Making the Most Unusual Picture Frame

Making a very unusual picture frame that not only holds the art but becomes part of it. Brought to us by Squarespace. For 10% off your first purchase, go to: squarespace.com...
Creating art from a locally grown slab of hickory and walnut. This project is deeply personal, using wood milled by a late family friend, and is a perfect example of how art can make us better woodworkers. In this video, I experiment with bending thin strips of wood to create an unusual picture frame that not only holds the art but becomes part of it. I’ll share my process, from rough sketches to Adobe Illustrator and Fusion 360 designs, and tackle challenges like reinforcing curved joints and creating a dome shape on a walnut centerpiece. Throughout the video, I highlight techniques such as using a vacuum bag for clamping, reinforcing joints with epoxy and plywood discs, and finishing touches that make the wood stand out. I aim to inspire you, whether or not you replicate the project, by showcasing how pushing the boundaries of woodworking can lead to unexpected and beautiful results.
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Tools and Supplies Used (Affiliate Links)
Table Saw: amzn.to/4cTfEa2
Large Bandsaw: amzn.to/3G9LxvN
Miter Saw: amzn.to/3QRprDf
Disc Sander: amzn.to/3E2lMvv
Little Bandsaw: amzn.to/3sNqkVB
Palm Router: amzn.to/3u9fM3y
Stepcraft CNC: bit.ly/3pX03xU
Rayjet R400 Laser: bit.ly/3uHoP9e
Drum Sander: amzn.to/45rKNhv
Picture Hangers: amzn.to/3VOb0SW
Corner Clamps: amzn.to/3xGIXgh
Thin Rip Jig: amzn.to/3L3ZnCr
Planer: amzn.to/4aAXloD
Vacuum: bit.ly/3wcVFiX
Vacuum Bag: bit.ly/3AxuUbK
Epoxy (provided by Total Boat): bit.ly/3W0vTJ8
Random Orbit Sander: amzn.to/2aXutIU
T-shits, books and plans: makesomething.com

[@michaelcrouse9334]

Is it just me... or does that look like the Death Star as its exploding?

[@DeafMaker]

You beat me to it, my first thought it was the Death Star from Return of The Jedi.

[@monicaharvell]

To me, it looks like a chocolate cookie with a bite out of it. 😂

[@steveferguson1232]

@@DeafMakerI just posted along that same line, and then saw your post. You beat me to it. Great minds think alike lol

[@williambrewer175]

My first thought was Alderan at the moment the beam hit the planet.

[@sidespin9968]

Yep, Deathstar

[@jimsammons5721]

Your last 6mo of videos are hitting different than a few years ago and I’m really digging the art and on the fly designed pieces. This video is inspiring me to finally get my biggest pieces of wormy chestnut out and make the damn table Ive been planning.

[@steveferguson1232]

I said it when you created a piece inspired by a concrete bench in your neighborhood and I’ll say it again. You are a woodworking artist. Stunning piece Dave, stunning. On a funny lighthearted note, you could sell that to a Star Wars fan and tell them it’s the Death Star being attacked.

[@IAmKyleBrown]

I think the acrylic background is the perfect balance between adding to the piece without detracting from the piece. Absolutely beautiful, well done David!

[@sgsax]

I don't know how you come up with a design that is both geometric and organic, but you nailed it. I love this on so many levels. And also, that precious piece of wood you have in your collection wants to be something, anything. There's still plenty more wood in the world. You can always find another beautiful piece. Woodworkers love hoarding wood. Appreciate the gratuitous end sanding shot. Picciuto is for the people. Thanks for sharing!

[@mattkey5964]

Ah yes…the special projects! My basement is full of special wood for special projects yet to be done. My wife loves this concept. LOL

[@slomo1562]

It is the "some day" pile.

[@robshamel3210]

Love it!! Love the sketch to finished project vision. You over killed it!!!

[@pjh432]

Just a thought but if you did a gallery show, I would love to see 50 or 60 pieces which would show the changes in approach and your incredible improvement overtime. Far more interesting than only showing perfection in my mind I also that artful pieces like that impact people differently, so don’t limit me yourself on the number of pieces to show the world Love the work you do and I love how you keep us so involved in your creative process. It helps for someone who’s less creative like me.

[@Warshipmodelsunderway]

Wood is not truly special until you give it a name. Tim, a slab of mahogany, has been hiding the in rafters of my shop for 20 years waiting for that special project worthy of him.

[@foos.998]

Great choice to make the walnut glossy, Dave.

[@jaron1990]

Wow! I rarely like wooden art, but this one came out so good. and the glossy epoxy finish... looking sick. great great great job

[@jeremygunkel]

Saw you show part of this on the podcast and was excited to see how it turned out. Looks great!

[@chriscalon8913]

Love it! Good work David. I really like the bent wood frame. Very unique!

[@johnrosekelly7920]

Excellent! I love the direction you are moving with your videos and your projects.

[@danielhanawalt4998]

I like that...a lot. The best part is the contrast of the center piece with the frame. Neither would be nearly as nice alone. Nice work and video.

[@jimrosson6702]

Absolutely stunning I love this idea of the frame being part of the art .amazing work can’t wait to see more. Thanks for sharing

[@j.justin1511]

Absolutely love it, man. Beautiful work. MOAR PLZ!

[@eddieroy8037]

Love the project its probably my favorite art projects you have done thanks for the inspiration

[@woogaloo]

This is definitely art. I heard you talking about it before, but seeing it...wow. I love how it's disconnected, but connected. You really are a woodworking artist - whether you believe it or not. Great stuff as always!

[@jasonzodda]

More like this! Love the idea. So inspiring.

[@chaoticlogic588]

I love the direction this is going. 1000% right call using a high gloss on that focal point. I can't wait to see the evolution of this unfold. Great job man.

[@splinters_66]

Love the art approach to your work, encourages us to think outside the box 🔥👏

[@ttapion]

Gloss was definitely the way to go. It looks like a polished stone! Pretty cool. Thanks Picciuto!

[@Lilreedo87]

This is so cool!! I love all of the choices you made and the white acrylic looks great because it makes the center wood round pop!

[@mcmathwoodworks]

David, I love the design of this piece! It’s so cool to see you use the frame as part of the art! This is a fun one, great job!

[@whhsfordian]

You did a great job with the commentary at the beginning and end explaining what you are trying to do and why. And I am about as far away from being an artist as anyone can be but I really enjoyed the artistic aspect of this.

[@davebauerart]

Love all the exploration! Definitely reminds me to try something new!

[@jordandominy7295]

That is gorgeous. One of my favorite projects that you’ve done.

[@justinbanks2380]

10:21 that piece looks amazing! Right here with the lighting and camera it looks like glossy/shiny plastic and really cool, but having seen the earlier part, I imagine as you see in person and get closer, that amazing walnut adds so much more depth. Like any good art, it always has layers and depths. Bravo.

[@andyiliff7793]

This piece looks really amazing, David! I love the contrast in finish, color and shape. It works beautifully! As always your work continues to inspire me. I just moved back to the Toledo area and I hope that we have the chance to cross paths so I can thank you in person. I'm excited to see what you come up with next!

[@JNewellworks]

Very cool David! I like how different that is from the norm.

[@mikejones2057]

Because I listen to the podcast I know you’ve been working on the styling and tone evolution of the videos… BUT regardless I would have complimented you on how beautifully paced and edited this one was. It elevated the story … which in itself was great! ❤

[@MasonWiseman]

Love the piece! The cookie reminds me of the death star from Return of the Jedi. Just a much more organic looking version haha. Maybe if you do fill it in with acrylic you could do a space design of sorts to emphasize that. Cheers and great piece!

[@dkquick72]

What a beautiful piece of art!!!

[@TotalBoat]

Absolutely stunning work! Love the frame!

[@kenncollins2558]

Inspiring, as always. Also, I nearly stopped before the final seconds and I'm glad I didn't. Thank you!

[@BillDiehl-bf2bf]

Loved this project! At first I was confused when you referenced the cool "little bung-holes" in the wood. Upon rewatching the video, I realized you were talking about "bug holes"

[@threesteaks]

I think that turned out awesome! I dig the idea of mixing art and woodworking. Thanks!

[@garagemonkeysan]

Great film, love the shots and story. Super cool build. Mahalo for sharing. : )

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

This looks so good. I am not an artistic like you. SO I don’t plan on doing any “art” pieces. But I love love loved watching this. I learned something AND I enjoyed it. I too have lots of wood that I’m saving for the “right thing”. I’ve stepped away and just started using it. You are such a great artist!

[@jlathem56]

Outstanding piece of art. Something about the center dome piece makes me wonder how it would look if it stood off the wall a half to an inch, just to give it a little more separation.

[@davidczepanski1359]

That's cool, Dave. Nice work. Took a risk; nailed it.

[@JoshWrightWoodworking]

Really cool, I like how it looks with the acrylic 👍

[@roadtriplover.]

It really is a lovely piece. Well done!!!

[@am0ebab0y]

I was thinking it would be cool if the cut off bits of the cookie would be in the other bits of the frame, but this is beautiful as it is.

[@jorgeconcheyro]

ufff, looks in-credible David!!! Cheers from Buenos Aires!!!!

[@esterndesign]

Amazing process and end result. To me it looks like an olive with a toothpick going through it. Like an abstract nod to a martini or something. Keep up the great channel!

[@saraestrapala5306]

This turned out great! Nice job!

[@kevinmcleod6329]

hell yeah man, keep doing your best work. The art and the videos are on point.

[@Kernowwoods]

I love the evolution of your channel and your style dude. Kudos for staying true to yourself 🤙

[@craigarmstrong5185]

My son gave me your end grain cutting board book- I love it!

[@jeradjohnston]

Thanks for the outro! 😂 One of my favorite edits you make. Always makes me smile.

[@masontejera506]

Beautiful work David! Love the ever evolving feel of your videos!

[@LewHarriman]

(In my opinion) Great decision on the white acrylic as the background! Nice and simple, highlights the walnut and does not "get in the way" of either the walnut or the lovely bent laminations... which might happen with a color.

[@MrTravbub]

I’m not close to the level of skill and expertise as you David but I get better by watching and learning from you.

[@tyrsrightarm1240]

This was really cool! I'm gonna do something like this in my shop

[@JoshBCamp]

I love this. Such a cool piece and unlike anything I’ve seen on KZbin. I hope you make and share more art pieces. I’m trying to get some of the creativity I had in college back and this is very inspiring.

[@paulcharette6400]

This is super cool David. Love it.

[@spenserolson7937]

Really loving the lighting in this. Much more interesting than the typical "KZbin" look

[@mwrcrft]

Nice art piece, The three separate pieces is interesting using the wall as the canvas vs mounting to a substrate. Now when it sells the buyer could ask for the wall behind it to be included since it is now part of the art. Maybe?

[@kyleh6962]

That was great being able to see the Stepcraft cookie cutter, what a helpful tool, so much better than using a CNC. 😂

[@ClaesKamp]

Great video! Love the new editing style and really enjoy these more experimental projects. Cheers

[@herbertliedel7019]

Really came out nice. Keep the inspiration going. I'm only a few miles north of Toledo in Monroe County.

[@thegentlemanmaker]

I can give up my saved wood any time. It’s not a problem. Also, awesome project!

[@woodvibecreation]

That's super good looking. It's a good idea to make it shiny and it kind of make me think about the death star of star wars, that's cool !!

[@PR-WoodWorkingCreations]

*Very Creative Project Looks Fantastic!!* 🌟 *Beautiful Work of Art 🎨 Amazing!!* 👍🏻

[@ZOEng99]

Cool. Love your work. I do have a small point of contention….’woodworker like overkill’…..not all of us do. Some of us thrive on simplicity and understatement.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Looks really slick, David. If it were me, I would remove the acrylic, but I get what you were going for. Nice build. Scott.

[@tomphillips2473]

I think Cookie Monster found your wood cookie! Great video as usual 🙂

[@DennismMaler]

David, I really liked this project. My unsolicited opinions: I prefer the white acrylic because it contrasts with the dark wood. The pale blue of the wall would also look good if you removed the acrylic, but any darker surface wall I think wouldn’t look as good (without the white in the frame). I know you normally don’t like glossy, but it works for this because the dark wood almost gives it a mirror finish which I think helps enhance the center wood piece.

[@TetraCNC]

Of all the stuff I have watched you create; this may be my favorite piece!

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

This is awesome David ! Looking forward to seeing where this road takes you, have a good one.

[@BenJensen-dy4lv]

"Monster Bandsaw" ....Insert video of Jimmy Diresta laughing next to his bandsaw. ❤😊

[@masterricon]

The glossy is the right choice with the dome shape of the cookie. The light reflections changing as you move around the room wouldn't be a feature if it was satin finish.

[@markduggan3451]

That looks awesome.

[@cady.moriarty]

This is the nicest gas station corner mirror I've ever seen, all jokes aside, it's a fantastic piece of art

[@CorbyQ]

Well Mr. Picciuto you are very talented and I admire your work and channel. I would love to hand out with you for a day and be able to pick your brain. Great job keep up the great work. Sorry to hear about your friend. God bless sir and have a great 4th of July.

[@subrotochatterjee5788]

Good job. Just saying that the white background in the two triangles appears dull due to the shade of the walls being light coloured. You can still have more eyeballs on your glossy walnut disc even with some bright green or sun yellow or some other non-white colour. Check it out in your computer!

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, Dave! Nicely done! 😃 But art doesn't need to be divisive. It can be, of course, but doesn't need to be. After all, it's the artist's expression. That's all. And remember: Ryan Johnson used to say it and he killed Star Wars. Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@danieldurkton2942]

Very Cool!!! Looks Great. Enjoy your Sunday…..

[@negotiableaffections]

As an artist first 2D & 3D, I've evolved into music and woodwork. . .take it from me, Dave Leave the piece just as you've displayed it. It looks perfect and when its displayed on a different coloured wall, you'll appreciate the white acrylic being a smooth setting for the glorious centrepiece. Great work!

[@karri4135]

Gorgeous as always! Your groove at about 10 minutes in should be your theme music!! 🙌

[@karri4135]

9:46 that is

[@karri4135]

Ok got distracted at the music… really love this piece. Think you’re right-the frame is part of the artwork. Would love to see the wall show through as a lead in to the center, which is so cool. I’m also curious-is this in three pieces?

[@sapelesteve]

Very unique and unusual piece David! Well done! 👍👍🔨🔨

[@bradgreen7270]

Beautifully done, Dave!

[@ericlee8344]

I got some Wes Anderson vibes from this video and LOVED IT!

[@makeitkozi]

2:51 sketch reminds me of the Video Power trophy, lol. I love how this turned out. It definitely seems like something in a gallery.

[@Wordsnwood]

Did you consider making the straight parts of the frame out of strips to match the curved pieces? Really like how you domed the walnut!

[@mikeygee4564]

Looks awesome, great job

[@robandsharonseddon-smith5216]

I love this kind of content. Your bought all the... were fun but this is really you. I really would like to see more. Super thanks in the hope that the algorithm will prefer that to a snappy title...

[@baleavitt]

Such a cool piece!

[@dandavis5832]

Project came out great Dave, now you need to use the special wood scraps to make a new special special piece

[@toddsmash]

I love that library room/music room mate.

[@alexturek5664]

Yoooo! That is awesome! Nailed it. Totally inspirational! And for what it’s worth, THIS woodworker Loves Overkill (start with the Years of Decay, a thrash metal classic!)

[@kypass]

Amazing art! Good work.

[@zachpygall3063]

Great video! I really enjoyed seeing the creative process. I love watching your videos because of how much you focus on the art side of everything. Yes, you will still make some “standard” furniture, but you always make the art of it the focus and push yourself to experiment with strange designs and materials. You also don’t seem to beat yourself up too much if something doesn’t work as well in practice, which is very inspiring. This art piece is really cool. My personal opinion is that I’m not keen on the acrylic and the only thing that would change my mind is if the acrylic acted as a light box. Even cooler if the lights had sort of a rippling effect like water! Maybe something Bob could collaborate on 👀. But that’s just my personal taste! Anyway keep up the creativity, I’d be so stoked if you released videos more often but I’d be devastated if that meant the quality/creativity dropped so you do you 🤘🏻

[@Toyotajunkie]

Awesome piece

[@phillipprior102]

That looks freaking amazing. Very cool.

[@aaronblackford981]

Looks awesome.

[@jasondoust4935]

That's a beautiful piece. Well done. Just a thought - if you wanted to up the pain threshold, but possibly the gain in another iteration, those joints as bridles would be amazing, strong and right on point with that modern look. You could even sneak a dowel in to lock them up, because, you know, woodworkers *love* overkill. : )

[@fouroakscrafts7240]

Wow! That is a beautiful work of art. Very creative!