apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I'm going to be tying up some loose decorating ends pretty soon. One of the things I would like to accomplish is to frame a print that I have. I would like to frame like this: http://www.picturesonwalls.com/Art_Artists.asp?Artist=Stanley%20Donwood&Offset=0&PageNo=1

Problem is, a frame store would like to charge me $750 and I would like to do it for under $100. Any suggestions?

Sounds like a DIY project to me. I see similar looking wooden frames in thrift stores all the time. A little paint, buy your matting, and voila.

if you can find a frame like that then you can DIY, but finding the one the right size never works. Don't pay the 750 though, that is outrageous.

but i doubt you'll be doing it under 100 either. if you care about the print and you do find a nice frame. get some UV non glare plexi. It isn't cheap, but it is fantastic.

Yeah... framing isn't cheap. Joann's and Michaels ALWAYS have coupons for 50-60% off custom framing orders and they might have frames that ornate (although I'm not positive). There are also places where you pretty much do all the framing work, they just hand you the supplies. Art supply stores often have an extensive selection of mat board and a mat cutter for you to use (or campus bookstore if the school has a good design department).

Otherwise keep an eye out at thrift stores/antique shops for frames like that. Finding the right size can be hard, but with the right matting you can have a little bit of leeway. Good luck!

Jayson Home outlet (below their store on Clybourne) has a large selection of discount wood frames from Artist Frame Service next door, in all shapes, sizes and styles, usually between $15-$50. I frame all my art there. Bring the print with you and pick a frame with a size that works and a style you like. Then take the frame and print to "Great Frame Up" or a similar DIY frame shop. Have them cut your matting and glass, and assemble it yourself. You should be able to do everything for under $100. The only catch is I've heard Jayson's outlet is now gone or moved. I would call ahead and see if the outlet frames are still available and if so where.

Hi Maaikeh-
The frame outlet is now held the first Sunday of each month at Artists Frame Service (1867 N Clybourn). One day a month we put out bins of the same frames that used to go over to the old outlet at Jayson Home & Garden. You can pick out a frame and have us help you right there if you want.

Abbe at Artists Frame Service