Summary

My partner had a metal frame face that we've been toting around for the last few decades each time we moved. It was from a frame his grandmother once had, but the frame was long gone now. I'm thinking it probably had some velvet flocking that had worn with age. So all that remained was this front face—probably made of lead based on its consistency and color. (No, I'm not recommending anyone intentionally work with lead materials.)

I figured with the right materials—and salvaged parts—I could probably recreate the frame and bring this thing back into good use. And so this is a project I've been working on over the course of a few weeks while I tried to determine appropriate methods, materials, and parts.

Why is this a How To? It's not like you have one of these lying around your house. But maybe you want to build a nice frame that's not just a rectangular box. With stain and varnish on all surfaces, this base could make a nice frame for any formal decor.