Source for cheap good large frames?

Question

I want to print some fairly large prints (about 12x18) and display them in my home. I would like to know of a good place to get the frames without breaking the bank. I would like a basic black wood frame with white matting of a few inches or more for a print of this size. Sort of a basic gallery style. Any suggestions where to buy?

Answer 1

Go to any Goodwill store or something similar. The matting you can make yourself if you don't see exactly waht you want. I bet you can get a big frame like that with some ugly 80's painting on it for like a dollar or so. Or get a carpenter to make you some basic frames. Its really easier than you think.

Answer 2

Go to your local craft store. You can buy a frame there. (they usually have up to 24x36" frames.) Michaels and Pat Catans have them. If you want to gallary wrap the back, buy brown craft paper in a roll, double sided scrapbooking tape (the kind that's in a kind of "white out roller thingie"), and a frame hanging kit with thick gauge wire and the circle screw thingies and an X-acto knife.
1. Clean the frame and allow it to dry all the way. If you have a can of air that you use to clean computer keyboards and electronics, use that to blow out any extra dust.
2. Put in the mat. Attach the pic with acid free tape to the mat.
3. Put in the backing that came with the frame and seal with the metal things that are on there.
4. Go around the edges, about 1/2" from the outer edge of the frame with the double sided tape roller.
5. Roll out the brown paper to at least an inch or two extra all around.(but don't stick on yet.) Cut.
6. Center the brown paper on the back. Start on one side and gently rub the paper smoothly onto the tape gradually do the same to the top and bottom at the same time, then the other side.
7. Measure about 1/4" inside the outer edge of the frame and trim off the extra brown paper with the x-acto knife. Be careful not to knick the edges of the frame.
8. Measure the frame from top to bottom. (the entire frame, not just the part where you put the pic!) Then divide that into thirds. You'll want to mount the hanging brackets 1/3 of the way down. Make a mark on each side with a pencil and screw in the brackets.
9. Now comes the hard part! Tying the wire. You want it at least 6" longer than the width between the brackets. Cut with wire cutters. Feed one end through the loop on the bracket by going over first, then under. Repeat. and pull tight. Then take the excess on that side and wrap it arround the part of the wire that will go across the back of the frame. Do the same with the other side being sure to pull it as tight as possible. There you go, a perfect gallery wrap!

Answer 3

i make frames using molding or baseboard purchased at home depot or habitat for humanity story. i find mats at teh dollar store and walmart. You can also try posting on your local freecycle list and ask for unused frames. You can always paint them black yourself. I have also bought cheap frames at the dollar store so they have glass and matting and paint them black myself. old wood windows also make interesting frames.