How To Do Your Own Framing

I'm a little slow on my post this morning, trying to recover from the long weekend!  
I hope you had some time to enjoy with your family, and maybe even accomplished a project or two.  

In the thousands (and thousands I'm sure!) of blog posts I've read through the years, I don't know that I've ever seen a post on how to frame your own photos.  So, either I'm very naive and everybody already knows this, or maybe I'll teach you something new today.  Sometimes it can be reasonable to have your framing done at a shop, but often I find myself needing lots of things framed (think gallery walls) and all of that framing adds up quickly!    And, with the frequency of how much I change my mind on decor, I don't like to spend a lot for a professional framing job, because whatever I'm framing most likely won't stay that way for long.  However, probably the biggest reason I started doing this myself is when I start a project, I want it done RIGHT NOW and waiting to have something framed takes way too long!  :)

First, you'll need some of these.

I bought mine at Hobby Lobby but I'm sure any store that has framing supplies will have them.  You'll also need a wide tipped flat head screwdriver.

My frame didn't have the hangers on it, so I started by adding those.  I really like this kind that you just hammer in, not like the others that have a teeny tiny nail that you have to hammer through the hanger.  I prefer to install one in each top corner so that my frames stay straight on the wall and aren't constantly shifting.

  

Add your glass, photo, mat, and backing, or whatever you want to frame.  I was framing a mirror here. 

The number of glazier points will vary depending on how large your frame is, but I like to space mine out every 3 or 4 inches.  Basically you lay them flat against the edge of your frame and use the screwdriver to push the sharp point into the wood.

It takes a bit of firm pressure, but the points should slide right into the frame.  This works really well with older wooden frames. You want the pointed section as far into the frame as you can get it, and the two prongs out the back will hold your picture in place. 

This frame was purchased recently, and was made out of some composite material that was really dense.  I could only get some of the points in a bit, but as long as they're solid and you get some in good every so often, it should be fine.  I had an entire side of this frame that was too hard to push in to, but all of the other sides were secure so I didn't worry about it.
   

CAUTION:  
DO NOT hold your frame like this, where the screwdriver is pointed toward your body or your other hand.  Sometimes it slips, and I don't want anyone injured in this process!

So, that's it!  Quick, easy, and cheap!  This is a little sneak peak of a big project I can't wait to show you!

OK, confess, is this all something you already knew?


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