The first key stage in the evolution of picture frames came about when they began to be used for the embellishment of mosaics, narrative scenes and generally decorative panels. Such designs and concepts were adapted by Christian art, wherein ivory book covers would after feature carved, decorative edges, with the craft eventually being applied to altarpieces.

By this point in time, the frame and its overall purpose had evolved significantly; now existing as something to protect and emphasize the item held within, rather than simply appearing as a decorative boundary. Furthermore, such frames were often highly symbolic. Many such frames were encrusted with jewels and precious metals to represent the glory of heaven, or indeed a myriad of other religious representations or artefacts, bringing a world of new meaning to each and every frame.

Of course, as time moved on, frames become increasingly reproduced an imitated by craftsmen and amateurs alike, eventually resulting in such decorative adornments becoming less and less of an elitist possession. With each and every style movement that passed, new concepts were devised to break the mould and come up with new, exclusive offerings, once again holding elite status.

However, no such designs are ever exempt from the rule of imitation, which has led to a modern market wherein quite literally any frame of any size and design is affordable to even the lowest budget, if somewhat lacking the mystique and appeal of the original.

Indeed, it is quite possible that now, the only way of ever owning a truly unique, one of a kind creation by way of a picture frame is to opt for the DIY approach along with a little imagination. Nowadays, it seems that regardless of whether or not a person is an avis photography fanatic, our homes are simply strewn with hundred, if not thousands of photographs just crying out to be framed. The advent of digital photography and cheap prints has afforded us limitless access to photos like never before, also opening up the possibility of creating quite beautifully framed examples.

Homemade picture frames never fail to add a wonderfully personal touch to any home’s existing photo collection. Furthermore, although modern frames are far from extortionate, they certainly do not come for free, therefore the DIY approach can be a highly-cost effective option across the board. The real beauty of homemade frames is that they can be customised from the ground up in order to ensure that they fit in perfectly with an existing interior decor theme or colour scheme, which is something incredibly difficult to achieve with pre-made store-bought options.