17 DIY Cat Photo Frames That’ll Melt Your Heart (and Show Off Your Furbaby!)

Let’s be honest, our camera rolls are basically full of our cats, right? 🐱 Instead of letting those adorable snapshots sit forgotten, why not turn them into cute keepsakes? I started playing around with DIY cat photo frame ideas, and it’s now one of my favorite crafty ways to celebrate my fur baby. Whether you want something quirky, rustic, or totally chic, I’ve got ideas you’ll want to make right meow!

DIY Cat Photo Frames

1. Wood Slice Frame with Paw Burn Design

Imagine a round wood slice with the bark still on, turned into a rustic cat portrait frame. You’ll sand it smooth, drill a small hole for the photo pocket, and burn in a pawprint pattern using a woodburning tool. Hang it with twine or stand it up on a shelf. The bark adds texture, the burned pawprint adds charm. It fits natural décor themes beautifully. This frame brings tactile warmth and a nod to your furry friend’s footprint.

2. Mini Clothespin Photo Garland

Visualize a small wooden dowel wrapped in twine, pinned with tiny decorated clothespins holding cat snapshots. You’ll paint each pin, add little whisker or ear details, and then clip photos along the twine. Hang it on a wall or across a window. It’s playful, easy to swap photos, and keeps space fresh. It looks homemade and personal. You get functional décor with minimal effort and maximum charm.

3. Felt Cat-Shaped Frame

Cut stiff felt into a cat-head outline and layer with contrasting felt backing. Add glued-on felt whiskers, ears, and nose. Insert a circular or oval window for the photo. Attach a magnetic backing or hanger. It’s soft, colorful, and unique in texture. You can match colors to your décor. You’ll love how friendly this frame looks—almost as cute as your kitty.

4. Rustic Bark Bark Frame

Use thin tree bark pieces to line the edges of a standard photo frame. You’ll glue strips around the border, keeping some texture intact. Leave a little bark edge overhanging for wild charm. Finish it with clear seal to prevent shedding. You’ll feel like you brought the forest indoors. This natural frame highlights your cat photo with natural surroundings. It’s outdoorsy and cozy.

5. Painted Wooden Frame with Paw Stamps

Pick a plain wooden frame and stamp aligned paw prints across the border. Use small pawprint stamps and a solid paint color, like white or mint. Let it dry and seal lightly. The result feels playful and neat. You’ll admire the repeated pattern—it looks purposeful, not cluttered. It fits contemporary homes and gives personality to any shelf or desk.

6. Pom‑Pom Kitty Garland Frame

Visualize a line of tiny felt or yarn pom-poms glued around the picture opening of a frame. Add two pom-poms above the opening as “ears.” Stick a small ribbon collar and a bow under the frame’s bottom. It’s cheerful, tactile, and bright. You’ll find it irresistible to touch. Kids and adults will smile when they see it. Your cat’s image will pop within that colorful furry edge.

7. Driftwood Frame with Twine Web

Picture a rustic frame made entirely of driftwood pieces glued around a backing board. At one corner, weave a small twine web to give it an artsy flair. Clip the photo in the center or back it with clear acrylic. This frame brings beachy natural tones and is perfect for coastal décor. You’ll remember the sea while you admire your kitty’s face each day.

8. Magnetic Frame with Felt Ears

You’ll use a magnetic strip with cut felt cat ears affixed to the top corners. The photo slips in under a thin clear magnet cover or clip. Stick it to the fridge or locker. You get functional and adorable décor. It’s easy to swap photos and reposition. You’ll love seeing your cat picture every time you grab a snack or open your fridge.

9. Solar Light Backlit Frame

Imagine a small photo in a clear sleeve, mounted on top of a slim DIY solar light panel. At night, tiny LED lights backlight the frame softly. You’ll need a clear acrylic backing, solar panel strip, and batteries. The magic effect will turn your cat’s photo into a glowing portrait. Place it near windows or shelves. You’ll get a delightful evening glowand a night-time reminder of your furry friend.

10. Ceramic Tile Frame with Paw Imprint

Pick a smooth ceramic tile sized around 4 x 6 inches. Use air-dry clay to press your cat’s paw or a crafted clay pawprint in a corner. Paint the clay paw once dry. Add a photo using a magnetic backing or small clips. Seal it with varnish. The texture of clay imprint gives tactile interest. It’s small, sturdy, and elegant. You’ll enjoy how ceramic complements modern and clean interiors.

11. Scrapbook‑Style Layered Paper Frame

Cut and layer patterned papers—cat-themed scrapbooking paper over cardstock. Add stickers and cutouts around the photo window. Use foam tape for depth. Finish with transparent coating. You’ll achieve a scrapbook-style, colorful frame. It’s easy to match your cat’s personality or your room theme. You’ll love the fun layers and creative flair.

12. Embroidery Hoop Photo Display

Stretch burlap or fabric in a wooden embroidery hoop. Stitch simple paw or whisker designs around the opening. Clip a printed photo onto the fabric or tuck it behind stitched strings. The hoop hangs from ribbon. You get cozy fabric texture and hand-stitched charm. It feels homespun and artsy. You’ll love how soft textiles bring warmth to your furry portrait.

13. Reclaimed Shutter Pet Frame

Use a small panel of reclaimed window shutter as backing. Attach mini clothespins to hold the photo. Paint shutters in soft pastel or leave weathered. You can hang the shutter vertically or mount it. It becomes a rustic board with a pinned cat portrait. You’ll find it practical—swap photos anytime. You get vertical accent décor that feels like upcycled art.

14. Puzzle-Piece Custom Frame

Grab old puzzle pieces and glue them around a sturdy photo backboard. First paint the puzzle border in solid color, then add a photo in the center. Use small clay whiskers or eyes as accents. This playful design brings texture and curiosity. You’ll smile at the quirkiness. It suits kids’ rooms or creative spaces. It makes your cat photo feel part of a unique puzzle.

15. Pressed Flower Frame with Cat Photo

Use a shadowbox frame and add pressed small flowers around the edges. Insert your cat photo into center. This frame feels delicate and elegant. It’s perfect for floral décor themes. You’ll love how nature meets nostalgia. The glass cover protects both photo and flowers. You get a fancy display that still feels homemade.

16. Leather Wrapped Frame with Paw-Stamp

Wrap frame edges with thin faux leather strips. Stamp a pawprint or emboss a small cat shape onto the leather. Use craft stamps or hot tool. The result feels sophisticated and tactful. You’ll create a photo frame that matches leather accents in your home. You’ll be proud of its subtle, refined edge.

17. Quilted Fabric Photo Pouch

Sew a small quilted pouch with cat-print fabric. The pouch has a clear vinyl window and backing so you can slide a photo in. Sew a ribbon loop to hang it. It’s soft and portable. You can hang it on doors, in cars, or on bags. You get fabric texture, personal charm, and portability. This frame moves with you and your memories.

FAQs

1. Can I use food-safe materials for cat-themed photo frames?

Yes. If food safety matters, use sealed glass, ceramic, or acrylic. Avoid adhesives or paints that might off-gas near food surfaces. Keep crafts separate from kitchen utensils.

2. How do I protect pictures in craft frames long-term?

Use acid-free backing paper and archival photo adhesives. Seal frames with acrylic cover or glass to prevent dust and fading. Keep frames out of direct sunlight.

3 Are these frames safe around pets?

Most are safe as decorative items. Avoid small loose parts around curious pets. Mount frames securely on walls or shelves beyond cat reach.

You’ve just explored 17 creative DIY cat photo frame ideas for every décor style—from rustic wood slices to glowing solar panels and quilted pouches. Each project lets you craft with personality and highlight your cat’s moments beautifully. I hope your weekend crafting session turns into a delight. You’ll end up with a gallery of heartwarming frames that feel both handmade and heartfelt. Bring your favorite cat photo to life today! Time to start crafting and showing off that adorable feline flair!