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We love an upcycling craft here at DenGarden, and this recent DIY project shared by Kentucky-based creator Carrie Hardaway (@fridayloveco) on TikTok is no different. In a moment of pure genius, Hardaway transforms an empty tube of tomato paste into the most charming vintage-style picture frame.
"Save this so the next time you finish a tube of tomato paste, you'll remember to turn it into the cutest embossed frame instead of tossing it away," Hardaway writes in the caption of the now-viral TikTok.
How to DIY a Picture Frame Using an Empty Tube of Tomato Paste
First, Hardaway cuts off both ends of the tomato paste tube, unrolling it to reveal the inside, which is a gold foil material. She then rinses off the excess tomato paste. After that, she smooths out the folds of the rolled-out tube with a spoon.
Once the tube is cleaned up and flattened, Hardaway flips it over to the side with the labeling. Taking a permanent marker, she draws her desired picture frame shape as well as the embossed design. Using an embossing stylus, Hardaway carefully traces along her marker to emboss the frame. (If you don't have an embossing stylus, a ballpoint pen will do.) Once she is satisfied with the embossing, Hardaway cuts out a square hole for the actual frame portion.
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Finally, it's time for the finishing details. After a bit more embossing, Hardaway trims the frame to give it its final shape and inserts a photo. Like I said, pure genius.
In the caption of the TikTok post sharing the DIY, Hardaway explains that she loves upcycling and giving things a second life. "I love projects like this because they turn everyday 'trash' into something you'd actually want to decorate with. It's simple, inexpensive and such a fun way to experiment with tin embossing even if you've never tried it before," she says.
Definitely try this project out the next time you have an empty tube of tomato paste, and follow Hardaway on TikTok for more DIY inspiration.
