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Here, here on Frames by Mail! I'm hooked on them. Bananas selection, super affordable. Don't think they do glass, tho.

Thanks for the ideas! Anyone have good/bad experiences having vintage movie posters linen backed here in Chicago??

I spent ages online, with no success, trying to find somewhere that sold custom-size mats (already have the frame and glass) and ships to Australia. Does anyone know of a frame shop that sends internationally? Thanks.

I had a great experience with www.framefit.com.

I had two large etsy prints I wanted framed with white mats and plain white frames. Michaels, including their 50% discount quoted me over $500 and framefit.com charged just over $100. Sure I needed to assemble the frames myself when they promptly arrived. I'm not a DIYer but it was easy. They provided clear instructions and the results were great. I was very happy.

For a very special piece of artwork I would have it framed professionally but framefit was a great affordable option that I'd definately use again.

PS uglyisbeautiful, any framing store in Australia should be able to cut you a mat in the size you need. You just need to select and purchase the board from them and then they usually charge a cutting fee on top of that. It should work out cheaper than international shipping.

thank you so much for this - i have a collection of odd size prints and posters and have been having the darnedest time trying to find frames for them!

most places won't ship glass and most likely not to Australia if they do... Shipping glass (unless it is small) is asking for trouble.

I usually do all my of own framing. Micahels and Hobby lobby and i pick up the frame sections usually at half off. Pick up some archival foamcare while i'm there. Their matboard is not so great and way overpriced. Then to lowes or home depot for plexi. Or to my closet for all the extra plexi i have, and need to cut one.

If you get plexi cut, ask for the rest back. you are paying for it. and then save it for next time. cutting plexi is not as hard as it would seem.

Dick blick is ok for matboard. Ordered a lot when I was in school. they didn't pack the box good in the corners and it all dented, so i had to work around it, good thing i didn't need a full sheet.

Swiss clips from dick blick are good for that frameless look and quite easy to use. $8 for clips then provide a backing and cover.

Had JoAnns do a big piece for me. 33x47 with a nice metal frame and non glare plexi. at 60% off it was $180, but worth it.

If you're doing it yourself go for metal (and you're new to it). Wood requires more parts and experience. Metal you just pop the pieces together, slide the art in, and push the spring clips in. easy peasy.

I'm doing a piece right now, 24x27. Was going to use swiss clips but remembered a 24x24 frame i'm not using anymore, so i shall take it apart, buy a 27" section, and then cut some new plexi. I was worried about plexi bowing at the size, as well as i would need masonite. foamcore with swiss clips are a no no, but i can use it in a frame.

I was just asking a friend today for frame sources! What excellent resources you all have posted here, THANK YOU!

Pearl Paint is my number one.

I bought a frame from this place. I have not put it together, but it was very inexpensive and plain which is what I wanted.
http://www.pictureframes.com/
They also have kits that you can buy if you wanted matting materials, glass, backing, etc. It is very affordable.

For B!-- I've been away from Chicago for about 8 years, but is that artsy store across from the Institute of Art still there? Called Posters Plus. They sell (sold?) posters, books, art-related gifts and had a framing desk. They seemed pretty knowledgeable--you might stop by. (My movie posters are cheap repros, so can't help you on the specific linen backing question.)

I mostly go to Utrecht (http://www.utrechtart.com/) for mats and the most perfect natural wood frames in standard sizes. They have stores scattered all over the country but I've had nothing but good experiences from ordering from their site.

I've considered Frames by Mail, I have a bunch of oddly shaped prints from Etsy that I'd eventually like framed.

i have yet to order from this place but really want to. it's not the cheapest, but the frames look beautiful, you can get them with different inlays and everything

http://www.metroframe.com/

Artist Frame Service (on Clybourn and in Highland Park) has a poster framing special
http://www.artistsframeservice.com/framing/. The 32 x 40 with frame, glass, backing, hardware is $129. They are really helpful and do great work.

Thanks for this great list of resources. I know that for me, I have had the best luck with Frame Destination. They carry all of the framing supplies you need and specialize in custom frame sizes for digital photos and the prices are great. They have just added a line of black frames and colored acid free mat board. they also have a lot of information on their site on mounting artwork.