Big Framing Issue

Reptilegirl27

Okay my lovely ladies I am in desperate need of your help! I finally finished my first ever cross stitch pattern and I am so very excited. It is a gift for someone very dear to me.

My problem is I went to Jo-Anns to speak with them about framing my design. .the mat layout and frame we chose was absolutely perfect! Breathtaking! .....but it was $365!!! :funk:   They have a great sale going on right now until the 28th for 65% off which brought the price down to $180! But that is still much too far out of my price range. The piece itself is quite large though measuring out at approximately 11" x 20".

The associate was greatly helpful and understanding though (I LOVE Jo-Anns!), she took out the glass and their labor which brought the price down to $80 but this is still much higher than I was anticipating, then I would also still have to buy the glass and Id imagine thats not going to be cheap either.

Is this actually my best bet in framing this piece or are there any alternative routes I can take to purchase these materials separately and frame this myself? I am desperate!

Thank you so much in advance you your advice and suggestions!
Amanda :loveliness:

**UPDATE**
So I went to Michaels price shopping and found everything Ill need to frame my work for about $70! This is definitely doable! Thank you all for your comments, suggestions and advice! Because of you guys my stress levels have declined ;P and I am happy to say I will FINALLY be able to frame my very first and very last cross stitch pattern LOL! I appreciate it very much! XOXO :kiss:

lovestitches

I read that some ladies here do the framing job themselves. If you want to give a lot of cross stitch gifts, you may want to look into that option.

I once lived in Singapore and the cost for framing there was incredibly high. I promised someone a piece and when I was done, the cost of framing it was so high (I still had to pay for it), I never promised anyone another piece till I left Singapore.

medillon61

Frame it yourself --- I wish you were closer -- I always frame my own work -- did you get something to back the piece you made on?  You need cardboard or foam something to make the piece you did stiff and then you can either tape it or stitch it.   Make sure whatever you use is ACID FREE so over time nothing will ruin.  Rule of thumb I use is if it can be used in Scrapbooking its safe for anything that will last the test of time.  I am not sure about Jo-Anns Fabrics but I know Michaels and AC Moore have their own matts and frames.  Take the piece you made with you to be sure you have the right fit especially for the matt.  Then pick out a frame and match it all up til you get what you want and dont forget to print up coupons!  Anywhere you go to have the piece framed is going to cost you.  I had my daughter charcoal portrait professionally framed with velvet matts and a hand made frame and it cost me more for the framing then it did for the portrait to be made!  Good Luck!  :)

medillon61

As for the glass, Mom managed to put her recliner threw my china closet and for I guess an 8x10 piece of glass the price was $12.  So the glass is not too bad but its a pain to have to run from place to place to get what you need.

medillon61

Also remember you can get some beautiful frames in like Walmart, Target, KMart that are cheap that have pictures in them... but you can always disassemble them and use just the frame.  Some people have recommended EBay for frames but I have found the prices much higher than what I can do at my local stores.

Reptilegirl27

medillon61 replied at 2013-9-23 20:35
Frame it yourself --- I wish you were closer -- I always frame my own work -- did you get something  ...

The only reason I looked into the custom framing is that I havent been able to find a frame with the right dimensions to do it myself...not even online. I have no problem doing it I actually prefer it that way but I cant find a frame. I have a note on my sheet about the acid free backing, no I didnt purchase that yet. And the mats...can I purchase just that material at these craft stores? Ugh I am definitely in over my head. I had no idea so much was involved with this!

I am going up to Michaels today to find a yarn color I need so Ill look around there for frame stuff too. Ugh stressful :(

waterlillie

You can buy frames in sections at Michaels.  You buy the top and bottom and the sides separately.  It makes it easy to get the right size. If you get the anti glare glass it can be expensive.

Lindy Lou

Amanda you have had some great suggestions here and to have something framed is expensive also here in Aust.  Good luck with whatever you decide.

Reptilegirl27

This is what I was talking about MM @SilkLuv

HELP!!!  :D

LouAnna

Charity shops are havens for cheap frames.   Ive picked up a few and they cost a couple of dollars each.   
I do frame my own using acid free foam core from Michaels then I lace it with crochet cotton.   Glass is not as expensive if you take it to someone that specializes in glass and mirrors.   They even filed the edges of my glass so I wouldnt cut myself!   Dont forget to take the frame(s).
Do remember though when buying a frame there is enough space for the glass, mat and foam core.   You dont want to have your stitching touching the glass!  So about 1/2" or just over a cm.   The more space the better.     Paper backing to seal the back can be purchased at a dollar store in the wrapping department, it will be a rolled tube if your store carries it, they do occasionally carry foam core too.  Its the old fashioned paper wrap used to ship packages....... stay away from the post office though, they are expensive, but UPS store may have it.  Call and ask to save yourself the trip!