Kids Picture Frame for Canon Zoemini Pictures

This simple frame holds 3 pictures that are quick and easy for a child to change whenever they take new ones.

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When my 6 year old granddaughter came to visit recently, she brought her instant camera - which I believe was one of the Canon Zoemini models? She took some lovely pictures for me, but I had nowhere to put them. So I decided to make my own display frame.

As I had 3 pictures, I chose to incorporate them all into one easy to print frame, using bright colours, no glass of any kind, and to make them simple enough for a child to change pics whenever they want to do so.

I have a multi-colour printer. So I could have designed the frame to be printed in one piece. But I wanted it to be available to all those with single-colour printers too. Therefore I designed the picture apertures to hold separate bezels that clip into the main body.

I didn't want to mess around with magnets or fancy hidden hangers; I wanted it to be as simple to hang as tapping a pin in the wall. So I chose the simple solution of a plain old hole in the frame, and adorned the top with an old-fashioned shoulder-type shape to exaggerate it as a feature of the design.

Because I wanted it to be easy for a child to change the pictures, rather than add any sort of removable back, I just made rear slots where pictures can simply slide into place. But this compromise has left one minor issue that affected my print, and might annoy some: It results in a very thin unsupported front edge that caused print artifacts. I'm sure these could be tweaked out easily enough if I wanted to play around with settings. But, to be honest, I can live with it! For those who can't, I've also included the SketchUp files, or you can just tweak it from the STLs.

The three bezels self-clip into place. This means they can also be easily changed. But there's nothing stopping you from glueing them if you prefer - just make sure you leave the gap clear underneath where the pictures are supposed to slide below them.

The main part prints fine - although it's a bit of a squeeze on the Bambulabs X1-C's bed. I printed it with the long edges going left to right. I also used a brim to avoid any lifting or warping, so it all gets VERY close to the edge of the plate. But it fits OK as you can see. I also pulled the print towards the front to avoid the rear priming lines. I know these can be turned off, but I haven't needed to do this so far.

If you prefer to, you could add some support under the thin bits that created the artifacts I mentioned earlier. But I suspect this would likely be quite tricky to clear out afterwards if not done skillfully. Since I never used any, I can't say!

Experiments with the bezels showed me that an outer brim is best - just remember to print with the little locating wedges uppermost. Mine would have looked better with a smooth print plate, but I forgot, and am happy enough with the results

I think that's everything. Have fun, and don't forget to use bright and whacky colours for the best effect.

You've been framed!

Happy printing.

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Minor update 11/07/2023

Increased thickness and width of bezel frames to make them easier for little fingers to handle without breaking