There are several ways to frame a picture, ranging in simplicity and cost. When deciding how best to frame a picture, consider your budget, deadline for framing the picture and what will look best with the picture you have chosen to frame.
Ready-Made Frames
Most big-box department stores, craft stores and art stores will sell ready-made frames in a variety of standard dimensions. Some of these frames will be made from basic plastic or wood, while others will be more elaborate in detail. When choosing a ready-made frame, decide what type of frame would look best with the picture. Consider the predominant colors in the picture and the subject matter of the picture. Frames that are heavily decorated will usually look best with simple, straight-forward pictures, such as portraits with flat backgrounds. Avoid purchasing a frame that will compete with the picture for attention. If the picture itself is busy, with patterns and bright colors, then a simple frame may be best.
Many ready-made frames will come with mats included inside that may be used with the picture to be framed. If you wish to use the mat, you will need to buy a frame larger than the dimensions of the picture in order to leave room for the mat.
Custom-Made Frames
Most art stores and portrait studios will provide a framing service that creates custom-made frames for pictures. The fees for creating these frames are usually quite high; even an inexpensive frame may cost between $50 and $100. These frames usually come with mats that set the picture away from the frame.
Custom-made frames are an excellent choice if your budget allows for it, because they give the pictures a look of professionalism and are guaranteed to match the appearance of the picture being framed.
Home Made
Home-made picture frames can range in complexity and may be made by children or adults. For an easy frame-making project, children can glue together pre-cut strips of lattice into a square or rectangle shape. Once dry, the frame may be painted and decorated with ornamentation.
More complicated frames may be made by purchasing straight cuts of wood from a lumbar yard. The wood is cut to size and sanded. Miter joints for the corners are cut, and the wood is glued together. Small nails may be hammered in around the edges to reinforce the bond; the wood is then stained or painted.
