Image of framing for photographers - part 1

Imagine being able to frame all your own photographs just as well as a professional. You can save enough money to easily pay for all the necessary tools, and the convenience of being able to do it yourself frees you from having to get someone else do it. If you're an amateur a mount cutter, a frame clamp and a hand-operated frame joining tool is all the equipment you need to make professional looking frames. These days the tools are easy and safe to operate, inexpensive, and give you a good result. Picture framing can be divided into four areas. Cutting the bevel mount, cutting and joining the frame, mounting the photograph, and fitting and finishing the job. The tools required to perform each one of these functions are as follows.

1 Mount Cutting: A hand-operated bevel mount cutter is essential for all photographic work. The most important feature of modern mount cutters is to have one that runs on its own ruler or straight edge.

2 Frame cutting and Joining: The professional framer uses a guillotine to cut wooden frames, and an automatic v-nail joiner. But the cost is prohibitive for the small volumes of frames required by our industry. However, there are tools that give you a professional result at a fraction of the cost.

3 Mounting Artwork: Dry mounting and laminating presses machines are not the only way to safely and effectively mount down all your artwork ready for framing. We will look at vacuum press mounting, hinging methods and other less expensive options.

4 Fitting and Finishing: There are a number of hand-operated tools on the market to make this quick and easy job. These can be used safely by any person to give a professional finish to all framing jobs.

Our series of articles over the next four issues will examine each one of these processes.

Mount Cutting And Decoration

Mount cutting is the creative face to picture framing. What distinguishes one framed photograph from another is the creative use of mounts. There is a wide choice of mount board brands and colours, possibly too many! Supplies are easy to come by, and the cost of the boards is not prohibitive. The best thing about cutting your own mounts is that once you cut it you get to keep the fallout from the middle, which can then become a mount for a smaller photograph. This saves money and helps qualify the investment in the mount cutting machine.

Most hand-operated mount cutters available in art shops come with the cutting head only and not with a guide rule. For successful bevel cutting and good clean corners a guide rule that the cutting head runs it is essential for good results. The FrameCo systems are ideal for the DIY framer or small workshop.

Mount cutters also come attached to a base board or just with the straight edge rule. The baseboard makes the system steadier, easier to use and more reproducible, however to cut a few mounts per year for you're own photographic works, the head/ruler systems are quite sufficient.

Another consideration is the sizing or cutting down of fullsize sheets. The broad professional mount cutters are wide enough to take the full size sheet. But a sharp Stanley knife and straight edge can be used to cut down full-size sheets into the blank sizes ready for bevel cutting. A straight 90 cutter is available from FrameCo, which will also attach to the rule. This can be used for cutting the mount board to size, and is safe and easy to use. The advantage of this optional cutting head is that it can also be used for cutting foam-core board up to MMS thick. It uses the same blade as the bevel cutter.

Cutting a Single Bevel Mount

The technical for cutting bevel mounts is quick and easy. After cutting the mount board down to the right size to fit the frame, rule lines on the back of the mount board to the border size that you require. The bevel cutter head then attachment to the rule, so it's steady when cutting. Another feature of the head is that it has a start/stop indicator line. Following the ruled lines on the back of the mount makes it easy to get good straight bevels, but to get clean crisp corners you need to know where to start and stop the cut. The indicator mark guarantees no. overcuts on the corners, giving you a professional cut mount every time.

Cutting has Double-Bevel Mount

Rule lines on the back of the mount. Start and stop line guarantees perfect corners.

Cutting has Double Bevel Mount

Double mounts enhance most pictures. A narrow show of colour can pick out the dark spots in the subject, which will increase the contrast between light and dark, and thus sharpen the image. So a double mount is not only decorative, but also functional. The "secret" to cutting a double mount, so that the edges of the inner mount are exactly parallel to the edges of the outer mount, is NOT to cut two separate mounts and then stick them together. The best way is to cut the top mount first, then stick the two together with double-sided tape (ie: the top and the bottom mounts, then cut the bottom mount). The reason for doing it this way is that you use the same edge as a reference point to measure from. The mount will then be in line with one another and will look OK.

It can sound confusing, but it's not once you get the hang of it! The most important aspect of mount cutting is that with the right tools you can get a professional result relatively easily.

Once you've mastered cutting single and double mounts you can also add decorative finishes to the mounts, which will enhance the image and add value to all your mount work.

The Decorative V-Groove

One of the most important technical in decorative mount cutting is the "V" groove. This is a small v-shaped cut set into the front surface of the mount. The v-groove adds a stylish look to all your framing. It is that creative touch that gives any picture a professional finish.

The professional framing industry uses existing broad mount cutters to cut v-grooves. It is a twostage process because it involves cutting two separate bevel cuts to make the "V" cut. This is difficult to do and there are no guarantees for a perfect accurate v-groove. FrameCo has introduced the GrooveMaster. This is a hand-held v-groover, which cuts the "v" directly into the top surface of the mount. The GrooveMaster also attachment to the rule that you use for bevel mount cutting, which means it is accurate and easy to use.

Now v-grooving is within reach of any DIY picture framer. And the technique is easy to master. You can purchase pre - cut mounts and decorate them with a v-groove, adding value to the mount, and making it much more versatile.

Doing your own framing is ideal for the amateur, portrait or weekend photographer. You can save on framing costs to more than offset the investment in tools and accessories. You control the mounting and matting stage, and there is a great satisfaction in doing it yourself. However if you have a retail outlet handy then I wouldn't can't suggest you try and compete with the mass market of ready made frames. These frames are cheap and well made. But there is a significant market for the one off odd-size frame that is not available in the ready running. Either cut an odd size mount to fit a standard frame or make up the frame to follows. With your own framing, however, you can produce your own work and save money doing it over the longer term.

An experienced picture framer, Gary Leete is the owner of Melbourne-based FrameCo, a company that specializes in DIY frame construction kits. For further details ph: (03) 9872 3600 or visit the website: http://www.clubframeco.com

Making Picture Frames With DIY Framing Tools

Imagine being able to frame your own photographs, prints, tapestries, and artwork as well as a professional. Picture framing is actually quite fun and easy to DIY. There are 5 easy steps to framing.

Step 1 - How to Cut Mats

Adding a colour border (the mat) around your artwork enhances the picture and provides a restful area between the image and the picture frame. The colour and size of the mat board must be decided first, as this will determine the overall dimensions of your picture frame. You start by calculating the external size of the mat.

To cut the mat use a good quality bevel mat cutter and ruler. There are several cutting systems to suit various budgets and skill levels, including the Mat Master Model 660 for the hobbyists, to the Mat Master 860B or 1060B for the keen home picture framer.

Mark the borders to be cut on the back of the mat board.

Make sure the mat will cover the edges of the artwork, by subtracting approx. 3mm or 1/8" from the image size (length & width). Cut the mat following the instructions for your mat cutter. Attach the picture to the mat using 2 small pieces of acid free tape on the top edge only.

Step 2 - How to Cut the Picture Frame

How much picture frame moulding material will I need? Carefully measure the picture and mat you wish to frame. Add an extra (3mm) for "play" to ensure the picture fits easily into the finished picture frame.

Add the length (L) and width (W) together, then multiply the total by 2 to give you the overall length. You also have to allow for the mitre cuts, so multiply the width (W2) of the moulding by 10 and add this to your total.

(L + W) x 2 + (W2 x 10) = TOTAL

Making the 45 degree mitre cut in your framing material is most important - your joining will only be as good as your cutting. Always use a good quality manual Mitre Saw... we recommend the Proman hand saw which is made in Sweden as the best on the market. Electric powered Drop Saws are not ideal for cutting small delicate picture frames.

Good Measure System helps to make measuring easy and eliminates many mistakes. Once you have cut the first mitre, slide the picture frame material along to the required length on the measuring scale, and set the stop. You are now ready to cut the first 2 pieces of your picture frame. Change the settings to cut the other 2 sides of the frame.

Cutting one side for a frame is easy.

Cutting the second side to be be the same as the first, is the hard part. With the FrameCo Ezy-Measure System you can cut accurately everytime.

Step 3 - How to Clamp Frames

How do you Clamp the Frame? Clamping the frame tightly is essential for good joining. You can use the a Cord Clamp, or the Steel Strap Clamp to secure the picture frame ready for joining.

The advantage of the Strap Clamp is that you can see all the four corners of the picture frame clamped together before joining. So alignment of the corners is easy.

All corners should match up evenly. Apply a little wood glue to all corners of the frame for added strength. Carefully tension the clamp making sure that the corners are aligned then secure the clamp tightly.

You are now ready for joining.

Step 4 - How to Join Frames

Most picture frames are joined with a V-Nail. This is the easiest method and it is what the professional picture framer uses. The FrameCo PushMaster joining tool, inserts V-Nails into the corner of the frame. Two V-Nails in each corner is usually all that is necessary.

The PushMaster can be used by hand alone on most picture frames, or you can tap the PushMaster with a mallet if the frame is hardwood. The PushMaster can be upgraded to the BenchMaster® which will insert V-Nails into the harderst of timbers.

V-nails: How do they work?

Upon entry, the sides of the V-Nail are deflected outwards. As it pulls back into its original shape, the join is pulled together. The little curl on the edge of the V-Nail locks the nail into the grain of the timber. Glue alone is not sufficient for strong stable joints, by adding a V-Nail you achieve a strong, tight joint. Which V-Nail size . . . You use a V-Nail about 1/2 the frame height.

Sizes are: 7mm - 1/4", 10mm - 3/8", 12mm - 1/2", 15mm - 5/8"

Step 5 - How to Finish Frames

Take the empty picture frame to a glass merchant and have them cut a piece of glass for you. If you wish to cut glass yourself use a good quality oil filled cutter, or the Glass Cutter. Use only 2mm plain or non-reflective glass.

Fome Core is the ideal backing board as it is light weight, acid free and easy to cut. You can also use 3mm MDF or cardboard. Place the empty frame face down and insert the glass, then the matted picture and lastly the backing board.

Use the PushMaster to insert brads or flexipoints into the rear of your picture frame to hold everything in place.

Use Backing Nails for large frames or heavy items. Flexipoints are flexible and ideal for needlework or when you want to re move the picture, eg. photo frames.

To seal the artwork in the frame, tape over the brads/flexipoints using a good quality backing tape. This will prevent dust or insects getting into the picture.

To hang your picture, again use your PushMaster tool. Measure one third down the side of the picture frame from the top and mark that spot. Place a screw eye into the slot provided in the end of the Pushmaster tool, then screw the eye into the frame. Repeat on the other side and then attach wire from one side to the other.

You have now completed your picture framing project. More information about how to make picture frames can be viewed at http://www.clubframeco.com/5_steps_Introduction.html

FrameCo Framing Supplies designs and manufactures diy picture framing tools and export to many countries. We also supply picture frames conduct framing classes.

What Framing and Matting Supplies Do I Need to Frame My Picture?

It is a simple matter to frame a piece of artwork, but it can be a little intimidating to the novice. Nevertheless, you can go online and learn how easy and fun it is to master this skill, and learn about all of the different framing and matting supplies as well as framing kits that are available, with the benefit of showing off your fabulous fine art in style.

A couple of preliminaries are in order before you begin looking for framing and matting supplies. You will want to take a ruler or measuring tape and measure the exact size of your artwork. These measurements will be necessary for selecting the correctly sized frame, mount and mat board, as well as glazing. You will also need to determine the value of the piece and whether you will wish to frame it to archival standards in order to preserve the artwork.

With this done, you can now move on to the actual nuts and bolts of framing and matting supplies that you will need. You will need some type of frame, which may or may not come with glazing, which is the glass or acrylic that is used to protect the art. A mount board is needed to provide a sturdy flat surface on which the artwork will rest. Mat board is used to help secure the art within the frame. If you wish to hang your artwork, you will need some type of hanging kit as well.

Framing supplies revolve around the frame itself and the glazing. Frames come in wood and metal styles, and which you use is up to your personal preference. Typically, photographs are framed in metal frames while paintings and other types of artwork are framed in wood frames.

In addition to the frame, other framing supplies you will want include some kind of glazing. Glazing comes in glass and acrylic, and both have their benefits. Glass is very sturdy and scratch resistant, but it often has a greenish or blueish tint to it that may not be appropriate with your specific artwork. Acrylic glazing is very lightweight, glare free and is also available infused with materials to protect your fine art from damage due to exposure to ultraviolet light and pollutants.

Matting supplies are also important in the process. Matting supplies include the mat board, mount board, as well as some means to attach the art to the mount. This usually involves framing supplies such as picture corners and hinging tape.

The final framing supplies that you might need are a wire and hanger. However, these framing and matting supplies are optional.

If this still seems like a lot to remember, make it easy on yourself and order framing kits instead. Framing kits are available for wood or metal frames, and come with all the parts you will need to ensure success when you frame your artwork.

Anne Harvester is an avid fan of arts and crafts such as framing and matting supplies or matting supplies. Anne believes framing supplies are just as important as the picture itself since it's a safeguard for something you value.

Fine Art frames

When it comes to your photos, fine art or paintings, there are a few fast rules when it comes to photo frames. However, there is a specific procedure for mounting of any piece of Visual art or a precious document, you will need the appropriate framing and supplies of carpet in addition to your photo frames. How easy to go is perhaps to buy complete picture framing kits, which include everything that you need in addition to frameworks of photo.

The fact is that improper framing can be worse that simply paste a photo or painting to the wall with bedbugs. Photo frames are in fact a form of archival storage and must be made correctly in order preserve the artifact effectively, whether a photograph, painting or precious document. The choice of the image custom frames itself is important. photograph frames and those for paints and other documents should complete, step detract from the artifact and should be appropriate for the decor of the room in which it should be displayed.

The framing and supplies of carpet that you need in addition to frames photo themselves include a good supply of cardboard mat. Mount Council is that your photo of the painting is actually attached to, preferable with corners photo or adhesive attaching tissues. The carpet separates your picture glazing - transparent or acrylic glass is placed on the image itself - keep the surface of the image to come into contact with it. Otherwise, there would be risk of condensation of moisture and cause considerable damage to the artifact framed.

You will need the right tools at your picture framing kits; a professional cutter mat board is a good investment. Other that, you will need a good raclette, with a certain degree, a law and a good dose of patience since it involved skills.

Outside of the above guidelines, the choice of frames depends largely on your preferences and personal tastes. The wood is a popular choice, since they provide heat and the lustre appropriate for most types of decor and are available in many different ways in the cropped image as well as kits of the custom frames autonomous. However, metal frames in deaf and discrete colors are relatively good markets and are discrete; they are generally not divert the artifact itself.

If you choose frames metal or wood ones, it is important to use the framing of good quality and supplies of carpet treated with an alkaline neutralizing agent to protect the artifacts of the acidity. Pay attention to the hanging, editor, mats and frames will serve their functions well for many years.

Susan Slobac, is a passionate photographer. Susan believes that a photo frame is more than just fashion; It is a guarantee for something that you like.

Using a Digital Picture Frame in Your Home

One of the great things about digital picture frames is that you don't have to be a technological genius to use them. They are simple to learn, and the frames will come with easy step-by-step instructions on how to work all of the various functions. Before you choose to get a frame for your home, you need to think about a few things.

First, how large of a frame do you want? You might find that you are able to take down many of your old photos and replace it with one simple frame. This will leave more space on your walls and your tables for other items. When choosing a frame size, you want to make sure that you will be able to view the details of the photo without having to get too close. Frame sizes of 8 to 10 inches are ideal for this, although you can find many larger sized frames.

Another thing that you will want to consider is the style. Find a frame that matches your house and the rest of your decor. Many of the frames today include different color, snap on exteriors. You shouldn't have any trouble finding something that will match the color scheme of your house. They have red, white, black, clear, and wood frames as well as many other colors.

When choosing your frame, also consider the media that it uses. Many of the frames today use SD cards or cables. Check the amount of memory that the frame has as well, as this will determine how many pictures you are able to upload.

After you choose and buy your frame, you are going to want to read the instructions thoroughly. While they are generally quite easy to understand, you can always ask someone who has a bit more technological knowledge to help you if you need it.

Make sure that you choose and prepare your photos ahead of time. Find all of the photos on your computer that you want on the digital frame. Check each photo and make sure it looks perfect. Now is the time to use some photo software to clean up the photos, remove red eye, and crop until you have everything just how you like it. Take the prepared photos and put them into a separate folder so they are easy to locate.

If your frame uses an SD card, you can simply insert the card into your computer and transfer the photos that you want on your frame onto the card. After the photos transfer to the card, you can then insert the card into the frame and load the photos. When the photos are loaded onto the frame, you will find that you have more options available. You can choose to use the frame as a slideshow, or show just one picture. Each frame has different options, so you will need to play with the frame to see what you like.

Setting up a digital picture frame can be easy and fun.

http://www.digital-frame-outlet.com/

3 Steps For Finding the Best 16 X 20 Picture Frame

A 16 x 20 picture frame can bought ready made or custom made to fit your specific frame requirements. This type of frame is best for photos, diploma, paintings or posters for hanging on walls. Here are 3 basic steps for finding the best frame in this size.

First Step: Cover your basics

Know your piece to be framed; make sure its dimensions fit the 16 by 20 inch frame. Take it to your local photography store and have it measured and ask for a good size recommendation frame. Know whether it is colored or black and white if it is a photo. Choose how you want it displayed: desktop or on a wall. Decide how much you want to spend at maximum and stick to it.

Second Step: Get the frame locally

Visit your local stores to search out possible large frames selections. Take out your phone book and run through the yellow pages for words like picture frames, framer store, photo gallery and same combination words. Ask what they offer in terms of frame sizes and custom services and at what prices. Also, call your local arts and crafts classes or store for possible leads and great deals.

Third Step: Buy the frame online

Google for the exact keyword, "16 x 20 picture frame" and you will not be disappointed by wide offerings of styles and materials out there. Different types and preferences can be accommodated from modern to antique elegance in all the colors of the rainbow. Natural materials made from wood and bamboo to the fragile crystal and glass can also be found for the more discriminate taste. Do it yourself kits to preassembled frames in customized sizes and colors can be ordered to fulfill most frame requirements.

The best 16 x 20 picture frame can be found with the right preparation and a basic plan. Whether you are doing it yourself with picture frame kits or ordering a customized frame makes no difference. You will find the best frame for your particular framing project as a gift or for keeping with these basic steps. These tips can help you start on the right path and increase your chances of discovering the best frame to fit your needs. Always be sure to search locally at first since most times, you will find a lot of great deals that far surpasses those found online. And lastly, search online for creative ideas and endless pricing range for a wide variety of frame choices.

Freddie Marce is a prolific article writer involved in several niche markets. For more picture frames and accessories information and where to get the best frames, visit http://www.PictureFramesReviews.Com.