Frame a piece of artwork properly to extend its lifespan.
When you create or purchase a piece of artwork, you're doing it to show the artistic appreciation you have. The best way to do so is by framing and displaying it for everyone in your home to see. Framing adds to the appeal of the art and protects it from dirt, dust and damage. While a professional can frame the piece for you, you'll save money and learn a valuable skill if you take the time to frame it yourself.
Instructions
1. Measure the dimensions of the artwork. For an example, use a piece measuring 8 inches tall by 11 inches wide.
2. Select a frame that adds to the aesthetic appeal of the artwork, not your home. The artwork should stand out to viewers, and framing it in something that adds to its appearance allows you to move it from one room to another if necessary and eliminates the need to reframe it at a later time to match the new decor. The frame needs to include excess space around the piece to include space for the matting. For example, assume the matting is going to extend an additional inch to each side of the piece, making the new dimensions 10 inches tall by 13 inches wide and requiring a frame of the same size.
3. Select glass for the frame. Get a glossy shine if you want to bring out a specific element of the work, or a non-reflective glass if you want to keep the piece mild and allow it to blend into its surroundings. Select glass the same size as the frame.
4. Cut a piece of matting with a craft knife to the same dimensions as the frame. Make markings an inch from the edge of the matting on all four sides, creating an inner square with the margins you chose, - 1 inch, for example - on all four sides. Use the craft knife to cut the inside of the matting out to display your art.
5. Add the glass to the frame.
6. Place the matting down on top of the glass, then add the artwork. Be careful placing the art down, ensuring it's not crooked in the frame and the matting surrounds the piece evenly.
7. Place the backing on the frame to finish the framing process.
8. Add a piece of picture hanging wire to the back of the frame between two eye hooks placed approximately a third of the way down the frame.
