Today’s question comes from Christie, and she asks:
“I would like to receive information on “learning how to do custom framing”…..like cutting mitered frames…etc….please send anything helpful!
Thanks!”
Do you have any information that might help Christie?
Please leave your response below under the “Comments” Section. Thanks!
Hey Christie!
My sister, Teresa Baldwin, (owner/manager) has a picture
framing and matting business in Rossville, GA and her office #
is 706-965-9966. I believe they are open from 8am-5pm, M-F
EST. If you call and she isn’t there, you could talk to Jim (husband) or Sarah (daughter) office manager and I’m sure they
will be able to help. They have quite a large distribution area
consisting of several states and the union might be lucrative for
both you and them. They do all the work right on site in thier
factory so there will be no middle-man! Give them a call!
Good Luck! Keith
A few years ago I decided that I wanted to frame my own prints, etc… I did quite a lot of research and eventually found a book which was helpful – it gives all the relevant technical information to make your own frames. The name of the book is “Home Book of Picture Framing” 2nd Edition – by Kenn Oberrecht. ISBN – 0-8117-2793-9. … Lee Valley – Fine Woodworking Tools provides all the necessary tools to get started such as the V Nail & Brad Driver, Picture Framing Point Driver, Veritas, 4-Way Speed Clamps to hold your frame together while it is drying. … Recently my son asked me to frame some large prints for him – in the past I have bought the moulding but will attempt to make my own from solid pine. My husband is very helpful in this area as he has a workshop and has been making my frames for my canvasses. … It is very important to use carpenter’s glue in your corners – a few weeks ago I used a substitute wood glue and left my frames outside overnight – the humidity separated my corners which does not happen with a good carpenter’s glue!… If I can be of further assistance don’t hesitate to contact me. Over the years I have acquired so much information from artists on the web that I am more than happy to give back what I can… take care – Shirley Rose.
If you have a hobby lobby, stop in the frame department and observe the miter saws that they use. Watch them put a frame together and ask questions. The saws are somewhat expensive since they use fine tooth saw blades with critical guides. There are some inexpensive corner vises to hold your frame after its been cut and glued. Its another form of art. You can practice on inexpensive pine. A good mat cutter is needed and a good steel rule to cut straight lines. Lots of practice on scrap mat board.
Try Amazon.com for books on artist framing. Doc Ferguson
I frame all my own paintings and am more or less self-taught. I found a company called Frameco In Melbourne, Australia that is devoted to self framers. They have been invaluable and have all the equipment and supplies, together with “how to” notes. I believe they are also active in America. If you wish to continue to later levels with your framing they have an Amateur Picture Framers Association you can join, that has an onsite international forum – any questions are posted and replies come in from all over the world. A marvellous facility – even for a 65 yo grannie! Give them a look on :- http://www.clubframeco.com Good luck and happy framing!