Do you mat & frame your own pictures?

Maybe this is the wrong forum. I'm looking for information on matting photographs and prints. Normal size like 8x10 etc. are cheap but, I need a few odd sizes and the cost of mats at Michael's and A.C. Moore caused me to choke! I can't imagine what they would charge at a regular framing shop.

I Goggled some information and all was fine until the list of supplies needed. Mat cutter, $1400.00! http://framingsupplies.com/Fletcher/Fletcher2100.htm I'm not planning on doing this for a living - just for some art work for my house :)

So I wandered in here looking for some alternative ideas to a mat cutter. I have exacto knives, T squares, self-healing cutting mat, rotary cutter. Any hints, ideas, advice? I'm probably making more out of it than it is but, I'm neurotic :rofl:

classes we had to cut our own mats for class. Have lots of blades for the exacto on hand....you can't cut many mats with the same blade. A sharp blade is key as is measuring carefully. I always used a metal ruler to help with my cuts.

mats. The bigger ones may be a little harder to do with the exacto. Thanks :)

It's tedious but it's doable. I did a lot of them but of course they aren't beveled.

;)

It's not easy and a mat cutter makes sense if you are going to be doing a lot of matting.

They run around $100.00 and come with a bevel cutter and a straight cutter and are really simple to use.

I have a simple mat cutter I bought at The Art Store (Dick Blick). It's hand held, nothing fancy but does a good job.
http://www.dickblick.com/products/logan-hand-held-cutters/

I've used an exacto knife. It's hard to get the beveled edge but with a metal straight edge for a guide it will do fine if you don't care about the beveled edge.

You can check clearbags.com for mats and backing boards. I get quite a lot of material from them and they have pre cut mats at reasonable prices. Much better than Michaels.

So for $30 or so bucks more you also get the straight cutter and rail system and the instructional DVD.

Great price

http://www.dickblick.com/products/logan-301s-compact-mat-cutter/

and the heads up. That's a price I can live with ;)

;) That's a good deal.

You know what this is going to turn into don't you? I'm going to have to hang around here more and learn to take really good photos. Another 'hobby'.

We only live once, right. :party:

Thank you Stevenmarc.

On edit: Great reviews, too. I ordered it :)

We are always happy to have new people. :hi:

The photos posted in the monthly contests - Wow, just wow.

There are so many things I want to pursue. I wish I had started earlier. :rofl:

It was always, 'someday' or 'when I have time'. For those of you under 50 - The time is now and someday is today. Go for it.

Thanks Mz Pip - I'll be back ;)

Which mat cutter do you have? There are several listed from around 24.00 -35.00 the cost isn't much different just want to get one that makes a nice cut and beveled, too! I didn't think about the beveled edge but, that would make the photo much nicer.

Guess I did come to the right place ;)

The prices are much better than the craft stores. I hate running around and coupons for sales, and it's usually a futile endeavor.

Clearbags has it all and good prices. Thanks Mz Pip.

http://www.altosezmat.com/

This is the one I have and it's great. Great story behind it, too.

But thanks to this thread maybe I can step up my game.:thumbsup:

I just look for deals from the various places 'round town. I just picked up some of the Gallery Frames from Michaels that were on sale. I keep a stock of matted/frames so when I need something hopefully I'll have it. The odd-custom sizes I have to spring for custom.

http://www.michaels.com:80/Gallery/products-framing-gallery,default,sc.html

If you sign up for their email club Jo-Ann Fabrics has some nice premade stuff and you can get it on the cheap. I've bought a few trippyticks from them. There also was a chain of stores called Frame-it-Yourself but I don't know if they are still in business.

You can also spend the day Good Will Hunting. I can always find something. You may have to remove whatever "art" is in the matted/frame and do a little refurbishing but they are always very inexpensive.

If you enjoy doing stuff like this, I can understand. I make my own paper and books but they are much more forgiving if you screw up. If a mat is cut crooked you're stuck.

for frames. It's those darn odd ball sizes that hurt the wallet. :(

This place is special, there are no two ways about it. Is it any wonder why Liberals/Progressives are the greatest peep's on earth....

I have never seen a more friendly place that was so eager to help.

Bravo Zulu! You make me proud being a member of this fine group.....

It's a jungle out there. Here it's peaceful, artistic and quiet.

All politics and no play makes me sooo cranky :evilgrin: