Cost-Effective Framing Ideas!
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Consider the space. Are you purchasing prints for a specific area? If that’s the case, cut out pieces of paper to different sizes, and put them on the wall with residue-free painter’s tape or a bit of masking tape. Try groupings of at least three frames. If you have a large wall, consider large prints! A beautiful photograph is that much more gorgeous when printed 10x15” or larger.
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Size matters. Standard pre-fabricated frames can help save money, especially if you find them on sale or purchase with coupons. You know the sizes: 5x7”, 8x10”, 11x14”, 16x20” and more. The interchangeable nature of pre-fab frames are friendly for those who want to display their art while saving up for a pro framing job.
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Here’s a real-life framing situation from one of my clients. For her space, she wanted one 16x20” frame, two 11x14” and two 8x10”. I enlarged her favorite shot to 10x15”, the next two favorites to 8x12”, and the final two to 5x7” to fit each of the frame sizes, respectively.
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Remember the mat. It’s essential to protect quality art from sticking to the glass or acrylic glazing with an acid-free archival mat. Pre-fab options available at craft shops will fit some pieces of art. If you’re saving on the frame, think about cutting a custom mat for your project. This is a great option to enhance the look of the piece you’re framing and get input from a professional framer. Also, if the artist signed the border of the work, you will want the mat cut perfectly to display the valuable signature.
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You can always DIY. Some frame shops – such as Framers’ Workroom in Washington, D.C. – allow customers to rent a worktable and materials for a small fee and frame the piece on their own. This comes in handy if you’re on a deadline and need it framed fast. If time is not an issue and you would like a gallery quality frame, try American Frame - http://www.americanframe.com/. They allow you to upload a file of your work to match it against different mat/frame combinations, will mail out samples if you want to touch before you buy, generally ship quickly, and include easy-to-follow assembly instructions.
*Remember to purchase acid-free mat board, mounting board, tape and other materials to preserve your work for generations.*
For beautiful prints that won’t break the bank, visit http://staceyviera.zenfolio.com/.