The most asked question I get from my friends, is to frame artwork for them!
I have framed quite a few different pieces now, so I feel comfortable giving you a tutorial on how to frame your art affordably.
There are 2 different types of frames that you can do. If you don’t own a miter saw, you’ll need to make a farmhouse-style frame. That is where the frame meets like this:
That way Home Depot or Lowes can make the cuts for you!
I have done a lot of these type of signs and you can find a tutorial to build my farmhouse signs here.
They type of frame I will make in this post has mitered corners.
Frame Large Art
Supplies:
- Art to frame (measurements!)
- Wood Strips 1×2, 1×3, 1×4 are what I’ve used
- foam board
- heavy duty stapler/brad nailer
- staples/ 1 1/4″ brad nails
- wood glue
- masking tape
How to measure your art:
I have measured the outside of the picture, and then took my foam board (the kind that is sold by poster boards at the store) and cut it to those measurements. My measurements on my project today are 12″x28″. I used a razor blade and level to measure and cut my foam board so it would look just right. If your art is too large for a foam board, I have also used foam insulation board from the hardware store to frame some large maps and it worked so well!
Next, I took a half inch off my measurements and cut my frame. Since I am doing a miter frame, I moved my saw to a 45 degree angle.
I made my first cut to have a mitered corner, then I marked 11 1/2 on the short side. I flipped my board over so that I would have the angle correct for making a box and I lined up the cut. After I cut that piece, I flipped the board over again and measured 11 1/2″ so I would have my other side piece.
I repeated that same sequence to make the long sides.
Then went inside and glued together the pieces with wood glue and stapled the back together. The back ended up not being pretty.
Here’s the thing, just glue and staples won’t make your frame very strong. I ended up using high-heat hot glue to add some extra strength. If you don’t have a brad nail gun, then this will work. If you have a brad nail gun then definitely use it to nail the pieces together!
After the glue dried, I painted the frame white and sanded it.
Next I folded the cross stitch around the foam board and attached it with masking tape on the back of the frame. Here’s the final look!
I’m really happy with how it looks! Here is another picture of some large maps that I framed using foam insulation boards. I framed one of the world and the one behind is one of the United States. I did a frame on the outside to cover up the insulation board. They turned out so cool and super easy to stick pins into so you can mark where you have traveled!
That is all there is to it! What questions do you have about making a large frame? I will be talking about it for the rest of the week on my Insta stories! Follow me @craftingwithbrenna so we can craft together!
