Frames can become the most expensive aspect of your photography passion. Creating your own frames is a way to personalize your home decoration and create an object that is truly appropriate for the image it contains. If you want to know how to make a frame, please follow the steps below.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making a Master Key for the Frame
Step 1. Measure your mat
This is the sheet of paper or hardcover on which the photo is placed inside the frame. Using a passepartout the photo and the frame will look more professional. It will also be easier to see the photo. Before you start measuring your material, you should determine its size.
A good aspect ratio is ¼ to ⅓ of the width (the shortest part) of the image
Step 2. Measure your photo
Once you've decided on the width of the mat, measure the photo itself. Double the width you chose for the mat and add it to the length and width of the photo. The result will give the length and width of the outer edges of the mat relative to your photo.
The inner edges of the mat will be the same or slightly smaller than the image to be framed
Step 3. Trim the outer edges of the mat
You will need to cut the mat when you have drawn the desired measurements. Thinner materials such as paper or cardstock can be cut with a knife or scissors. To cut thicker materials, such as the cardboard that the mat is usually made of, use a special cutter.
- Trim the outer edges. Cut the outer edges of the mat following the measurements you drew.
- You should use a ruler to mark the lines you want to cut.
- You should also use a square to make sure the corners are perfect before cutting.
Step 4. Cut the inside of the mat
The inside should equal or be slightly smaller than the photo you want to hang. On the back of the mat, draw the measurements of the original image. Subtract a small amount from the original measurements if you want the mat to go slightly over the photo. Cut the material with suitable tools.
Step 5. Put the photo in the mat
With the front of the mat facing down, position the image as well downward and in the center of the cutout. Apply tape vertically to the top two corners of the mat and then horizontally again on top of the vertical one, one piece on the mat and another on the photo.
Your photo will now be attached to the mat but flexible enough not to curl
Part 2 of 3: Making the Frame
Step 1. Choose the materials
Choose materials that not only meet your needs and tastes, but are also of high quality and appropriate for the image you want to frame. Different types of wood, glue, metals and nails are available and must be carefully chosen to create a quality final product. Here is some information on each of these materials:
- Wood shape. The wood you choose depends on your preferences and the use you want to make of the frame. You can use forged or solid wood. Forged wood will give a more elaborate and fine look to the frame and is more suitable for larger or traditional images. Solid wood gives a feeling of cleanliness and simplicity and suits smaller or modern images.
- Type of wood. You also need to decide what kind of wood you want to use. Many types of wood are suitable for this purpose, especially hardwoods, so you can make your choice based on appearance. It is prettier if you use the same type of wood used in other objects in the room where the photo will be hung. It will make the frame look like an integral part of the room.
- Metal. If you want a metal frame instead of wood, you need to follow a similar process, but use a circular saw with a diamond-tipped blade to cut the metal. Connect the frame with L-cut metal corners and suitable screws, first using a drill to make holes for the screws.
- Glue. Wood glue works best. Other types of glue are available if wood glue is not available, but it is best to use one made for this purpose. Wood glue is inexpensive and can be found easily in hardware and home improvement stores.
- Nails. The nails used in this project depend on how large the frame will be. Thick and long nails will be needed for large and thick frames. Shorter and finer nails are sufficient for smaller frames. Use suitable nails to make sure that the pieces of wood are fixed firmly and do not come off.
Step 2. Measure the dimensions of the frame
Measure the length and width of the outside of the mat. These will be the dimensions of the inner edges of the frame. To calculate the length and width of the outer edges, use this formula: L = E + (2 x C) + (2 x W).
L represents the length or width measurement you use to cut wood. E represents the length or width of the mat. C. is the free space around the passepartout (a very small measure, like 5 millimeters). W is the thickness of the frame.
Step 3. Cut the frame
Cut the frame according to the measurements obtained from the formula. You will need two pieces cut with measurements for length and two for width. Remember the old saying: measure twice, cut once. Accuracy is very important, as a slight difference in the size of the wood pieces can compromise the fit of the frame.
- After the initial cut, cut the ends at an angle to fit the pieces together. Cut the corners so that the tips are pointing towards each other, leaving one end shorter than the other.
- You can use a tilt blade saw with a 45 degree opening or mark the angle by hand and cut it with a hacksaw. This second method is less accurate and not recommended.
Step 4. Cut a frame reduction
This is the edge inside the frame that supports the glass in the opening. You can create it by using a bit to carve the edge of the frame on the back, or by making a smaller frame to stick on the back of the first one.
- This secondary frame must be larger in width and length, because it will have to contain a piece of glass large enough not to pass through the opening in the frame.
- Make sure the reduction is deep enough to hold the glass, mat and nails that will be used to hold the frame materials.
Step 5. Color your frame (optional)
You can customize your frame to better suit the room where it will be displayed, or accentuate an aspect of the photo or painting it will contain. Before inserting the glass, picture and mat, you can add a dye or varnish to the wood. The color is up to you. Here's how you can paint or varnish your frame to make it prettier:
- Paint. If you decide to paint the frame, be sure to use a type of paint suitable for wood. Latex based paints will give you a softer and shinier appearance. You can paint the frame in one color or with drawings. Apply long strokes and several coats to achieve a smooth effect.
- Dyeing. The dye can be of various colors. Choose one that is as close as possible to the colors of the room where the frame will be hung. You could test the dye on leftover parts of the wood first, to see how many coats it will take and how it interacts with the grain of the wood. It is best to put the dye before joining the pieces of wood, so it will have a smoother appearance. Use a dye brush to ensure a professional finish. When the dye is dry, you can paint to give the frame a nice shine.
Step 6. Put it all together
Fit the pieces together like a puzzle to form a regular square or rectangle. Make the necessary adjustments and remember that changing the corners too much will result in an uneven frame. Here's how to do it:
- First, glue the frame using clamps and corners to hold it in place. Make sure the corners dry properly.
- When the glue is dry, lightly hammer a nail into each of the four corners to join the pieces together. The nails should be inserted into one side of the frame, from one piece of wood to the other, and should go through the middle of the wood. They should also be perpendicular to the seam.
- Use wood putty to fill in any cracks.
Step 7. Insert the glass
The glass must be customized to perfectly fit the reduction measures. You can do it yourself or you can go to a glass or hardware store and have it professionally cut for little money, as you need special tools and skills to cut glass safely.
You don't have to use real glass. Plexiglas or clear plastic are also fine. These materials may not be as beautiful, but they are less likely to be broken or shattered if the frame falls
Step 8. Insert the photo
With the frame face down, place the image and mat on the frame. When it is centered, use the glazier points or nails placed parallel to the mat to attach the image, mat and glass to the frame. This is the last step in making a frame. Now you can think about the decorations you can put on it and the perfect place to hang it.
Part 3 of 3: Final touches
Step 1. Decorate your frame
You can further embellish your frame with decorations. You can add details like some gold color for a more traditional look. Another option would be to add small items such as shells or buttons by gluing them to the frame. This is a good way to adapt the frame to the photo it contains. Here are other ways to decorate your frame:
- Take pieces of old broken jewelry and glue them to the frame with DIY adhesive glue. For example, if you have a cute flower that has detached from a ring, a pendant from a broken necklace, or an earring with an attractive design, you can glue them in different parts of the frame or combine them together to create an elaborate design.
- Frame the photo on a page of a book or newspaper article. To do this, trace the mat on the back of the page and cut out. After doing this, trace the photo in the center, and cut half a centimeter inside the photo to prevent the edges from showing. Then turn the sheet over, put the photo under the mat and place the frame. For added durability, you can laminate the newspaper frame first.
- Print the frame. Find a cute frame that represents the person in the photo - for example, if the photo is of your little girl and stars are her obsession, get a star stamp. It is perfect if you painted the frame white or a light color, the stamp will be visible and contrast with the frame.
Step 2. Hang the frame
There are two main ways to easily hang the frame once you're done decorating it. Before proceeding, however, make sure that the frame is dry if you have glued something on it. Whichever method you use, it needs to be carefully measured and centered, in order for the frame to hang properly. The two main options for hanging the frame are:
- Apply a string, made of metal or other strong material, to the back of the frame. It can be attached with hooks or pegs affixed to the back of the frame, on both sides.
- Another option for hanging is to put a hook, which can be placed on a nail driven into the wall.
