3) Do you do your own framing or do you use commercial frames?
- I do my own framing = 6
- I use commercial frames (i.e., store bought) or a commercial framer = 9
- I use a private framer = 7
Additional comments:
Bobbi Angell: I order frames and glass from a commercial frame shop and assemble them myself. The same frame shop will also cut the openings on mats when I have measured and marked them according to what I need, for a couple of dollars an opening.
Olivia Marie Braida Chiusano: I use a private wholesale framer.
Bruce Lyndon Cunningham: I build all of my frames, if you go to my web site you will see. Also if (my painting) is of a tree species, the frame will be made out of that wood of the tree.
Beverly Duncan: Generally I use a professional/commercial framer for my work. Occasionally, for small and local shows I might purchase frames from an online site and frame myself. I float the work, using plastic risers purchased for this use.
Jean Emmons: Though I do my own framing for gicleé prints, I like to use a private framer for originals. I get too close to my work to see it in an unbiased way, and a framer with a good aesthetic sense can really help present one’s work to its best advantage.
Carol E. Hamilton: I order mats, frames, backing and Plexiglass on line and assemble them myself.
Kathy J. Imel: Used to use private framer; have started doing the framing myself using commercial frames.
Robin Jess: I use a private framer who charges reasonable rates. It is important to present your work professionally to really show it off. Sometimes I will purchase a ready-made frame if I find one that looks good for a particular purpose, but I never cut my own mats. If I have that much time, I would rather use my time to create the art and let someone else make the mat and frame. I am better at the art – and they are better at the framing!
Libby Kyer: I will build my own frames at a nearby frame-it-yourself store. I always select my own frames, mats and other necessities (filets, etc.). However, I recently found a commercial framer with an amazing array of sticks (frame materials), so will probably be using her for important pieces in the future.
Mindy Lighthipe: I do my own matting and framing. I have a wholesale account with several vendors and standardize my sizes so I can swap paintings at a moments notice. This reduces my inventory of frames and expenses.
Sherry Mitchell: I use commercial frames, but assemble them at home. Having a reasonable mat cutter is a benefit, as is a knowledge of framing techniques and a good background in colour, design and museum quality framing.
Rose Pellicano: I use commercial frames and sometimes a private framer depending on the specifications for certain exhibitions or if the size of my painting is not a standard size.
Rayma Kempinsky Peterson: I usually order frame parts from Opus in Vancouver. Then I assemble them myself.
Scott Rawlins: All of my frames are purchased ready made (I make sure my drawings are suited to standard size mats & frames), or made specifically for the work(s). I used to cut all of my own mats, but when double mats are needed, I arrange to have the framer supply these as well.
Susan Rubin:
I do all my own framing. Several years ago I realized that the amount of framing I needed annually (25-45 pieces) was costing me too much! A professional framer trained me in the necessary skills to cut mats and glass and assemble conservation-quality framing and I opened and account with a wholesale framing supply. There was a lot of trial and error resulting in the waste of some expensive materials, but I am now quite competent and find that I am less apt to limit my framing choices by cost.
Dolores R. Santoliquido : I use a private framer.
(Although) I am capable of framing my own artwork, the framer I use is better able to frame my art in a manner that truly compliments the artwork. If the work is slated to go in a show with specific requirements I use commercial frames with Plexiglass.
Wendy Smith: I generally do my own or have a skilled friend do my framing if
circumstances allow it. A trade in services is great if possible, otherwise commercial framing can be very expensive.
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