I'm going to be displaying some of my work in a local salon. I'm going to need to get about 10-15 frames probably. I don't have a fortune to spend on them though. Looking for a place with a good selection and prices. Thanks!
I have always used framesbymail.com, the prices aren't horrible and they have a very wide selection. They have a decent turnaround on getting them to you. They have screwed up my order once or twice. All in all, not a bad place for frames.
FWIW, it's not unusual to spend $70-$100 on the framing for a 18"x12" print.
That's a 17x23 relatively plain black wood frame with matting, hardware and a sheet of clear glass and a dustcover. I do it myself, having someone else do it will cost more.
Thanks alot for those links! Very helpful! I think I'm going to go with Americanframe.com I custom made a 16x20 wood frame with a 12x18 double mat for $53 with shipping. I'm gonna go to Michaels tomorrow first and check on their pricing too.
American Frame has fine merchandise. I've bought from them and thought the quality of the frames was just fine (wooden frames). However, I'm probably batting about 0.250 for them getting the order exactly right the first time. Once the order sat for a week before it was processed. Once they sent a miscut frame. They took care of the problems, but the cheaper prices is likely reflected in quality control and ease of use.
I'd still buy from them again, but not for something with a deadline or that just had to be right the first time.
Get frames from IKEA cheap, and they come in multi-packs. The bonus is that they dont look half bad!
Get a LoganHandheld Mat Cutter and Adapt-A-Rule. I recommend getting the "Pull Style" cutters. They're easier to use.
Go to your local Art Supplier and pick up some white-core black board and some plain boring backing board. I find Bainbridge makes very good board, but it may not be available everywhere. Go somewhere with a reputation. Get the better board. It will pay off later.
Then you can make frames and mount into great looking board at a fraction of the cust of getting it done in the shop. It takes a few goes to get the hang of mounting your own stuff. Just make sure you measure your board twice, and cut once. (also make sure you cut the bezel on the foam-core board the right way.) The Logan equipment pays for itself very soon.
The Cutter from BHPhotoVideo And the Logan 524 (24"/61cm) Adapt-A-Rule Can be bought for about $40-$50 USD.
I buy all my frames at Michaels Craft store when they have them on 50% off sale. I can usaully get them for $15 a piece for a 16x20 frame with an 11x14 mat. :)
Oh, and I also have a Mat cutter... great investment. About $40 plus the cost of mat board
have two classes left (of 12) in a DIY framing at the local college
utilizing what i've learned ...
fit to size frame less than 90 linear inches circumference c/w UV glass
for less than 20$ ..
Have made 8 so far ..
all handmade (therefore increasing perceived value)
tools to do this -
miter trimmer 150-200$
framing vise 25-50$
logan matte cutter 75$
glass cutting attachment (for logan cutter) 25$
point stapler 25$
a router & router table $$$$
you can get away from using a router by buying premade frame moldings
that quickens things but increases the cost to 1-3$ per foot for the moldings
do it yourself, you pay .25-.50 /foot and you have more variety of styles & you can uniqify ;) your frames ...
(wood frames i was using, made in China, no UV glass, were running 40$ for a 16x20 )
