I love photos. In fact, almost all the wall hangings in my little beach home are pictures that I took; friends or prints, even shells and a sand dollar from a special friend. This could cost a pretty penny if I went and had it done professionally. Instead most of it, I have done myself.
Any thrift store, Salvation Army or yard sale has pictures in frames. Don't look at the picture itself (unless you lucked out and find one you like). Those pictures can be thrown out and replaced with what you want to frame. These usually cost about 25 cents for a 5x7 inch frame. Larger ones are priced accordingly. There have been times where I can even reuse the mats in the frames I purchased.
Tip: if you break the glass in a picture you currently have, it's is a great way to save money. Take out the glass and replace. 25 cents isn't bad for the perfect piece of cut glass
I like all my frames in the main room to match, don't worry about the color if you find the right size. A can of spray paint works great. I have black frames in the main room but don't think the mix of colors is bad. I have a collection of different sizes, colors and shapes in a "mass" in one area and it looks great. They are all wood or real materials (not a plastic version) that cost several times over again than I paid. Take a look at your framing store. Even the do it yourself frames are extremely expensive.
Use your imagination, larger pictures may not be what you like. Imagine blowing up your favorite print, picture or even a poster will make it yours, at a price no one would ever guess. I buy them when ever I see them. I know I will always use them. Check mark down days and even save more on what could turn out to be one of the best gifts you could give a special person.
Clean and paint if necessary. Put in a wonderful print, photo or even a poem. It will be a reminder of you forever in someone's home, without you breaking the bank.
The mats can be made if what you are framing isn't the exact size by using construction paper, material or buying a mat at your local hobby shop.
By Luana M. from San Diego, CA
This page contains the following solutions.
I had a painting I wanted to enter in a local contest, but no frame that actually fit it correctly. After checking multiple stores for the right size mat and finding that I would need to have one custom ($$Cha-Ching) made for that size, I decided to improvise.
My husband repairs big screen T.V.s, for a living. The frames around the screens make perfect large frames for paintings, quilts, etc.
Framing Inexpensive Art. If you are stuck for decorating decor - think about framing some of the nice illustrations/art you get in the mail. . .
Some picture frames have these little backings that you need to open. Using your fingers to open the backing can hurt after awhile, so this is what worked for me.
