Opinion on framing and suggestions for supplier of inexpensive frames?

I am rather new to showing, and have been framing my work in a variety of frames purchased from Michael's Craft stores, JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby, and what have you. Buying each frame individually, and using a coupon (of course!), I'm able to get a pretty nice looking frame at a reasonable price. However, while each piece looks good with the frame individually chosen for it, I'm wondering if this look will detract from the overall appearance of my booth.

What is the opinion on that out there among you veterans? Should I go for a more cohesive look and frame all my work in a similar fashion? Or is it ok to have each frame be different?

And, irregardless of the framing style, can anyone recommend an inexpensive supplier for frames? I'm looking for sizes ranging from 8" x 10" up to 16" x 20", and I would be purchasing in small lots of less than five at a time. If I go for the cohesive look, I will be looking for a simple light natural toned wood frame with white matting.

Thanks for any and all recommendations and opinions!

Replies

Fletcher Dean February 19, 2018 at 10:48am

Always a tough call. I do my own framing and try for moderately priced plein air frames from Jerrys Artorama, wholesaleartandframes or Metropolitan Picture Framing (esp for hard to find sizes). I'm a photographer so also offer prints matted and unmatted. Frames - especially nicer ones (not Michaels) add to the look and appeal. Plus it gives a 'take home and use' allure. BUT ... be prepared for people to say 'I'd like it ... in a different frame.' Which is why I graviate toward solid dark colors. Good luck.
- Chris Fedderson > Fletcher Dean February 19, 2018 at 11:14am
  
  Hi Fletcher,
  
  I agree with you: "add to the look and appeal. Plus it gives a 'take home and use' allure.". And as for people who want something else, it doesn't matter what you do -- you could have it in EXACTLY the frame they were imagining and they'd still want something else! Reminds me of something I heard a few years ago:
  
  craft show customer to duck decoy carver: "Do you have an xxx?"
  
  carver: "Welllllll... if I had an xxx, you'd just want somethin' else."
  
  I heard that and I shot milk out of my nose!!
  
  --Chris
Chris Fedderson February 19, 2018 at 10:24am

Hello Sonja,

I am a photographer and I, too, do my own framing. Many folks would say you should have a cohesive "family" of frames for visual presentation sake. Buuuuut... if the frame for each of your pieces is intimately tied to the imagery somehow so that it is not artwork-that-is-framed but rather it is a single artistic presentation then kudos... mix it up!

I use 3 online sources:
https://www.americanframe.com/
https://www.pictureframes.com/
http://www.frameusa.com/
Good Luck,

--Chris
James Looram February 19, 2018 at 9:33am

Check out canvas place.com. Frames can be bought in packages of 3. I use floater frames exclusively and I think it has a very professional look in the book since they are all the same. This of course only works when your pieces are on canvas........also I think the best professional presentation of my work. canvasplace also sells canvas in packages of 6

good luck
R.C. Matteson February 19, 2018 at 9:11am

What is your location?
- Sonja Jones > R.C. Matteson February 19, 2018 at 9:25am
  
  I am in Cleveland, OH.
Weldon Lee February 19, 2018 at 9:10am

Sonja, I went to your website. You have some nice work. It deserves the best . . . and that means not the cheapest frames. Pass the additional cost on to your buyer. Buyers with money prefer a quality piece of art over something cheaply put together. One of my 30x45-inch photographs is mounted in a $700 Larson-Juhl frame. A very nice frame is part of your overall presentation. I would select two or three different framing options. You can change them as you get more experience.

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