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    DIY Nautical Picture Rail for Vacation Photos

    Craft Tutorials, Crafting, Sponsored, Summer Crafts

    Display your favorite beach photos and vacation keepsakes on an inexpensive nautical DIY picture rail.

    I love looking back on our old vacation photos. They really take me back to a moment in time and all those special experiences we’ve had through the years as a family.

    Pool Party Snacks: Set up an easy toppings bar featuring EDY's® Frozen Custard. #FrozenCustardTime #collectivebias

    Like that time we had an ice cream party poolside in Florida. That face is what summer is all about. Skinned knees, sunburned cheeks, sweet treats and simple joy.

    Display your favorite vacation memories on an inexpensive DIY picture rail made from a 1X4, wooden cutouts and mini clothespins. #decoartprojects #sponsored

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    Most of our vacation photos are digital only — stuck on our phones and computers, and we only see them when Facebook reminds us of them.

    At some point, I got out of the habit of printing photos from our trips. Can you relate?

    But I fixed that with this quick and inexpensive DIY project — a nautical picture rail for displaying your vacation photos.

    Showcase your favorite vacation memories on an inexpensive DIY picture rail made from a 1X4, wooden cutouts and mini clothespins. #decoartprojects #sponsored

    Disclosure: This post is sponsored by DecoArt, and it also includes affiliate links. I only recommend companies and products I love. Read my full disclosure policy here.

    Supplies

    Use scrap wood, paint and inexpensive wooden cutouts from the craft store to create a DIY picture rail to display your favorite vacation pictures and family memories. #decoartprojects #sponsored

    • DecoArt Americana Decor Outdoor Living Paint in Picket Fence
    • DecoArt Americana Decor Outdoor Living Paint in Morning Glory
    • DecoArt Americana Decor Outdoor Living Paint in Adirondack
    • DecoArt Americana Decor Outdoor Living Paint in Ladybug
    • Sandpaper
    • Paintbrushes
    • Wooden crab cutout
    • Wooden anchor cutout
    • Wooden whale cutout
    • Miniature wooden clothespins
    • 1X4 pine board, cut to desired length
    • wood glue
    • toothpicks
    • nylon rope
    • screw eyes

    Instructions

    Cut a 1X4 pine board to the desired length for your picture rail.

    I happened to have a 37-inch scrap board left over from our potting bench outdoor server project, so I used it, as is.

    Sand the board and paint it with one coat of DecoArt Americana Decor Outdoor Living paint in Picket Fence. You can do additional coats for more coverage, but I liked the weathered, whitewashed look I got from a single coat.

    Use scrap wood, paint and inexpensive wooden cutouts from the craft store to create a DIY photo picture to display your favorite vacation photos and family memories. #decoartprojects #sponsored

    Paint miniature clothes pins and wooden cutouts from the craft store in alternating shades of Ladybug red, Morning Glory blue and Adirondack aqua Outdoor Living paint. (I found my nautical wooden cutouts at Michael’s, but you should be able to find similar at any craft store.)

    Use scrap wood, paint and inexpensive wooden cutouts from the craft store to create a DIY picture rail to display your favorite vacation pictures and family memories. #decoartprojects #sponsored

    Once paint has dried, apply a thin coat of wood glue to the back of each nautical shape and glue to the painted board. Wipe away any excess glue before it dries.

    Use scrap wood, paint and inexpensive wooden cutouts from the craft store to create a DIY picture rail to display your favorite vacation pictures and family memories. #decoartprojects #sponsored

    You may need to place a heavy book on top of the wooden cutouts while you wait for the glue to dry.

    Showcase your favorite vacation memories on an inexpensive DIY picture rail made from a 1X4, wooden cutouts and mini clothespins. #decoartprojects #sponsored

    Use a toothpick to apply a thin bead of wood glue to the back of each mini clothespin. Attach clothespins to the cutouts or board to hold photos.

    Showcase your favorite vacation memories on an inexpensive DIY photo rail made from a 1X4, wooden cutouts and mini clothespins. #decoartprojects #sponsored

    Allow the glue to dry completely, preferably overnight, before adding photos to your display.

    To hang the picture rail, attach a screw eye to each end of the board’s top edge. Thread nylon rope through the screw eyes and knot the ends to form a hanger.

    Showcase your favorite vacation memories on an inexpensive DIY photo rail made from a 1X4, wooden cutouts and mini clothespins. #decoartprojects #sponsored

    Finally, print out some photos to hang from the picture rail.

    Showcase your favorite vacation memories on an inexpensive DIY photo rail made from a 1X4, wooden cutouts and mini clothespins. #decoartprojects #sponsored

    Since I used nautical wooden cutouts for my project, I used only beach scenes. But you can customize the picture rail to fit your vacation photos.

    If you liked this project, be sure to check out these other fun DIYs.

    Love this handpainted wood sign for the playroom. And it's easy to make with paint and letters from the craft store.

    Reclaimed Wood Playroom Sign

    This chest would be perfect at a beach house or in a child's room decorated with vintage nautical decor. The color on this piece is amazing! Click over for the full tutorial on how to transform a cheap yard sale piece of furniture into a custom piece.

    Nautical Painted Dresser

    Learn how to make an easy no-sew party banner using a beach towel. Plus, you'll find lots of great ideas for colorful beach party decorations.

    No-Sew Beach Towel Party Banner

    I love this seashell artwork for a coastal bedroom! I can't believe how easy it is to make , too. Who wants to join me at the beach to look for seashells?

    Easy Seashell Artwork

    Filed Under: Craft Tutorials, Crafting, Sponsored, Summer Crafts Tagged With: DecoArt, easy crafts, family photos, nautical, summer crafts, vacation

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Frugal Hausfrau

      July 12, 2016 at 10:23 pm

      How darling is this and perfect for any lake house!! Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday!

      Mollie

      Reply
    2. Rachel Osborn

      July 05, 2016 at 10:58 pm

      I love that this is something easy enough for the kids to help with! Mine would be so proud to help paint something that ended up on the wall of our home! Thanks for sharing this at the Family Joy Linkup!

      Reply
    3. Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood

      July 05, 2016 at 3:35 pm

      Love how fun and easy this is!

      Reply
    4. samantha

      July 05, 2016 at 1:18 pm

      Such a cute idea, I love the bright colors! Thanks for sharing at the Family Joy LInk Party!

      Reply
    5. creativejewishmom/sara

      July 03, 2016 at 6:39 am

      Adorable and love that nautical dresser too, fabulous! thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!

      Reply
    6. Laurie

      July 03, 2016 at 1:29 am

      Adorable! This really turned out cute and such a fun idea! Pinned to share. Thanks for linking up and sharing with us for Snickerdoodle Sunday!

      Reply
    7. Lisa @ Fun Money Mom

      July 03, 2016 at 1:12 am

      I love all things coastal/nautical and this is a super cute idea! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Share The Wealth Sunday!

      Reply

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