Framing and 'finishing'

[Joan Breckwoldt]

Hello everyone,

I have a question regarding framing a portrait myself. I have a beautiful from from JFM and the portrait to go in it. I have framed some small oils myself, I attach the canvas wrapped stretchers with a hammer and thin nails, then cover the back of the entire frame with brown mailing paper. Then I screw in the little eye screws (?) and attach the wire. Viola! Ready to hang.

But, with a 22"x28" portrait, I'm guessing there is a better way to do this with special little dohickeys that probably have a special name. I'm also working on a 24"x36" portrait that I"ll want to frame hopefully in a couple of weeks.

I'm tring to avoid walking in to the local frame shop because I don't think they would be too happy about me supplying my own frame, that's how they make a lot of their money I'm assuming. And I think their labor charges would be very high to make up for not supplying the frame. Though I suppose this is an option to get a professional looking job.

So, how do you all frame the portrait once the frame is out of the box? Any information would be very helpful.

Thank you,

Joan