Mother's Day Photo Frame Gift

It took me a while to truly settle into my own signature design style and the feel behind the products I create. In the early days, I was very much a “yes” girl, saying yes to every custom request whether it suited my taste or not. I was focused on building my shop, growing a customer base, and “no” simply was not in my vocabulary. The result? Some pieces that, if I am honest, did not really feel like me.

Over the past 7 years, that changed. A lot. I now design with one simple rule. If I would not proudly display it in my own home, I will not create it. There are so many talented makers offering every style imaginable, and they beautifully serve customers whose tastes differ from mine. But for me, creating timeless, meaningful, heirloom-style designs that feel calm, organic, and lasting is where my heart lives.

When my Easter SVG designs began gaining momentum in my Etsy shop, I knew it was time to start thinking about the next meaningful season, Mother’s Day. But I felt stuck. So much of what fills Pinterest and Etsy leans toward bright colours, playful themes, and child-focused keepsakes like handprints and footprints. These are sweet, sentimental, and full of love, but they often become pieces that are gently tucked away once the day has passed.

What stays out in my home, year after year, are family photos. The quiet, everyday reminders of the people we love most.

And that is where the idea began. A Mother’s Day photo frame that doubles as a fridge magnet. I wanted something simple, thoughtful, and beautiful. No tiny pieces to lose. No complicated assembly. Clean lines, soft details, and an organic heirloom-inspired design that feels meaningful yet blends effortlessly into a well-loved home. A piece that is not packed away after Mother’s Day, but kept close, seen daily, and treasured over time.

And this is what I created.

MOTHER'S DAY HEIRLOOM PHOTO FRAME

What You'll Need:

SVG file 
1/8" birch or maple plywood
1/8" acrylic colour of your choice for the bow
Superglue (or 3M adhesive backing)
Scissors
Photo (2.5"x3.5" or larger)
A pen or marker
3M Magnetic Tape (not pictured)

Instructions

1. Download and unzip the SVG file.
2. Open the SVG file in your laser software. The red layer is used for score lines, the blue are cut lines, and the black are engraved. Depending on which laser you have, the wattage, and the material you're using, the settings will vary so use what works best for you and your machine.
3. The file includes a base layer, a spacer layer, and bottom layer, as well as an optional bow accent and a photo template.
   
   The base layer can be engraved with a personalized message on the backside if you choose, but if you're planning on adding a magnet to the back, then I would recommend adding the personalization closer to the bottom of the shape to leave room for the magnet. The middle layer is used to hold the photo which acts as a spacer between the top and base layers. The top layer has the lace frame details and an area for personalized message for mom or grandma.
   
   

   
4. Cut your project pieces on your laser. Wood should be lightly sanded to remove any smoke marks, then vacuum or brush the sawdust out of the engraving for a nice crisp engraving. If using eco wood products, a simple wipe with a damp cloth should do the trick! For the sake of not wasting material, I cut the photo template out of cardboard I had laying around.

   
5. Using the photo template, space and trace the outline onto your photo using a pen or fine tipped marker. Using scissors, cut along the line you just traced.

   
6. Using superglue, attach the middle layer to the base layer, being careful to line up the edges perfectly. It should only take 30 seconds to a minute to fully set. Add superglue to the edges of the middle layer and lay to the top layer overtop. Again, take a moment to line up the edges perfectly before the glue sets. For this project I used superglue to attach my layers, but many people are partial to 3M adhesive backing which can make this step much quicker and mess-free.

   
7. If you've decided to add the bow accent, this is layered right over the top piece, with the knot of the bow centered over the top of the frame. Again, superglue or 3M adhesive backing will work! In this case, I did have some 3M adhesive already attached to my white acrylic so I used it here. If using superglue, remember to give it a minute or two to fully dry before moving onto the next step.

   
8. Slide the cut photo into the frame and admire your work!

   
9. Turn the frame over. Cut a 1-1.5" piece of magnetic tape. Remove the sticker paper and adhere the magnetic strip to the centre of the frame back.

   
10. Package it! I like to use mylar window bags so the frame is visible while in its protective packaging.