Frames and matting

[Tousabella]

Hi Dennis n Nolan;
Do you make your own frames and do your own matting?  If so, what all is involved with doing your own Mats?  I looked on the web, but they just want you to buy their tools.  Is it expensive to start, or even just to do your own?
Thanks.  Enjoyed today's class. Watercolor pencils are a lot of fun, and such interesting combinations to turn a colored pencil pic into a beautiful w/c pic!  Thank you so much.  Boy...you sure make my brain cells increase!!   

[Val]

I don't know about increasing my braincells, but it sure is waking some up! Ouch! 

[C.Bodine]

Tousabella, I know you asked this question to Nolan or Dennis, but I work in a wood shop and a frame shop. (same building) I do all my own framing.  Making frames without the neccessary tools doesn't work very well. The miters have to be exact to match up and look good. You can do it if you at least have a electric miter saw and a fine blade. The matt opening is cut inward at an angle. That requires a special cutter. Although it is difficult to do it, it isn't impossible. If you live in the US, anywhere near a Hobby Lobby, they regularly run 50% sales on their frames. I think ours charges $6.00 for a cut mat. (you may even be able to use their 40% off coupon on that) This may be another option to look into. Michael's probably does, too.  I just shop at HL.  I hope that helps.

[dennis]

It is as C says - without the proper tools making frames can be a very frustrating job.

I have been making my own frames and cutting my own mats for many years now, so doing it comes naturally and I have the equipment to do it. It is a skill that has to be learned if one is to produce professionally finished frames.

Nolan and I have often gone to big shows and seen frames made very unprofessionally. We would be ashamed to let ours be seen if we had to make them like that.

[Tousabella]

Thanks C. n Dennis.  Guess that solves my inquiry!!     I'll just coast along til I can get some matting done. I have two large antique frames, but I'd have to be using a canvas about 20" X 30", and I REALLY don't think I'm ready for anything like that!!     The Thrift stores sometimes get a consignment in from some nice places, and there are frames to be had, so I'll keep my eyes peeled.
Thanks for the info.