How to Frame Original Art on Paper, Canvas, and Prints: A Collector's Guide

You've found the perfect colorful art from my website, now you're on the hunt for a stunning frame that is beautiful, but also enhances the artwork's beauty. In this blog post I will share my favorite framing resources that I rely on to make my artwork be as bold as it's meant to be- in striking frames.

FRAMING FOR PAPER ARTWORK:

Frame it Easy: I've discovered a gem of a framing company that ticks all the boxes. Not only are they also a small business, but each frame is made to order for every painting, giving you the option to customize every element. 

Above: "Fireflies and Daisies" print in Granby in Gold by Frame it Easy

In this day and age, if you take a paper print or paper original to a framer, the cost can get very expensive. If you're looking for a high-quality, professional-grade option, Frame it Easy is what I recommend. This is the perfect resource for those of you who don't mind putting the art into the frame yourself, rather than taking it to a professional framer. The process of framing with a Frame it Easy frame takes maximum 10 minutes. The hardest part of the process is wiping the UV protection acrylic glass off to make sure every ounce of dust is gone. If I can see even one piece of dust under my art, it drives me crazy!

Although Frame it Easy is not paying me for this mention in my blog post, I do have a referral code that I can give to you. For 15% off go to this link. They have stunning frames, they're made in the USA, have fast shipping at good prices, and even give you instructions on how to assemble the frames.

ArtToFrame- great for BIG prints. This is the Industrial District on paper. 

If you're buying a really big print and don't want to break the bank on a frame but also don't want a cheap-looking one, Art to Frame is perfect! This is a 36 x 36 inch frame for "The Industrial District" print on paper shown with a 2 inch white mat. 

Target + HomeGoods

Looking for something easy that you can grab off the shelf in person? Another good resource is big box stores. I love going to Target and Homegoods for well-made frames in standard sizes at fair prices.  If you don't find anything there, Michaels the craft store always has good options as well and frequently has sales.

Above: A gold 15 x 15 inch frame from Homegoods with my print "Weird Barbie"

IKEA: is another store I frequent on a regular basis for frames. They have a large variety of sizes and the prices are very good. My favorite frame is this one. Here is the link. 

Above: La Jolla framed in a `12 x 16 frame from IKEA (link). 

FRAMES FOR CANVAS ARTWORK:

Framing for canvases in general tends to be pricey because of the cost of materials. However, over the years, I've helped customers streamline the process through experience. 

Michael's is a good option for framing. Once a month, they offer a 70% off your custom framing order. You walk in, present the coupon you can get on their app, and they show you the best options. You can see most of their framing options and get a good idea of price here. They frame the painting for you and then you bring it home and hang it on your wall. 

Sunbelt Manufacturing:

If you want a high-quality, solid wood frame that is worth every penny, this is the place to go. They offer multiple canvas options, but my favorite is the natural walnut frame. Their prices for their quality are very good, and if you have a very large canvas, you will get a better deal here than at Michaels. 

For example, a 48 x 72 inch wood canvas frame is $750 with shipping, and you can take it to any Michael's, where they'll charge only for labor to install it. It's usually less than $50, you can bring it in, and they'll attach the frame so it's ready to hang. 

You can see their wall frame options here. 

Blick Art Materials:

I've never personally used Blick to frame my artwork, but a few clients have and are very pleased with the results. They sell multiple options of canvas float frames, which are low profile and simply emphasize the painting. To find a Blick near you for framing options, go here. 

Ampersand Frames:

If you're ok with a little DIY, Ampersand is a great option for small canvases. They sell them up to size 18 x 24 and come with everything you need to frame the painting. You'll just need a drill. You can get them on Amazon or Blick. 

Your Local Framer:

If you're ok with the pricetag, it's more convenient to find and support a small local business to frame your work. They'll do everything for you and make sure that you're happy every step of the way. All you'll have to do is bring it to and from their location and hang the painting. Most framers offer tons of customization options. 

Have any questions? Feel free to message me with the chat in the bottom right. I'd be more than happy to guide you in the right direction for the perfect frame.