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Looking through my stash I noticed I have about 6 completed pieces that need to be framed.

As much as I love going to a framer, they are just so darn expensive and right now I can't afford to get that many done. Does anybody know of a way to get the materials to do it yourself? Some of the pieces I could finish in other ways, but most of them I really want in a frame to keep them protected.

There's a few ways: family member with a shop preferably a wood shop if a wood frame is required. Or space to cut foam core board, matting, xacto blade, T square, tape measure. A place undisturbed for a few days. Caution with razor blades. A lot depends on experience, tools, knowledge of tools use, space/table to power tools which is a lengthy list. We all work at different skills. Youtube is always a good start. Google frame ideas. Discount stores for frames, flea markets/yard sales. Take a plunge to refinish or paint used frames. There's a lot of possibilities.

I am also just starting to frame my own pieces. I received my order from Framesbymail.com (highly recommended by respected youtuber) just yesterday. I've watched various youtube videos on framing and read some blog posts, and will try the lacing method first. Haven't decided if I will be using foamcore board or old matboard as the base.

- Tricia
aka afdish

I've framed pieces using FramesByMail as well, and it really is much more economical than bringing it to be professionally framed. You can also choose to order an archival quality foamcore backing, so it will already be cut to the size you need to your project! The only downside is if you like to have glass in your frames. They have plexi but not true glass.

I've had pretty good luck with American Framer, which sells custom sized pieces and supplies. They aren't as cheap as making your own frames, but the styles and colors make up for that---plus, they are far less spendy than Michaels!

firekissed wrote:The only downside is if you like to have glass in your frames. They have plexi but not true glass.

I've had glass cut at Michaels in the past and it was pretty cheap. I am sure any place that does framing will cut glass. I like my stuff under glass, but that's just personal preference.