Framing 

Framing

For an artist who wants to exhibit their work - or even just give it as a gift - framing can quickly become a real headache.
But the good news is, it's a challenge that can be solved, and often quite simply.

If your painting is small (up to A4 size), you can easily make a mat (or passe-partout) using materials you likely already have at home:

• Measure the outer edge of the mat to match the inner size of your frame.

• Measure the width and height of the inner window of the mat.

• Make two diagonal cuts from corner to corner, across the mat’s window.

• Fold back the flaps along the cut lines to create a pocket, and slide your painting in.

This trick works beautifully for small works or personal gifts. But if you're submitting work to an exhibition, you'll probably need a more polished, professional look.

In that case, you have a few options:

• The easiest (and most expensive) -Take your painting to a local frame shop and let them do the entire job.

• The middle-ground - Buy a ready-made frame from a large store (like IKEA), then order a custom-cut mat to fit your artwork and frame. You’ll still do the final assembly yourself, but it’s much more affordable.

• The most budget-friendly (and "Do-It-Yourself" -heavy) – Buy a special mat cutter, get mat board sheets from a local frame shop, and cut your own mat at home. Pair it with an inexpensive frame from a chain store.

Personally, I use the third method.

If you're planning to do your own framing, here are a few things worth knowing:

• Mat cutters can be found on Amazon. I use a basic one, but the Logan brand offers a wide range -from simple tools to professional-grade cutters.

• Mat board comes in two types: acid-free (archival) and regular. The regular kind is cheaper but can yellow over time and damage your painting. If you're framing something important, go for acid-free.

• When cutting, place something sturdy underneath the board to protect your table - the blades are extremely sharp. I use cardboard from large boxes.

• Glass or plastic? That depends on how durable your frame is. If the piece will be moved around a lot (like traveling to exhibitions), plastic is safer. If it's going to stay put, glass always looks more elegant.
  
  

Summary

If you're planning to gift your paintings or participate in exhibitions regularly, learning how to frame your own work is absolutely worth it.