I’m always on the lookout for wooden frames.  Wooden frames, with or without the glass in them, are generally the least expensive item at garage sales, estate sales, and second-hand stores.  Who wants frames without glass, matting material, and artwork?  I do!  You’ll want them, too, after you see how easy it is to frame your artwork with second-hand frames, newly cut glass, and just a couple of tools.

How to Steps for Framing Artwork

1.  Buy used frames at garage sales, estate sales, and second-hand stores.  Having a little stockpile of these means you’ll have various sizes to choose from when you want to put together a little art gallery.  Below are frames in different sizes that I’ve picked up.  Each frame costs less than $2 each.  Many are free, too.2.  Purchase matting material on sale or at second-hand stores.  Here’s a brand new mat I bought at the Goodwill Outlet store where items are sold by the pound.  I probably paid a quarter for this.  3.  Find a hardware store that will cut glass to your size.  My glass comes from my local hardware store, Division Hardware.  Make sure to measure the inside of the frame, where the glass will sit.  I like to bring my frame with me to test and make sure the glass fits as soon as it’s been cut. 4.  Use glass glazing points to attach glass to frame.  These can be inserted into the wood with a scraper.  Make sure glass and matting gets firmly attached to the frame.5.  Stand back and admire your handy-work!  These pictures of are from “Homer Price” and this hangs in our kitchen.  The book was missing several pages but the pictures are wonderful!Here are some of my projects I’m working on today.

A favorite book that has been really loved.  Don’t you want Lyle the Crocodile on your bathroom wall?Here’s the frame I’m using but this green isn’t quite right…I’ll keep looking.

Remember, be patient when buying things used.

This picture is from a dear friend.  She’s seen our backyard chickens so she knows…

that our chicks can be naughty!

Maps, stamps, and a souvenir from our trip to Paris.  All works in progress.

By picking a few frames here and there, I’ve been able to frame items around my home inexpensively.  With very little effort, time, and money you can, too.

How do you save money on framing? Do you buy frames second-hand, too?

Go Gingham related links:

Using nature to decorate your home – frugal and fancy decorating
Dumpster diving woes: please don’t put a cover on dumpsters!
Green living: once a month garbage collection
Found treasures for decorating your home
A free chair – that was rejected!
Wrapping presents with free maps makes for pretty gifts
Green and frugal living – the sweet spot where green and frugal meet