Someone asked me recently whether I would repeat a workshop I did eight years ago on how to create your own mats for your prints. (To review a PDF showing the steps I covered, go to: https://cvillecameraclub.org/sites/default/files/Make%20Your%20Own%20Cus...)
Of course I'd be glad to do another workshop again, and I'd also be glad to show you how to make your own frames. But over the intervening years, I've had second thoughts about DIY matting and framing, and here are the reasons:
- You have to buy the right tools and learn how to use them. (The 2018 costs for just the matting tools are listed in the above PDF, and those for frame-making are a lot more costly.) This means you'd have to make a lot of mats and frames to justify the investment.
- The supplies (mat board, backing board, frame stock) are also a cost that you have to consider, and even after you become proficient in all the tasks, you will make mistakes--and that can mean more costs and significant waste.
Having a local frame shop mat and frame your prints is very expensive, but there two economical alternatives:
- Ordering pre-cut mats, backing, and frames online, and then putting it all together yourself using minimal tools (a screw-driver!) and a few basic supplies. (This is assuming you've made your own print or had it done locally.)
- Uploading your photo to a custom-framing website, specifying a size you want printed, choosing your mat and frame, and then letting them put it all together for you.
The only challenge in ordering custom-cut mats and frames online is knowing the best websites and knowing how to navigate them. I've investigated all the sites that I could find online and have chosen one that I think offers the best selection of mats and frames and is easiest to use. It's Frames By Mail (https://www.framesbymail.com/), where you can easily order the components to assemble yourself, or where you can send them a photo file and receive the completed project in the mail.
Please let me know if you have any questions or would like help ordering online and assembling the components.
Gerry
