How to Make a Faux Flower Swag on a Vintage Frame

Most shower backdrops look gorgeous in photos—but get tossed out the moment the party’s over. This one? It’s timeless, reusable, and made from pieces with a story. Using a vintage frame and faux flowers, you’ll create a photo op that’s as sustainable as it is stunning—and unlike anything your guests have seen before.

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The Handcrafted Society

Every month I join the talented ladies of The Handcrafted Society. Each month we share a project that is our own version of repurposing a particular item.

This month we were all challenged to create something using a frame. I have a large vintage frame that I want to embellish with faux flowers and use it as a place for a photo op for a bridal shower that I’m hosting.

Don’t forget to check out the creations from the rest of the ladies. You’ll find their links at the end of this post.

Upcycling a Vintage Frame

I’m a sucker for old frames and I must admit I have quite a collection of them. I recently stumbled on a large frame that I used as a photo op for Annie’s Wedding. Now that I’m planning bridal shower for a family friend, I want to reuse the frame but breath new life into it.

A faux flower swag is the perfect embellishment that not only will give the frame a new look but also be a wonderful addition to the bridal shower.

It was a great photo op and very instragrammable.

The frame is also something that you could use as home decor after the shower is over.

Supply List

1. Frame – I have a vintage frame in stock
2. Chicken Wire/Floral Wire
3. Hot Glue Gun
4. Tin snips
5. Wire cutter
6. Faux Flowers

I had everything I needed in stock with the exception of a few more flowers and greens.

Directions

1. Clean your frame: Because my frame is old and it has some “blemishes” I glued a broken piece back onto the frame and used rub-n-buff (with a small paint brush) to touch-up a few other broken a chipped edges.
2. Cut pieces of chicken wire wide enough to fit the area of the frame that you want to cover with flowers. You only want the wire be just wide enough to wrap around the frame. Kind of like a sleeve.
3. I had floral wire on hand to secure the wire in the back but I was able to just twist the ends of the chicken wire together and it held well.
4. Plan your floral layout (asymmetrical vs. symmetrical)
5. Then I started with some greenery on each end, clipping the stems with the wire cutters so they were just long enough to weave into the chicken wire frames. I used a bit of hot glue to secure them in.
6. Next put in your focal flowers, than layer the flowers and more greenery into the wire frame until the wire is completely covered.
7. I used hot glue to secure each stem but you could also use floral wire if you choose.

I didn’t take progress pictures but I had my phone on a tripod taking a video of me creating the faux swag for the frame. You can watch it below.

Styling and Design Ideas

Everyones swag will look different depending on the occasion and your preferred color palette but some things to consider:

• Where are you going to place the frame at your shower (entrance, dessert table, photo area)
• Consider the locations lighting if your using it for a photo opportunity
• This project is versatile and could also be used to hold a sign or photo
• Consider your parties theme when your making your frame swag (boho, rustic, garden party, etc.)

Storing & Reusing Your Faux Flower Swag and Vintage Frame

One of the biggest perks of making a faux flower swag is that it can look as beautiful years from now as it does the day of your shower—if you store it properly.

Storing Tips

1. Remove Dust Before Storing – Gently wipe or blow off any dust or outdoor debris so it doesn’t settle in while in storage.
2. Use a Large Plastic Tote or Garment Bag – Choose a container big enough so the flowers aren’t crushed. For extra protection, line it with tissue paper or bubble wrap.
3. Store in a Cool, Dry Place – Avoid direct sunlight or damp basements, which can fade colors or damage the frame.
4. Label Your Container – Write “Faux Flower Backdrop” so you can find it quickly for your next event.
5. Frame Care – If your vintage frame has delicate paint or gilding, wrap it separately with a sheet or fabric to prevent scratches.

Reusing Ideas

• Home Décor Statement Piece – Hang it in your living room, entryway, or over a mantel.
• Seasonal Updates – Swap out a few flowers for seasonal blooms (e.g., sunflowers for summer, poinsettias for winter).
• Future Events – Perfect for engagement parties, weddings, anniversaries, showers, or milestone birthdays.
• Photo Booth Rentals – Offer it to friends or rent it out to photographers or event planners.
• Shop or Studio Display – Use it to decorate a boutique, salon, or photography space.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes that you’ll want avoid:

• Overloading with heavy blooms – You want the vintage frame to be the star with the florals being an accent
• Poorly secured structure – Using the chicken wire cages is much more secure than just attaching the flowers to the frame.
• Ignoring color cohesion
• Not testing photo angles beforehand

Final Thoughts

This was a really fun project to make for our bridal shower. I was able to repurpose a frame that I already had on hand and make it unique for the event.

The whole project took me less than 30 minutes once I had all the proper tools gathered.

I encourage you to try it for your next event. If you do, please share it on social media and tag me @livinglargeinasmallhouse

Peace and Love,

The Handcrafted Society

Be sure to visit my friends and see what they did with their frame projects!