Do-It-Yourself Framing Suggestions? ...

Hello ...

Might anyone know of Do-It-Yourself framing shops in Northern Virginia?

I have a small sampler that I would like to frame as economically as possible. Any and all suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

Linda W.

Sara ...

Thanks so much for the information about Michael's.

Could I ask a few more questions?

Where did you have the foam core cut?

And then did you go to a glass shop to have the glass cut to size?

I used to take samplers to a Make-A-Frame shop, where I could choose the frame, have the foam core and glass cut, and the put the frame together myself, with supervision from the shop personnel. It was great.

However, it appears that these shops are no longer as plentiful as they were. I couldn't find any listings in my local Yellow Pages.

So I'd like to explore your method.

Thanks again!

Linda W.

If the Michael's has a framing area, they'll cut foam core.

They may cut glass, as well. Some do, some don't. It may depend on who's working that day, and whether they've been authorised to use the glass cutter.

There may be such a store in your area, just not part of the frnachise.

I order frames, matboard, and foam core from American Frame . The wooden frames come assembled.

-- Jenn Ridley : snipped-for-privacy@chartermi.net WIP: TicTacToe Sampler, Snow(BentCreek), Oriental Butterfly Most recently Finished: Morning Glory, FrankenFauna, Water Lilies Stitching log:

I buy the foam core and cut it myself..usually an XActo knife or carpet type knife works very well. Just measure and use a metal straight edge.

I also use stainless steel pins to pin the fabric to the foam core. Can't help with the glass or matting, as I have my DMIL do those for me! (Love having a professional framer in the family!)

Dannielle

I also cut the foam core myself with a straightedge and Xacto knife. Just watch the fingers! As for glass, I didn't use glass in mine so I've never tried that. I do know that you can get a glass cutter at a hardware store that scores the glss, then you carefully break along the score line. Seen it done but you may not want to try it yourself, I don't think I'd want to. If you want a mat, you can have it cut, or buy a mat cutter that cuts as the correct angle. My mother has one but I'm not sure how well it works. Might be more economical if you were going to cut a lot of mats, but I really don't know. I also use pins to pin the fabric to the foam core edges, but then I lace mine and remove the pins. Depends on preference. As for the back of those frames, you can get a roll of paper at Michael's in the framing section meant for that, then you run the glue down the back edges of the wood and glue the correct sized paper on tightly. Worked ok for me. Good Luck!

"Dannielle" wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...

A hint I learned here a few years ago (Theresa from Shakespeare's Peddler, maybe?) is that, after you glue the paper on the back of the frame, lightly spray it with water. When it dries, the paper shrinks a bit and makes the back nice and tight.

HTH

Joan

Clarice in AZ,

Where can you buy the spacers? Do you have to ask for them at the frame counter? I have not seen them out with the mat board and frames you can buy.

Thanks Sue in MD

Try for spacers ar the frame counter, or just use very small bits of the leftover mat board or cardboard. It is just to keep the glass off the needlework. At Michael's, they may be packaged alongside the framing supplies.

Clarice in AZ

Jenn ...

I've searched my Yellow Pages, and haven't come up with any frame shop that offers the do-it-yourself option. I guess there's not as much interest in that as there used to be -- or something.

Thanks for the link to American Frame. Their prices seem to be quite reasonable. I wonder if I could order one that I'd receive sometime the week before Christmas? I guess I should e-mail them and ask.

Thanks again ...

Linda W.