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How to Frame Your Own Art

If you have a piece of your artwork that you would like to display or give away as a gift, you will need to frame it first. Framing it can be just as rewarding as actually completing the artwork. By framing your own artwork, you are able to hand pick the size, style and color of the frame. Picking the matting is also a luxury you'll have. This gives you the ability to enhance the colors that you want to stand out in your artwork while giving it a one-of-a-kind framing.

Things You'll Need

  • Ruler or tape measure
  • Frame
  • Matting
  • Utility knife
  • Backboard
  • Eye hooks
  • Picture hanging wire
  • Hammer
  • Nails
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the size of your artwork. This will let you know what size of frame and framing materials you will need as your artwork is likely to be a one-of-a-kind shape.

    • 2

      Purchase a sheet of matting at an art supply store. Matting is cardboard that is used to prevent damage by separating your artwork from the glass and frame. Using the measurements of your artwork, you can cut the matting to the size of your artwork.

    • 3

      Pick and design your frame. Choose materials that compliment your artwork and that you can put into a shape that compliments your artwork. You might decide an oval frame works best and want to modify your own art to make a statement with the frame. This becomes another way of expressing your creativity. Choose only a frame that contributes to your art. Remember to put eye hooks on each side of the frame about a third of the way down. That's important so that you will be able to hang it easily on the wall.

    • 4

      Get some glass for your frame. Once you have your frame constructed, you will need to get some glass cut for the front. You can get glass from any picture framing store. You may want a glossy shine to compliment something in the art that you meant to stand out, or you may choose one that doesn't easily reflect light for a milder presentation.

    • 5

      Place your matting inside the frame first. This will protect your artwork from being damaged by being up against the glass. Since its your own art being preserved for display, take special care in this placement. Unlike a mere print of a piece of art that many people hang, your own art needs even more protection.

    • 6

      Put your artwork in the frame. Be certain to place your artwork so that it is not in the frame crooked. When your artwork is in the frame properly, place the backboard in the frame.

    • 7

      Attach the picture hanging wire between the eye hooks on your frame.

    • 8

      Observe your framed piece of art. If it represents your vision in its creation, you are done. Otherwise, try Steps 1 to 7 again until you are happy that your framed art represents your original artistic vision for piece.

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