I love to take my own pictures. My walls are full of my own photography. It feels good to know that I save money by using my own art work instead of hanging others. However, framing your own artwork can be expensive, especially when you consider the cost of purchasing the frame and matting. In your local craft a fabric store it can cost anywhere between $50 and $400 to have a picture framed. Using these tips, you can save money on your framing costs.
1. Purchase the matte separately.
When you purchase a frame with a matte included, it is often much more expensive that the cost of the frame alone. However, decorative matting is cheap and available everywhere. So instead of buying the picture frame with the matte included, instead buy a picture frame and then buy a matte with the corresponding frame size. This can save you several dollars every time you buy a frame.
2. Purchase the frame from discount stores.
If a frame is going to be up on a wall, then you can afford to buy a cheaper frame. Many dollar stores sell frames that look very nice. If you purchase the matte separately, then no one will ever know that your frame came from a discount store. Many times, a really nice decorative matte can make a cheap frame look more expensive.
3. Paint old picture frames.
Many of us have old picture frames just lying around our house. Instead of just letting them sit there and collect dust, paint them. A bottle of spray paint can be purchased rather cheaply from any home supply store, and it will give all your frames a nice cohesive look. If you don’t have any frames lying around, a simple trip to your local thrift store will no doubt give you dozens to choose from for very cheap. After you paint them, put the glass back in and add your decorative matting. They will look as good as new.
4. Purchase others artwork.
If you need a really beautiful frame, but simply can afford the hefty price tag, consider purchasing a cheap piece of framed artwork. Often times people don’t buy a particular paining and this causes it to go on sale. Many times these painting are in big, nice, well matted frames. All you have to do is go in through the back of the frame, remove the artwork, and insert your own picture. It is that simple, an so much cheaper than having your own artwork framed.
5. When all else fails, let your kids help.
Many parents love to frame their child’s artwork. This has become very popular in the last few years. Instead of purchasing frames to display your daughter’s latest masterpiece, encourage her to help make a frame for it. You can use many household items such as construction paper, paper bags, crayons, magazines and glue to make a beautiful, original frame. Or, if you have an old frame lying around, let your child decorate it as they wish. They will have lots of fun, and it will save you a lot of extra cash too.
Using these tips, you can have beautifully framed original artwork in your home for a fraction of the price.
