favorite photo and hold it up to make sure you love it.
- 2
Step 2
Use a ruler and pencil to draw a rectangle on the cardboard the same size as your photo plus a 2 cm border.
- 3
Step 3
Cut out the rectangle you drew from the cardboard with scissors.
- 4
Step 4
Draw a smaller rectangle in the center of your cardboard piece so the photo will show through.
- 5
Step 5
Cut out the smaller rectangle to make the window of your frame.
- 6
Step 6
Slide your photo behind the window so it shows through and sits where you like.
- 7
Step 7
Secure the photo to the back of the frame with tape or glue so it won’t move.
- 8
Step 8
Decorate the front of the frame using colouring materials and stickers to make it special.
- 9
Step 9
Tape a loop of ribbon or string to the back top of the frame so you can hang it.
- 10
Step 10
Think of three short reasons why this photo is special and say them out loud once.
- 11
Step 11
Show your framed photo to a family member or friend and explain the three reasons why it matters to you.
- 12
Step 12
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I do the 'Show us a Favorite Photo' activity?
To do 'Show us a Favorite Photo,' have your child pick a favorite printed photo or a screen image. Trace and cut a simple rectangle from cardboard to make a frame, leaving a window for the picture. Help attach the photo with tape or glue, then decorate the frame with markers, stickers, paint or collage materials. Finish with a ribbon, stand or clothespin. Encourage your child to practice a short explanation about why the photo is special before presenting to family.
What materials do I need for 'Show us a Favorite Photo'?
You'll need the favorite photo (printed or a clear phone print), sturdy cardboard such as a cereal box, scissors or a craft knife (adult use only), ruler, pencil, glue or double-sided tape, and clear tape. For decorating, gather washable markers, tempera or acrylic paints, stickers, washi tape, sequins, ribbon and scrap paper. Optional: a small easel, clothespin stand or laminating sheets to protect the picture.
What ages is 'Show us a Favorite Photo' suitable for?
This activity suits toddlers through teens with adjustments. Ages 3–5 enjoy choosing and decorating with close adult supervision for cutting and gluing. Ages 6–8 can measure and cut simple frames and practice a short presentation. Ages 9–12 can design more complex frames, add multimedia elements, and lead a family show-and-tell. Teens can make themed displays or digital slideshows. Always consider each child’s fine motor skills and give safety guidance for tools and small decorations.
What are the benefits, safety tips, and variations for this activity?
Benefits include storytelling practice, vocabulary growth, memory-sharing, fine motor skill development and confidence from presenting. Safety tips: supervise scissors or craft knives, use non-toxic materials, avoid small choking hazards for young children, and keep glue and paint out of mouths. Variations: make a themed frame (holiday, nature), create a family gallery wall, turn multiple photos into a flip-frame, or make a digital slideshow with recorded explanations. Encourage asking who, what
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have cardboard, ribbon, or a ruler?
Use a clean cereal box or foam board instead of cardboard for the frame, substitute yarn, a shoelace, or a strip of fabric for the ribbon in step 8, and use the straight edge of a book or phone to draw the rectangle in step 2.
My photo keeps sliding or the window looks uneven—what should I do?
Slide the photo until it sits where you like, then follow step 6 and firmly tape or glue all sides to the back of the frame, and trim jagged cuts from step 4 slowly with sharp scissors or have an adult score the cardboard first to keep the window straight.
How can I change this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children have an adult pre-cut the outer and inner rectangles and let them decorate with stickers and crayons, while older kids can measure the 2 cm border themselves, use a craft knife for cleaner cuts, and add detailed decorations like paint or layered paper.
How can we make the frame more special or longer-lasting?
Protect the photo by placing it in a clear page protector or gluing a piece of clear plastic over the window, write the three reasons and the date on the back, add a magnet or stronger hanging loop instead of ribbon, and embellish the 2 cm border with washi tape, sequins, or small glued trinkets.