Framing the finished article

[May]

I love stitching, and would love to display more of my finished work. But I find it so expensive to get them framed.
My latest venture was 8 x 10" and cost £45 for single mount.
Does anyone else have this problem?

[~threadbear~]

Not really because I tend to look in second hand shops and buy frames there or get one in a sale dead cheap.
My owls for example, the frame is lovely (well I like it ) and it only cost £4.99.

Not the best picture, but it was taken on a phone.

[May]

I've never tried framing them myself - don't you need to stretch it etc? Is it quite easy?

[Happy Stitcher]

I want to have a go at my own framing but so far I haven't tried to do it myself. I think I will make that a goal for this year though because, apart from the expense of getting it done by a proper framer, it must be such a sastisfying feeling doing it yourself. I just need to find some confidence to make a start and learn. Maybe I'll make it a new year resolution!

[Granny]

I do a toss up between framing or adding quilted fabric borders and making a hanging. Depends more on my mood or how I feel about the piece. Stretching is really quite simple. Then I cut the piece of cardboard, wood or art foam core board cut slightly smaller than the frame to allow for some bulk. I usually cover it with a piece of fabric or light batting. Then I center the work and secure it on the back with a few pieces of tape so it stays in place when I flip it over. Then it is a matter of using a heavy strong thread and lace it corset style from end to end and side and side folding the fabric corners and cutting away some bulk and also securing those. It's something that really needs a tutorial and I am nowhere near ready with Thistle Stop which is probably my next project to frame unless I get busy and do the insert for a wooden box. My frames and the final sizes of my works are based on the work and can vary somewhat. I have bought art work because of the frame and ditched everything but the frame and glass. I have also purchased frames that come in sets of two pieces and you make your final size from that. Another choice if you have the access to a miter saw is to buy the framing in 10 ft lengths and cut your exact measure. The only thing I don't do myself is cut the mat board. I have tried that but it didn't look professional enough for me. So if I have to get the glass that and the mat I end up purchasing from a framing place.

[K1nS]

I have always framed my projects myself, it does cost alot when you pay someone to frame them for you. Maybe you should try that... if not, why not see if any family member is willing to do it for you?