There are many options when it comes to framing art. They range in price and are outlined below. Know that high quality frames come off as expensive. You do get what you pay for. That said, I have custom frames in my house (original art) as well as Ikea/Target/Amazon (family photos). Do the best you can with your budget.

Professional Option 1
The best route is to go to a local framer in your community where they will use acid free framing materials, UV glass and you will have a say every step of the way. They should also integrate the Certificate of Authenticity to the back of the work. They are accustomed to handling original art work and will not smudge any of the materials in the framing process.

Professional Option 2
Send the artwork to an online framer such as: Pictureframes.com or Artifact Uprising.

If you prefer I can send the art directly to these outlets prior to you receiving it, but you will need to set up the order. Sometimes they ship packaging/shipping materials to ensure the art is safe on its journey.

DIY
Do it your self and save a lot of money, but know this comes with risk if you do not know how to properly handle art or are not confident in your craft and tool skills. If you plan to frame yourself below are some options for selecting frames.

• Google a local frame or art store. Support your small businesses if you can afford it.

• Blick. Great resource for Ampersand Floating Frames for wood panels/clayboard/gesso board. When ordering a float frame it is extremely important that you order the correct depth. Measure your art and check it against the frame details.

• Ikea. I recommend the RIBBA, HOVSTA, LOMVIKEN, and SANNAHED frames. Incredible price, but you usually have to pay for shipping and the plexiglass provided is not antiglare, that said, I do use them in my home.

• Wayfair

• Home Goods / TJ Maxx / Target

• Michaels / JoAnn, etc.

When framing yourself make sure:

1. You have a clean workspace. Lay out the acid free paper your art was wrapped it to ensure it stays protected from smudges.

2. Wash your hands and thoroughly dry them.

3. Lay the frame face down and remove back parts.

4. Make sure there is not a clear film you need to remove from the back or front side of the glass, if so remove it from both sides now.

5. Position the art in the frame, either with or without a matte. If you are putting the art in front the matte make sure it is centered on the frame, then add the backing layers one by one, making sure not to slide the art in the process. If you are placing the art behind the matte a small piece of artists tape (you can reuse a piece that was a part of the shipping) to adhere the art in place once you are certain of the placement. Then reassemble the backing.

6. Check to make sure the art didn’t move and there are no dust particles behind the glass

7. Hang your art :)

Hire me to frame your art
I would be happy to handle framing for you, we can discuss budget and frame types. This will come at an additional fee.

Frame Style
I always recommend white mattes for works on paper. For wood panels and stretched canvas I recommend floater frames. I always recommend white, black (dark matte metal) or light wood (birch/ash/maple) for the frame material. That said, follow your gut and go with was speaks to your soul and your home.

Using UV resistant plexiglass/acetate is OK instead of glass, it is safer (hello toddlers) and cheaper, but doesnt sacrifice image integrity. That said, I completely understand a desire to limit the amount of plastic in a home and stick with natural materials.

As I have more time (ha) and all of you continue to share your framing stories with me I will continue to build out this resource. Please don’t hesitate to ask me questions about your specific piece.

wall mounting/hanging

Screw eyes and picture wire are great gor general hanging (under 30 lbs). Select the size of the screw eye based on the weight and size of the painting. Mark a spot with a pencil a 1/4 of the way down from the top of the painting on the inside of the cradle. Pre-drill the hole for the screw eye. If you do not pre-drill the hole, the head of the screw eye will break off when tightened because the cradle is made from high-quality hardwood. Insert the screw eye into the hole and tighten with pliers. Repeat the process on the other side of the painting and attach the hanging wire. Stick rubber bumpers to the bottom two corners if desired.

"D" ring hangers are great for hanging heavier paintings (30-50 lbs) and are easily attached with screws (pre-drill the holes). The "D" ring hangers can be used either with picture wire or can be hung directly on nails or picture hangers (recommended with kids around or in earthquake zones). 

Keyhole hangers are great for hanging extremely heavy art (50 lbs+) and are easy to attach with wood screws. Attach one each on the left and right sides of the painting. Hang directly on nails or screws that are preferably connected to a stud in the wall. Pre-drill the holes and tighten the screws with either a screwdriver, electric drill, or cordless screwdriver for either of these two options.