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Murphy’s Law of making frames
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Dec 20, 2023 21:50:05   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
Bonnie Jay wrote:
I had a frame shop in Santa Monica for over many, many years. I did the chopping and joining and fitting and glass cutting of all kinds of things. Yes, things have gotten so much more expensive than in the late 70s, but there are better ways to frame your image without going to a frame shop. You did not say what size you or someone else had it printed. If it was not custom, there are always the thrift stores who may have the size and profile you can use... repainting or staining could be of use. Or maybe it's fine the way it is.

If you do not use a set back eventually the paper on which the image is printed may stick to the glass. You can buy small set backs as well as large to separate the photo paper from the glass. You can also use a mat. I will always suggest lignin free (acid free mat board) otherwise the lignin in the non acid free mat board will leach out and stain the photo paper. Set back material can be purchased in all sizes and is clear acid free plastic. But comes in long rolls. Or you can use a short strip of acid free mat board in the same color as the frame or the mat for the separation of the photo paper and the glass.

Then if the frame did not come with glass, maybe it's old and beautiful but the glass broke eons ago... you can go to a thrift store and see if you can find a frame the same size that has glass and use that. Or go to a shop and have them cut an appropriate size piece for your frame.

Whatever you do, don't sell an image that is touching the glass.

I too am a photographer and taught photography at the college level for almost 30 years part time. If you care to see any of my work go here: https://pixels.com/profiles/bonnie-dater-jay
I had a frame shop in Santa Monica for over many, ... (show quote)


I took three semesters of photography in college, two were with Louis Stettner.
I was in NYC one day and stopped in at his studio. There was all sorts of sculptors there. I ask him who owned all this crap. When he said it was all his work his work I couldn't stop laughing, to me it was terrible. He 'confessed it was the reason he stuck with photography.

I did get A's in both semesters.

https://louisstettner.com/

---

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Dec 21, 2023 09:36:56   #
zarathu Loc: Bar Harbor, MDI, Maine
 
Bonnie Jay wrote:
You did not say what size you or someone else had it printed.


I don’t “have them printed”. I print exclusively on 13 x 19 inch metal paper, myself. This is a custom size. I use an acid free white mat that gives me 1 1/4 inches and then a recessed frame that is 3/4 x 1 1/2. The 1 1/2 sticks out from the wall by that. I cut 3/8 inch groove with my dado blade about 3/4 inch deep. I USE GLASS, although not museum quality(which would be $105 instead of $8.50). I use 2 layers of 1/4 inch acid free foam board, with those little spliny metal inserts with a gun to keep them in. I USE A certificate of authenticity on the back with my name and email and phone number and information about the print.

I use a wood stain on either fir or poplar in usually either black or white, but sometimes blue or red.
The whole thing costs me about $29 a frame, which I can do now in about an hour. The longest part is waiting for the Gorilla poly glue to dry. I do have to cut my mat boards back from 16 x 24. But inside is 12.25 x 18.25.

There is no place that I could buy a custom frame for $29 that would be a beautiful as the simple ones I can make.

Since I PRINT MY OWN 13 x 19 prints for about $4 each I don’t worry about sticking to glass with the water based inks, and I am happy to replace one--- one time.

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Dec 21, 2023 09:40:52   #
zarathu Loc: Bar Harbor, MDI, Maine
 
topcat wrote:
That is a sad, but very funny story, but don't feel bad. this happens to everyone at least once, maybe twice. Maybe more.


I have many more stories like this. I don’t see them as sad. My boat stories out on the water are especially funny---looking back.

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Dec 22, 2023 11:59:22   #
leenso52
 
zarathu wrote:
OK.... I’m a reasonable woodworker with a wood shop. Normally I don’t sell photos but the MDI Photo Club had a show at Birch Bay(retirement community), and at the show somebody wanted to buy one of my 13 x 19 inch photos.

And so, since it was for someone else, Murphy got involved.

First thing I discovered was that my router would not do the job, too much wood to remove.

Then, I discovered that simple cutting the inside with my table saw did not work. I need a dado blade.

Then I discovered that my old table would break the RSV fence off when the bolt glued itself on by rust.

Then I discovered that I needed to cut to the new blade insert.

Then I discovered that I could not glue up the frame without putting a template on the inside where the glass goes to glue the frame against against or it becomes a RHOMBUS, and one side will not be parallel.

And then I discovered that the hardware store will not cut the glass if it's not square.

And then I discovered that if you use gel stain on the wood instead of strictly water based or oil based, it will form a thick solid top if its not sealed tightly (which is hard to do with gel anyhow)and you can’t get the stain out.

And then, I discovered that if you fall on the ice and need six stitches in your head, you will also break the glass and damage the print and get blood over everything.

And then I discovered that the device that puts the little slips of metal to hold the backing on will break the glass AGAIN if you use it wrong.

And then I discovered that mat board is horribly expensive on Amazon, and that I could cut plastic decking to fit, but that it was almost as expensive as mat board.

And then i discovered mat board for 7.50 each.

And then after ordering 15 pieces for $112, that I HAD GIVEN them the wrong inside diameter, and of course thye would not take them back since it was my error.

And then I order new mat board, with a coupon for $101.

And then I discovered that I COULD NOT FIND a way to put the paper backing on, and so the inside of the frame now needs to be stained when it was not before. Along with this I discovered that it's not a good idea to use a staple gun because unless each one is perpendicular and in the middle it will spit the wood on the outside.

I DID DISCO0VER the nice lady who has been waiting at least a week so far longer than I agreed, is not upset, but does need it by Xmas.

She paid $150. But I have already spent close to $300 to make this one frame.

Of course now I know what not to do.
OK.... I’m a reasonable woodworker with a wood sho... (show quote)


Wow!! What hassle! I guess I shouldn't squak when Micheal's charges so much to frame my things. Have thought of DIY, now, no way! Sorry you suffered, especially financially, but you helped at least me!

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Dec 22, 2023 20:16:25   #
zarathu Loc: Bar Harbor, MDI, Maine
 
leenso52 wrote:
Wow!! What hassle! I guess I shouldn't squak when Micheal's charges so much to frame my things. Have thought of DIY, now, no way! Sorry you suffered, especially financially, but you helped at least me!


NOTHING worth anything is easy.

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Dec 23, 2023 21:33:11   #
JD750 Loc: SoCal
 
Bill_de wrote:
I took three semesters of photography in college, two were with Louis Stettner.
I was in NYC one day and stopped in at his studio. There was all sorts of sculptors there. I ask him who owned all this crap. When he said it was all his work his work I couldn't stop laughing, to me it was terrible. He 'confessed it was the reason he stuck with photography.

I did get A's in both semesters.

https://louisstettner.com/

---
I took three semesters of photography in college, ... (show quote)
That is a great story!!

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Dec 23, 2023 21:34:19   #
JD750 Loc: SoCal
 
zarathu wrote:
I have many more stories like this. I don’t see them as sad. My boat stories out on the water are especially funny---looking back.
and this is what we call a good life.

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Dec 23, 2023 21:35:14   #
JD750 Loc: SoCal
 
leenso52 wrote:
Wow!! What hassle! I guess I shouldn't squak when Micheal's charges so much to frame my things. Have thought of DIY, now, no way! Sorry you suffered, especially financially, but you helped at least me!
well doing it yourself always involves learning, and this is a typical story. But that doesn’t stop us and it shouldn’t stop you. It’s called experience.

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Dec 24, 2023 09:42:35   #
Leinik Loc: Rochester NY
 
Making frames is a particular technique that requires particles all tools and skills to efficient and worth it. Getting started is an investment (as you must have experienced in other areas of carpentry) both in time, tools and materials. Unless your production is below 20 frames and more, just buy a a frame in most hardware chains or Target (there are wood ones made in China that are pretty cheap and convenient. Other than that their are also online companies that will ship to your dimensions (ex: americanframes) a do a pretty good job. Asking advice from people who exhibit or make frames on a regular basis would have been a good first step, it would have saved you a lot of aggravation. Happy holidays. [PS: if you keep on perfecting your skills you may have a client here ;o)]

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Dec 24, 2023 10:09:22   #
JD750 Loc: SoCal
 
Leinik wrote:
Making frames is a particular technique that requires particles all tools and skills to efficient and worth it. Getting started is an investment (as you must have experienced in other areas of carpentry) both in time, tools and materials. Unless your production is below 20 frames and more, just buy a a frame in most hardware chains or Target (there are wood ones made in China that are pretty cheap and convenient. Other than that their are also online companies that will ship to your dimensions (ex: americanframes) a do a pretty good job. Asking advice from people who exhibit or make frames on a regular basis would have been a good first step, it would have saved you a lot of aggravation. Happy holidays. [PS: if you keep on perfecting your skills you may have a client here ;o)]
Making frames is a particular technique that requi... (show quote)

My guess is making your own frames is not about saving money, it's about the craftsmanship, and having a unique frame, created by you, for your image.

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Dec 24, 2023 10:57:15   #
Leinik Loc: Rochester NY
 
Then my guess is that if that were totally the case, the main argument would not be about cost. And there would be no surprise as to the amount of skill and practice required ;o)

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Dec 24, 2023 13:13:27   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
JD750 wrote:
My guess is making your own frames is not about saving money, it's about the craftsmanship, and having a unique frame, created by you, for your image.


I take my own pictures, process and print my own pictures, mount my own prints, of course I like making my own frames.

It's a hobby, not a career!

---

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Dec 24, 2023 15:11:14   #
Mitch1952 Loc: CA
 
Like me you have fallen prey to,”Ye Ol Starving Artist Syndrome.” Rejoice in the fact someone appreciates your work and someday we may all break even.

Signed,

Fellow Maniac and MDI enthusiast (Augusta)

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Dec 25, 2023 09:08:42   #
zarathu Loc: Bar Harbor, MDI, Maine
 
Leinik wrote:
Unless your production is below 20 frames and more, just buy a a frame in most hardware chains or Target (there are wood ones made in China that are pretty cheap and convenient.


I make my own frames because finding a frame for a 13 x 19 inch photograph is not possible unless its custom and I cam make my own custom frames for $29US which is not much more than the cheapie Walmart frames THAT DO NOT EVEN HAVE MATS..

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Dec 25, 2023 09:11:03   #
zarathu Loc: Bar Harbor, MDI, Maine
 
Bill_de wrote:
I take my own pictures, process and print my own pictures, mount my own prints, of course I like making my own frames.

It's a hobby, not a career!

---


I had a career in photography. After it was over, it took me almost 30 years to get back to seeing photography as an enjoyable thing---not a drudgery making clients want the photos.

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