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September 20, 2010 at 5:59PM

olduser

  • Joined: Aug 2008

Where's a good place to get custom sized frames for cheap?
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September 20, 2010 at 7:00PM

FrugalForMyFriends

  • Joined: Sep 2010

1 of 1 people found the following reply helpful:

Re: Where's a good place to get custom sized frames for cheap?

Custom framing can be very expensive, especially if you are unsure of what you want. Shop around first and figure out exactly what you are looking for, then compare prices. I would say that some place like Hobby Lobby or Michael's is less expensive than a local shop, but only if you can get it done during a sale or with a coupon. Even still many of those places still end up costing in the $100 range. I think the cheapest way to custom frame something is to do it yourself.

This article has some great ideas about saving a lot of the cost by doing it on your own if possible. - http://www.ehow.com/how_4878841_frame-ar…

And I really like this one because the author includes pictures with each step on how to custom frame something on your own. - http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Cust…

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September 20, 2010 at 7:43PM

RealDeal

  • Joined: Mar 2008

Re: Where's a good place to get custom sized frames for cheap?

Custom and cheap are a fine line to walk when framing photos, art, or memorabilia. Custom means you want to get it just right, to your liking. Cheap means you're looking to catch a break on what it costs to do that. Given the obstacle of putting those two terms together, my best suggestion would be to look for local framing shops, and call them to see if they are offering any specials on custom framing. And be very honest about budget when you go in (and always take the print with you) so they can show you what they have. I do this any time I have an art show coming up. From doing this, I've found people in various price ranges and capabilities. In a smaller shop you're more likely to get craftsmanship first, rather than volume like in the national chain stores. Outside of that, AaronBrothers framing and Michael's art store seem to offer 50% off custom framing at different times (maybe owned by the same company? Because when one has 50% off, the other doesn't and vice versa).

I did custom framing for years while I was in college for an artist that sold prints of paintings between $500 and $5,000. I made sure every cut was perfect on the matte and frame. Unfortunately I don't find the same care taken when I give my photos to larger stores for framing. An overcut here, a frame mis-cut there... But I make them correct it because once it's done, you'll have it for a long time. And who wants to look at over-cuts in the matte corners for years (and you'll think...why didn't I have them correct that?!?!?!) The smaller framers will be more like I was. A matte overcut means you start over. The smallest frame scratch means a new piece.

You can frame them yourself. And after the first time when you buy a few items to make the work easier (matte cutter, frame cutter, etc), it is very cost effective. You order the supplies at wholesale and make your mattes and frames when they arrive.

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September 20, 2010 at 8:13PM

iGoBOGO

  • Joined: Aug 2010

Re: Where's a good place to get custom sized frames for cheap?

Right now there's a coupon in the current Michael's ad for 50% off your Custom Framing purchase. That should make for a really good deal. The current one is only good until the 25th, but I see them quite frequently in the weekly ad.

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September 21, 2010 at 4:31PM

passion4savings

  • Joined: Sep 2010

Re: Where's a good place to get custom sized frames for cheap?

Have you checked out Groupon? Sites like GrouponGirl.com post daily updates of the best online coupons and offers and I know there has been a custom framing option several times. That might be a great way to get custom framing at a discount.

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