How To Professionally Frame Your Artwork at Home!

Properly framing your photos, posters, and other artwork is more than just putting it in an off-the-shelf frame--there are many tricks that professional frame makers use to keep your precious art pristine and looking great on the wall. Jen walks you through the process of making a custom frame using accessible specialty tools and tips she learned from doing this professionally. It's a process that's both satisfying and could also save you a lot of money!

Tools and materials

Shot by Gunther Kirsch and edited by Norman Chan

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Intro bumper by Abe Dieckman

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#PictureFraming #HowTo

[fogsmart]

As a lifelong woodworker and perfectionist with a full workshop I easily frame all my spouse’s artwork. As I don’t like ornamental frames and our clients have a preference for simple wooden profiles, life is good. A cabinet saw with sliding jigs, Teflon-coated cross-cut blades, a variety of clamping methods, and spline jigs, etc., allow for easy production. Where the challenge is falls to matting with a professional look, glass and plexiglass cutting and fixing in place, staining and finishing frames, designing interesting floating frames, and acquiring archival products generally. Basic Logan tools really help aid the process. For metal frames we still rely on the professional framers though diy kits are getting common now. Your video was basic but well presented and easily followed for the average diy crowd. I’ve also been know to procure really inexpensively priced used frames from second hand stores with cheap prints (to be discarded) whereupon I’ll modify, resize, and generally repurpose for our own use. While life ain’t picture perfect, the art and photography on your walls or on client walls can be pretty close to perfect😀

[davidgrason]

I loved this video. I worked as a trim carpenter for many years and my days were spent cutting one miter after another- door frames, base boards, crown moldings, etc. It never occurred to me to paint or color the insides of the miters in order to help hide any ill fitment. That's a great idea and I'm wondering why I never thought of it. But then, that's the reason we watch these learn from each other. Thanks again.

[OldManTheseDays]

Framing is one of the most most valuable skills any artist can have. I worked at a gallery for years doing custom framing. I can’t even calculate how much money I’ve saved being able to do this myself.

[christophergrove]

🇨🇦/🇺🇸... Hi Jennifer! My artist parents owned a Picture Framing business and Gallery, back in Canada. Seeing as I'm getting closer and closer to retirement (without much of a retirement fund at all... common these days) I've been thinking carefully about a retirement business that I'd ACTUALLY enjoy, rather than my present day job which sucks the life out of me. Because my hobby has always been photography and as I've occasionally done my own framing and have some equipment already, I've been thinking about doing this more seriously as my business. So, I've enjoyed watching your video. It brings back pleasant memories of my parents' business. Thanks!

[Nerdfighter]

I love the bird in the window that seems to always make a guest appearance :)

[PCHPatti]

Wonderful video. The Logan tool for adding the corner metal supports is a wonderful solution for us home framers! The simple tip of measuring the hanging wire distance to the top edge and noting on the back will save lots of guessing. And the colored wax to mask the miter corners is an eye opener. I hope all DIY framers find this video. You did a great service for us all. Thank you!

[sethcarson]

I love how I'm not even through the first minute of this video and the first tip is effectively "get a job at a framers, then when you leave rob them blind" I think this is gonna be a great video.

[matteolaborg]

I've always done my own artwork framing and now I see all the things I could improve. Thanks Jen!

[tommyfalt]

I've never actually thought about doing my own frames, but you make it look so easy and good so i will definitely try this myself .. Thank you very much Jen! ❤️.

[pyratenemo]

This has literally come out right as I’m considering how to frame a bunch of odd-sized embroidery projects, thank you Jen!

[terraleone]

This wasn’t what I was looking for but stayed for ALL the other information I didn’t realize I needed. I’m impressed!

[teressacooks]

Pro enough for me! Was looking for someone who not only knew what to do, but how to TEACH others! You touched on every possible scenario, and I really appreciate this tutorial! 😉 5⭐

[catmonkey]

I'm a photographer who wants to frame my work, your film is perfect! Really good explanation, thank you so much for sharing!

[TheEphemeris]

Tested covers such a wide variety of information. As she was talking about the pointing gun, it occured to me this is exactly what I've been looking for. I've been restoring an old hutch and cabinets with leaded window panes. They're loose and I've been trying to figure out if I can somehow nail them back into place... Turns out all I need is some framing tools and inspiration. Who could have figured that reinstalling a glass pane is the same as framing a painting... Thanks tested!!

[zarateom]

This was a really great topic for a video! As a photographer this is gold!

[joelupah]

Nice Vid. I liked seeing all the specialized tools of the trade. And all your tips.

[paulcooneyjr]

This was super informative, thank you! I've wanted to frame a number of things over the years but, never had a few hundred just lying around to have this some day piece framed. Very grateful you shared your knowledge!

[marksnyder]

I just watched this for the second time, to pick up some more points before planning out a few of my own projects. I'd love to see a followup on this, with more on matting choices, how big a mat border you want, color choices, etc. Cutting special mat boards has let me recycle thrift store frames for art of my choice.

[richardisom]

really liked the detail of coloring the ends.. especially if they don't directly match. awesome video!

[Jeffmetal]

Man, I'm Shortcut Sam over here! If I even decide to frame my stuff, I just do quick 45s with my chop saw, glue and blast finish nails through the side. Your method is WAY more professional and clean looking. =)