Do-it-Yourself Framing

[Steven Sweeney]

For the "handy" artist -- you know who you are -- this site might be interesting, Framing4Yourself .

You can purchase a variety of finished mouldings in both stock and custom lengths. What I was particularly glad to find here was a variety of raw (unfinished) picture frame mouldings in various lengths, like that shown below.

If you don't happen to have frame-building hardware (mitre saw, web clamp, v-nail driver, etc.), then you'll opt for the custom lengths, which come with corner joiners that quickly and easily snap in to complete your frame.

Another similar source is FrameFit , though the last time I used them, they did not carry raw mouldings.

[Steven Sweeney]

I've just used a Krylon paint product on a frame and I want to make a note of it here for the benefit of any other shop persons out there. (As in woodshop, not going to the Mall of America.)

I make a lot of my own frames and occasionally wish to dress them up a little, whether through antiquing or adding some complementary trim.

A failed effort in this regard (that is, the adhesive failed) led me to scramble for some salvation at the local chain craft store, where I found a Krylon 18 kt Gold Leafing Pen , which has produced very satisfying results. I only needed a 1/8-inch accent line on the rabbet side of the frame members, and this pen and a little masking tape did the job in about five minutes.

It's metallic paint (there's copper and silver, too) and a whole lot easier than working with foil or wax. (Sounds like I'm working in a hair and tanning salon, doesn't it?)

Though time constraints and gravity have slowed down my do-it-yourself practice, I'm going to now be deliberately designing those frames I do have time for to incorporate this element.