Where to buy frames?

[thedutt]

I am thinking of buying a few frames for my 12x18 photos and wanted to check with folks here as to where is the most affordable place to gt these? A simple black frame with matte would be suffice. This would be for personal consumption and not for sale, though I would like to get professional quality frames If I could.

I am happy to buy online, and if you know of a good place that would sell these at a reasonable price, kindly share. (not apposed to buying from a b&m store either).

[rbredden]

My wife bought some good ones at walmart saturday. None were that big but she got some pretty good ones for $3.00.

[suzyjazz]

http://www.aaronbrothers.com
Get on the email list and you may never have to pay full price again!

[DigitalScape]

If you want to go via mail-order, I have used (and continue to use) American Frame (http://www.americanframe.com/) for many frames. They sell various types of frames (and colors) - custom cut to the dimensions you specify. No sales tax, but there is shipping cost.

[thedutt]

Originally Posted by jandjh1

If you want to go via mail-order, I have used (and continue to use) American Frame (http://www.americanframe.com/) for many frames. They sell various types of frames (and colors) - custom cut to the dimensions you specify. No sales tax, but there is shipping cost.

Thanks for the Info John. It looks quite nice and I will probably end up ordering some from here.

[thedutt]

Anyone knows what size should the frame be for a 12x18 photo? the standard frame sizes do not seem to cut it. e.g. a 14x18 works good with a 11x14 photo, but the 20x16 is not the correct proportions for a 12x18 photo frame. I couldnt find frames of say 16x22 which appears to the right size for a 12x18 photo.

[boxofrocks]

12x18 are out there, but hard to find. If you do find some ready made at retail shops, please let us know.

good luck.

[adirty1]

I have done the cheap frames and picking the up at retails and pulling out the image and putting in mine. No longer the case. I just started using this guy in dallas and he does a great job. It's not cheap but it's fair prices. they will custom make you frame and no more cost then buying the standard size.

kylebratton.com
best price on musuem glass i have found.
little high on mats I would hit balcones framer supplies in austin

[PEC]

I have been using precutmats.com for a 16x20 mat with a 10x15 opening so I still get full frame with a standard off the shelf frame...

[jeffkohn]

Originally Posted by thedutt

Anyone knows what size should the frame be for a 12x18 photo? the standard frame sizes do not seem to cut it. e.g. a 14x18 works good with a 11x14 photo, but the 20x16 is not the correct proportions for a 12x18 photo frame. I couldnt find frames of say 16x22 which appears to the right size for a 12x18 photo.

18x24 is a standard frame size, although not quite as common as some of the others. This will give you a 3" mat all around a 18x12 print, which looks quite nice. You probably won't find them at Walmart or Target but a real frame shop should have some in that size.

[adirty1]

there is big difference between custom frames and buying off the rack. I have started selling my art work with custom frames and it's made a huge difference. one it looks like it should cost more two you look more professional...

for the client you should at least offer them the choice of framing. it doesnt cost anything to get corners from the moulding companies.

for the house it's up to you but i can tell a huge difference in the cheap frames that I bought off the rack vs the custom built ones. the corners match and there is no gaps... every image looks better in nice 8 ply mat and a good frame.

[RubenZamora]

I find a bunch of frames at places like Kohls, Hobby Lobby, etc. Check around you may find stuff you like.

[Paulo]

Originally Posted by thedutt

I am thinking of buying a few frames for my 12x18 photos and wanted to check with folks here as to where is the most affordable place to gt these? A simple black frame with matte would be suffice. This would be for personal consumption and not for sale, though I would like to get professional quality frames If I could.

I am happy to buy online, and if you know of a good place that would sell these at a reasonable price, kindly share. (not apposed to buying from a b&m store either).

Was in the same situation not too long ago. I imagine custom frame shops may provide you the better quality consistently. But if you're not in a rush, you may be surprised on what you can find at Garden Ridge, World Market & Hobby Lobby. Especially if you're going for a 'rustic' or 'antique' presentation. Once in a while I get lucky at Target on modern styles. Nothing against Walmart but I just haven't had luck finding frames that fit my style.

For the 12x18, I agree on Jeff's suggestion on an 18x24 frame. Michael's isn't the cheapest but they did a really great job cutting a matte to fit frame/image for about $20.

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=43650

[Lghtning4u]

Great links here folks! Does anyone use glass? Where are you getting it? I get my glass from a place here in downtown Houston with very reasonable prices.

[thedutt]

Thanks for the info. I actually checked out wally world last night, and they had some flimsy 18x24 frames for $15.xx. Not a bad option, but no matt supplied, no glass, some really thin clear plastic film used.

The 18x24 is the perfect size, though it appears to go into a different price rating all together jumping from frames for 11x14 photos. I have used frames for 11x14 from a company callled "pinnacle". these can be found in Walmart for about $17.xx and are quite professional (include glass AND double Matte). I think I just may end up repriting the photos in 11x14 for now to keep it simple.

Originally Posted by pm-image

Was in the same situation not too long ago. I imagine custom frame shops may provide you the better quality consistently. But if you're not in a rush, you may be surprised on what you can find at Garden Ridge, World Market & Hobby Lobby. Especially if you're going for a 'rustic' or 'antique' presentation. Once in a while I get lucky at Target on modern styles. Nothing against Walmart but I just haven't had luck finding frames that fit my style.

For the 12x18, I agree on Jeff's suggestion on an 18x24 frame. Michael's isn't the cheapest but they did a really great job cutting a matte to fit frame/image for about $20.

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=43650