How To Make Picture Frames

How do you make picture frames?  Well, it's a fairly basic process that takes a lot of patience and practice.  The process consists of 3 basic steps--measure, cut and assemble.

MEASURE the outside portion of your artwork or photograph to determine the size of frame molding that you will need.  If the outside dimensions of your matting are going to be larger than that, be sure and include that measurement.

CUT the amount of frame molding that is required to cover the outer portion of your matting.  Cut the corners at a 45 degree angle.  

ASSEMBLE the frame molding by gluing and/or nailing the corners so that they become 90 degree angles.

MEASURE and CUT a piece of glass or acrylic so that it will fit inside the frame molding.

MEASURE and CUT the outside of the mat or mats so that they will fit inside the assembled frame molding.

MEASURE  the portion of your art print or photograph that you want to be displayed (and not covered by the matting). Transfer this measurement to the inside of your mat(s) and CUT out that portion of the mat(s).

MEASURE and CUT a piece of foam core board so that it will fit inside the frame molding.

ASSEMBLE the framed piece inside the frame molding in the following order--

         Glass or Acrylic

Mat Boards

Photograph or Art Work

Foam Core Board.

Then seal the back of the frame with a protective paper to keep out bugs and or dirt.

Add any hardware from which to hang the framed piece.

YOU'RE DONE!! You now know how to make picture frames.