Transform an old picture frame and basic ceramic shapes into a stunning, crystal-encrusted game board that serves as a functional showpiece.
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I found a large, unused picture frame and realized it was the perfect foundation for a high-end coffee table game that doubles as a shimmering work of art. It is amazing how you can take budget-friendly staples and turn them into something spectacular by layering custom-mixed glitter paints and rows of brilliant crystal bling,. Today, I’m showing you how I upcycled these simple items into a beautiful, functional tic-tac-toe set that catches the light perfectly and adds a sophisticated, designer-style glow to any living space.
📺 WATCH: See how I transform a picture frame into this stunning glam game board here.
Materials
Browse my curated list of Favorite Craft Supplies, Tools & Embellishments.
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Large unused picture frame
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Ceramic shapes (5 stars for X’s and 4 spheres for O’s)
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White foam board (cut to frame size)
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Silver crystal bling wrap (sheets)
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Silver beading (string of beads)
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Crystal gems (various sizes) and crystal gem stickers
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Acrylic paint (White, Gold, and Silver)
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Silver glitter or silver sprinkles
Tools
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E6000 adhesive (for permanent hold)
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Hot glue gun and glue sticks (for instant hold)
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Mod Podge
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Paintbrushes
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Precision scissors
💡 Sandy’s Favorite Crafting Tips & Hacks
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The Custom Shimmer Mix: To give your game pieces a designer-style “glimmer,” mix silver glitter or “sprinkles” directly into your final coat of paint,. This ensures the sparkle is embedded in the colour rather than just sitting on top.
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The Multi-Layer Foundation: If you are working with dark frames or black ceramic shapes, always apply three generous coats of white paint as a base,. This prevents the dark original colour from dulling your final metallic or glitter finish.
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The Snug-Fit Foam Insert: When cutting your foam board, aim for a size that fits the frame insert exactly. If cut properly, it will sit snugly against the glass without shifting, providing a perfectly flat surface for your bling wrap.
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Permanent Bonding Duo: For pieces that will be handled often, like game board grids, use E6000 for a permanent, rock-solid bond and a tiny dab of hot glue to hold it in place while the industrial adhesive cures.
Instructions
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Prepare the Frame and Shapes: Paint the picture frame white to create a clean base. Simultaneously, apply three coats of white paint to all ceramic stars and spheres, waiting 30 minutes between coats to ensure full coverage.
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Apply the Custom Finish: Mix a custom shade of gold and silver paint with silver glitter,. Apply this shimmering final coat to both the frame and the ceramic shapes to create a cohesive, high-end look.
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Bling the Game Pieces: Use glue to apply individual crystal gems to the centre of the stars where the shape dips inward. For the spheres, use crystal gem stickers to create borders that divide each sphere into three equal segments.
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Construct the Board Surface: Cut the white foam board to size and insert it into the frame directly on top of the glass. Glue rows of silver bling wrap across the entire surface of the foam board until it is completely covered.
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Create the Grid: Measure and cut strings of silver beads to create the perimeter border and the 3×3 grid. Glue the beads directly on top of the bling wrap to form nine equal boxes for the game play.
Related Content & Resources
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Disclaimer: I’m not a professional. All my DIY’s are for entertainment purposes.