How to Make Fallout Wasteland Warrior Scrap Frame DIY

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How to Make Fallout Wasteland Warrior Scrap Frame DIY

Craft your own post-apocalyptic frame wall art using plaster, Mod Podge, and Fallout flair!

Let's get started!

Create your very own piece of post-apocalyptic wasteland art!

Learn how to easily make a Fallout-themed frame using a base of wet plaster and filling it with found junk item finds like bottle caps, bobby pins, chains, bullet casings, ultracite and more.

This hands-on project is perfect for fans of the Fallout universe who love combining crafting with their gaming and collecting.

Let's turn everyday odds and ends into a striking, one-of-a-kind display that feels right out of the wasteland...bonus points for a Fallout screenshot photo!

Bring the wasteland to your craft table with this DIY Fallout-inspired collected scrap picture frame!

Just like the power armor frame, weapon mod or armor crafting table, this project transforms ordinary junk into something extraordinary.

Using items like Nuka-Cola bottle caps, bobby pins, letter beads, and even green ultracite ore crystals, you can give a simple picture frame a rugged, post-apocalyptic makeover.

The best way to capture the spirit of the Fallout universe is by combining creativity with scavenged odds and ends—no pep files required, just your imagination and a love for the game’s resourceful aesthetic.

Bring the wasteland to your craft table with this DIY Fallout-inspired collected scrap picture frame! Just like the power armor frame, weapon mod or armor crafting table, this project transforms ordinary junk into something extraordinary. Using items like Nuka-Cola bottle caps, bobby pins, letter beads, and even green ultracite ore crystals, you can give a simple picture frame a rugged, post-apocalyptic makeover. The best way to capture the spirit of the Fallout universe is by combining creativity with scavenged odds and ends—no pep files required, just your imagination and a love for the game’s resourceful aesthetic.

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR WASTELAND WARRIOR FALLOUT JUNK FRAME:

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Wooden frame (I used one with a 4x4 opening)
Plaster of Paris
Mod Podge (gloss or matte – your choice)
A little water (for mixing consistency)
Plastic cup or bowl (for mixing)
Craft stick or spoon (for stirring)
Old paintbrush or spatula (for spreading the plaster)
Assorted “Fallout junk” – small items like:
Mini screws, bolts, and nuts
Bobby pins
Plastic Alphabet Letter Beads (to spell out Wasteland Warrior)
A tiny nuke bomb charm or model piece
Nuka-Cola caps
Nuka Quantum bottles (resin or mini plastic ones)
Ultracite ore (colored quartz or glass chips)
Random metal bits, gears, and scrap pieces
Hot glue gun (optional, for extra security after drying)
A Fallout screenshot or favorite photo (for your frame insert)
Paints or metallic wax (optional for weathering and dry brushing)

Step 1: Prepare the Wooden Frame

Start with a clean wood frame — you can use one from the dollar store, a craft store, or even a thrifted one you plan to upcycle.

My frame warped a bit as it dried with the water from the plaster on it...you can use a plastic or resin frame instead to avoid this.

A square frame with a 4x4 opening works perfectly and gives you a nice surface to build texture around.

If your frame has a glossy surface, lightly sand it so the plaster can grip better, and wipe off any dust.

Step 1: Prepare the Wooden Frame Start with a clean wood frame — you can use one from the dollar store, a craft store, or even a thrifted one you plan to upcycle. My frame warped a bit as it dried with the water from the plaster on it...you can use a plastic or resin frame instead to avoid this. A square frame with a 4x4 opening works perfectly and gives you a nice surface to build texture around. If your frame has a glossy surface, lightly sand it so the plaster can grip better, and wipe off any dust.

Step 2: Mix the Plaster of Paris

In your mixing cup or bowl, combine:

½ cup of Plaster of Paris
2 tablespoons of Mod Podge
A little bit of water, added slowly

Stir well with a craft stick or spoon until the texture is thick — like frosting or peanut butter.

The Mod Podge helps bind the plaster, making it stronger and a little more flexible when it dries.

You want it spreadable but not runny. If it’s too thick, add a few drops of water at a time.

Step 3: Apply the Plaster Mixture

Using a craft stick, spatula, or even your fingers (go full Wasteland mode!), spread the plaster mixture across the front of your frame.

Don’t worry about perfection — this is meant to look rugged and weathered!

Add texture by patting or stippling the surface with your brush.

Create raised areas, small cracks, and uneven layers to mimic the look of aged concrete or worn metal.

Cover the entire surface area where you plan to add embellishments.

Don’t worry about perfection — this is meant to look rugged and weathered! Add texture by patting or stippling the surface with your brush. Create raised areas, small cracks, and uneven layers to mimic the look of aged concrete or worn metal. Cover the entire surface area where you plan to add embellishments.

Step 4: Add Your Fallout Junk

While the plaster is still wet and workable, start embedding your “junk” pieces directly into it.

This is where your creativity shines!

Arrange your Fallout-themed bits however you like — aim for that scavenged, put-together-from-the-wasteland aesthetic:

Alphabet Beads reading "Wasteland Warrior" or a fun phrase!
Ball chain as a fun border
Mini screws, bolts, bullet casings, cogs and nuts give it a mechanical feel.
Bobby pins nod to the game’s iconic lockpicking skill.
Nuka-Cola bottle caps for instant Fallout recognition.
Resin Nuka Quantum bottles or small toy bottle replicas.
Place Ultracite ore (or quartz stones) for a hint of glowing color — representing valuable crafting material from Fallout 76.
Finish with a tiny nuke bomb charm as a fun accent.

Press each item gently into the plaster so it’s snug but still visible.

Some items may need a little extra Mod Podge or a dab of hot glue to stay secure once dry.

This part feels like digging through an old toolbox in the wasteland — every item adds to the story your frame tells.

Press each item gently into the plaster so it’s snug but still visible. Some items may need a little extra Mod Podge or a dab of hot glue to stay secure once dry. This part feels like digging through an old toolbox in the wasteland — every item adds to the story your frame tells.

Plan out where you want each item to end up before you start mixing the plaster.

Then set them off the frame, but keep them in order, so you can work efficiently once the plaster is ready.

Add the largest items first, and the letter beads, then fill in with smaller pieces.

Have some of the bottle caps show the Nuka Cola label, and have some of them upside down for variations.

Step 5: Let It Dry

Allow your plaster-covered frame to dry completely.

Depending on thickness and humidity, this can take 8–12 hours (or overnight).

Once dry, the frame will feel sturdy and solid.

Check to make sure all your pieces are secure.

If any feel loose, reinforce them with a dab of hot glue or extra Mod Podge.

Step 5: Let It Dry Allow your plaster-covered frame to dry completely. Depending on thickness and humidity, this can take 8–12 hours (or overnight). Once dry, the frame will feel sturdy and solid. Check to make sure all your pieces are secure. If any feel loose, reinforce them with a dab of hot glue or extra Mod Podge.

Step 6: Paint and Weather the Frame (Optional)

If you love the raw plaster look, you can leave it as is. But for a truly Fallout 76 vibe, add some aged, metallic, or rusted effects.

Try dry brushing with a little metallic silver, bronze, or gunmetal paint to highlight the raised areas. A bit of watered-down brown or black paint wiped into the crevices gives a grungy, post-apocalyptic patina.

You can even add a light coat of white paint or ivory dry-brushing to make it look dusty — like it’s been sitting in the ruins for decades.

Wipe with a paper towel as you go to blend layers for that perfect weathered texture.

Step 6: Paint and Weather the Frame (Optional) If you love the raw plaster look, you can leave it as is. But for a truly Fallout 76 vibe, add some aged, metallic, or rusted effects. Try dry brushing with a little metallic silver, bronze, or gunmetal paint to highlight the raised areas. A bit of watered-down brown or black paint wiped into the crevices gives a grungy, post-apocalyptic patina. You can even add a light coat of white paint or ivory dry-brushing to make it look dusty — like it’s been sitting in the ruins for decades. Wipe with a paper towel as you go to blend layers for that perfect weathered texture.

Step 7: Add Your Picture

Now it’s time to make it personal! Print out your favorite Fallout 76 screenshot, in-game photo mode capture, or even a character portrait.

My picture is with me and my husband in game, looking at a Nuke go off in the sunset.

Trim the photo to fit your 4x4 opening and secure it inside the frame. You could even swap it for a Vault Boy image, a map of Appalachia, or a wasteland landscape — whatever moment from the game means the most to you.

Once it’s in place, step back and admire your custom Fallout junk frame — a piece that feels both handmade and scavenged straight from the wasteland.

Step 7: Add Your Picture Now it’s time to make it personal! Print out your favorite Fallout 76 screenshot, in-game photo mode capture, or even a character portrait. My picture is with me and my husband in game, looking at a Nuke go off in the sunset. Trim the photo to fit your 4x4 opening and secure it inside the frame. You could even swap it for a Vault Boy image, a map of Appalachia, or a wasteland landscape — whatever moment from the game means the most to you. Once it’s in place, step back and admire your custom Fallout junk frame — a piece that feels both handmade and scavenged straight from the wasteland.

Optional Add-Ons

Want to take your Fallout frame even further? Try these bonus ideas:

Add a small LED tea light or glow resin for a glowing radiation effect.
Paint your Nuka-Cola caps with metallic acrylic paint or seal them with Mod Podge for shine.
Hot glue a small gear or cog to one corner for a steampunk look.
Add a bit of moss or sand around the edges for an abandoned, overgrown aesthetic.

Every small detail helps tell your story — the story of a survivor crafting beauty from the ruins.

Optional Add-Ons Want to take your Fallout frame even further? Try these bonus ideas: Add a small LED tea light or glow resin for a glowing radiation effect. Paint your Nuka-Cola caps with metallic acrylic paint or seal them with Mod Podge for shine. Hot glue a small gear or cog to one corner for a steampunk look. Add a bit of moss or sand around the edges for an abandoned, overgrown aesthetic. Every small detail helps tell your story — the story of a survivor crafting beauty from the ruins.

Why You’ll Love This Project

This Fallout-themed plaster frame is more than just a craft — it’s an artistic expression of your love for the series. Each element — from the bobby pins to the Nuka caps — connects to an in-game mechanic or collectible.

The plaster of Paris + Mod Podge combo gives a strong, textured base that looks like aged concrete, while the embedded junk celebrates the creative scavenger spirit of Fallout.

Plus, it’s completely customizable — you can swap the theme for other games, movies, or fandoms. Try a Starfield, Mad Max, or Cyberpunk 2077 version using different color palettes and props.

Why You’ll Love This Project This Fallout-themed plaster frame is more than just a craft — it’s an artistic expression of your love for the series. Each element — from the bobby pins to the Nuka caps — connects to an in-game mechanic or collectible. The plaster of Paris + Mod Podge combo gives a strong, textured base that looks like aged concrete, while the embedded junk celebrates the creative scavenger spirit of Fallout. Plus, it’s completely customizable — you can swap the theme for other games, movies, or fandoms. Try a Starfield, Mad Max, or Cyberpunk 2077 version using different color palettes and props.

That's it!

This project was so much fun — and the finished piece makes an amazing conversation starter. It looks straight out of the Fallout 76 universe, complete with every bit of Wasteland Warrior charm and scavenger style.

The combination of plaster of Paris, Mod Podge, and Fallout junk gives a tactile, dimensional result that perfectly captures the rugged beauty of the post-apocalyptic world.

If you’re a Fallout fan or just love unique, mixed-media crafts, this is one to try. It’s equal parts art project, upcycle, and nostalgia trip — and best of all, every frame will turn out completely unique.

So grab your plaster, your Nuka caps, and your hot glue gun, and create your own Fallout junk art masterpiece. After all… war never changes, but your crafting skills just might evolve to legendary status.