You need:

• Photograph printed on lightweight paper
• stock (such as glossy brochure paper)
• Bottle with cork
• Sand
• Shells and/or pebbles
• Raffia
• Scissors
• 2 bamboo
• skewers
• Funnel
• Glue (optional)

Take a look at a larger image of this fun bottled frame.

To make:
1. Using scissors, crop photograph to desired size. We recommend making photograph 1 cm (½ inch) wider than bottle so that it will curve, resulting in a panoramic illusion.

2. Carefully roll photograph (with image on inside) and insert into bottle. Allow photograph to sit for several minutes until uncurled. Holding one bamboo skewer in each hand, insert skewers into bottle; use tips of skewers to position photograph. For best visibility, place photograph no more than 4 cm (1½ inches) from front of bottle.

3. Using funnel, slowly pour sand into bottle, to depth of about 1 cm (½ inch). Using skewers, carefully push bottom edge of photograph into sand.

4. One at a time, drop shells into sand, arranging carefully with skewers as needed.

5. Seal bottle with cork.

6. Wrap raffia around neck of bottle. Glue shell to raffia if desired.

Can't get enough crafting? For more inspiring ideas and DIY tips visit The Craft Blog.

This story was originally titled "Message in a Bottle" in the August 2012 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!