Let's talk picture frames.

[_gingerstocking]

What or where do you guys and gals go for picture frames for your best work? Be it for your own personal use, to show off in art shows, or to sell.

I'm looking for ideas both for personal use, and for presenting in art shows that aren't going to drain my wallet. Build quality of frames you would find at places like Walmart, Target, etc. is sketchy at best. And, at least for me, the selections always seem to suck. I'd really like to get some opinions from those who are more versed and have more experience in this area, because I'm a total newbie when it comes to finding quality frames that don't cost an arm and a leg.

Also, if this is in the wrong section, I apologize. Please feel free to move it wherever if that's the case.

Any and all help is appreciated! :thumbup:

 

[ronlane]

I have started using Hobby Lobby here in OK. Most of the times I can get 1/2 off with a coupon, so I get them one at a time or when they are on sale.

 

[EIngerson]

Wal-mart, Dollar general….Nowhere special. I like a cheap minimalist type frame so it doesn't detract from the image.

 

[D-B-J]

Michaels crafts has good frames and good deals.

Jake


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[_gingerstocking]

Went to Walmart tonight just to take a look.. found 2 that I thought would work. Bought them. Came home. Reworked a couple pics just to hit some final details and when I went to order prints, realized Mpix doesn't print in either size I got the frames in lol. Figures. Guess I'll be going back tomorrow and returning them.

Also, I will look into some of the places mentioned. I'm in Wisconsin so assuming they have an online store and can ship, I might be able to find something. Thanks. :thumbup:

 

[Designer]

I'm very cheap, so I've bought most of my frames at the SA store. I will generally paint some black so they all match, color-wise. The black ones are for our "picture wall" in the living room. I hang the gold-painted ones in my corridor. I stay away from the metal and composite materials.

 

[kathyt]

I tend to go on the frame-less side. Canvas, photo blocks, different mounts, metal prints, and standouts. Just some other options.

 

[wyogirl]

I just bought my first metal print and I have to say that it is so freakin cool! However, I have had things framed for me through mpixpro and they do a good job. As for retail frames, Michael's Crafts has a large selection and usually sales.

 

[JustJazzie]

Every frame I have bought at Walmart has completely fallen apart! One of them had the glass fall out from behind it after being hung for over a year. I happened to be by it when it fell, and It sliced my hand open! Another one fell off the wall and shattered when we weren't even home! Be careful hanging those at art shows! My suggestion is to check thrift stores! They usually have a million frames for super cheap. Even if it's already got something in it you can just replace it with your own work. My favorite frame I've found there is a really nice thick 8x10 matted to hold 5x7 solid oak frame for like $2! It's of corse hit and miss though so you just have to go hunting every once in a while.

 

[tirediron]

I tend to go on the frame-less side. Canvas, photo blocks, different mounts, metal prints, and standouts. Just some other options.

This! Float wraps and metal are my two favorites.

 

[ronlane]

Went to Walmart tonight just to take a look.. found 2 that I thought would work. Bought them. Came home. Reworked a couple pics just to hit some final details and when I went to order prints, realized Mpix doesn't print in either size I got the frames in lol. Figures. Guess I'll be going back tomorrow and returning them.

Also, I will look into some of the places mentioned. I'm in Wisconsin so assuming they have an online store and can ship, I might be able to find something. Thanks. :thumbup:

What size were you wanting to print. Sometimes on Mpix, you have to select to view all sizes.

 

[KmH]

I order the parts from a variety of places online - like Custom Pictures: Frame in Metal and Wood ? DIY Picture Framing - American Frame.
That way I can get custom sizes, because I crop for content rather than to standard sizes.
I enjoy doing the assembly myself.

I only use archival mount/mat/glazing materials and framing techniques.

For standouts, gallery wraps and such I use a variety of pro labs

 

[grafxman]

I ordered several 13 X 19 frames from these guys a few years ago:

Wholesale Picture Frames and Poster Frames Direct From The Manufacturer -

They offer a gigantic selection of sizes, trims, materials, etc. Their frames are made in the USA. They have 82 different styles of wooden frames that typically come in sizes from 4 X 6 to 24 X 36. They also have metal frames, poster frames, shadow box frames, etc. I was very happy with what I received.

 

[_gingerstocking]

because I crop for content rather than to standard sizes.

I'm the same exact way. Which always ends up annoying me when I can't find a good size for print without cropping my images in a way that I dislike.

What size were you wanting to print. Sometimes on Mpix, you have to select to view all sizes.

Well I generally crop my images in a way that's more rectangular than square, so sizes like 8x10 always end up forcing me to take too much off the sides.

This is the one that I'm referencing at the moment.


Blitzkrieg by Ryan Hainstock, on Flickr

8x10 takes too much off the sides. I either lose the airplane and half the building or I lose most of that small streak on the right side half way up. Which, neither is the main focus of the picture, but for me, I like the entire scene as it stands since I crop for content, not size.

 

[Designer]

Another thing you can do to maintain the current aspect ratio; mat.

Oversize frame, and cut a mat to the shape you have here.