Until (very) recently I hadn't taken a picture I felt happy framing but now have a couple that I would like to hang on my wall. This poses many questions for me ....
1. Pay through the nose for good quality frames/matting
2. Find cheap 2nd hand frames and use them
3. Find cheap frames in a shop and use them
4. Do it myself!
Now, out of all of the above I think 4 is the most appealing to me but the initial outlay is much greater (paying dividends later on).
I have been looking at FrameCo and their starter kits. Again this throws up questions, I know the cheaper the kit the poorer the quality so should I start by just getting a good mat cutter, letting them cut the frame for me and making the frame at home? Then there is the glass, should I cut it myself or buy pre cut glass?
I have had good luck with a mat cutter and frames found at the local Goodwill equivalent store. They often have frames in good condition that need only a bit of cleaning or polishing, and other frames that can be spruced up with a coat of paint, finish, or decoupage.
I also use plain, thin edge (approx .5 cm) black frames for 5x7 prints that I display all together, it is a dramatic look without the need for matting, and the frames can be found at Walgreen's for about $3.
DIY!! I took an 11x14 print to Michaels (a local art supply store and framer) and asked the cost of matting and framing this print. I was quoted $125.00 because of the frame I wanted, I still paid it thinking it was a good deal since I had no idea how to cut the matting and all that. A few months later I took another shot that matched the first one and again I printed an 11x14. I went back to Michaels and this time I purchased the same exact gold frame for $35.00 and bought pre-cut high quality matting for under $15. So.. $50 in all and hanging on my wall there is no difference. I will never pay someone to do that again. Check local stores like Michaels, ACMoore, etc..
