Stop Going to the Framer

Courtesy of Erica Reitman
Graphic: Erica Reitman

Hi Friends,

There is something special about a beautifully framed piece of art with the perfect mat in an eye-catching frame. The skill and artistry that's required to successfully frame a unique piece of artwork is no joke, and this talent warrants appreciation and admiration.

Many designers would not even consider ever doing anything with their artwork other than having it professionally framed by a skilled artisan in a frame shop but some of us are just not one of them.

Don't Like to Wait
Patience is not a specialty for most. Perhaps having the ability to have almost ANYTHING delivered to my door in less than an hour can officially ruin you, but yep: The majority of us are officially ruined.

Typical wait times at frame shops are usually a week to two weeks, as it takes some time to frame a picture properly. But some of us just couldn’t play the waiting game.

Buy Less Expensive Art
If you're lucky enough to have beautiful, more expensive pieces of art, you can display and feature artwork that comes in the form of inexpensive prints. Order artwork off of sites like Etsy or Society 6, which often do not command custom framing jobs.

Want Flexibility to Change Your Mind
When you get a piece of artwork professionally framed, the idea is that the artwork will then live in its frame forever. The art and the frame get married, have kids and live happily ever after for as long as they live. This means that you can’t pop open the frame and switch out whatever is in there. Once it’s in, it’s in.

It's Way Less Expensive
Having artwork custom framed is expensive. Unless your art is purchased at galleries or art shows the pieces custom framed either cost as much as the artwork itself, or in several cases, even more. Now, of course, this will depend on how large your artwork is, as well as the type of frame, mat and glass you choose, but rest assured no matter the choices you make, it will not be cheap.

Get to Use Your Instagram Pics
With the rise of Instagram and social media, our options for artwork are greatly expanded. Many of your favorite photos end up on your phone, and you have to love the idea of using an app or a service that can connect directly with your Facebook or Instagram feed and then print photos from there.

So, What Do You Do Instead?
Ok, so if I’m not going to the framer, what are you going to do with all your artwork?

Purchase frames from Ikea and frame things myself. Ikea has a good selection of frames in all sorts of finishes and sizes at affordable price points. Or, purchase frames from big box stores like Target or Walmart. Keep in mind that these stores tend to have more of a selection for smaller items.

Purchase framed art from flea markets and thrift stores, ditch the art and keep the frame. You can often find pieces that have gorgeous frames but scary artwork. In those cases (if the price is right), don't feel guilty about throwing out the art and recycling the frame with one of your own pieces.

Use an online service like Framebridge; this is an exception to the "Don't Like to Wait" because sites like Framebridge make it super easy; they allow you to upload your artwork and pick out all the details of your frame while wearing your PJs and sitting on your couch. While pricier than using an Ikea frame, it’s still way less pricey than going to a local framer.

Frame all your own artwork and save lots of money doing it...

Check back for more great framing ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne