Hot Tip: Save a Bundle on Custom Framing

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Hot Tip: How to Save a Bundle on Custom Framing www.makinglemonadeblog.com

Getting a piece of art custom framed can cost a bunch of cash-ola, which is why I usually do it myself using store bought frames. Recently my mom handed down three gorgeous vintage railroad puzzles from my grandmother, and I knew I wanted them framed for my son’s room– but could not spend a fortune. Or even a semi-fortune. Or… anything, really. I didn’t want to spend much of anything, because we’d probably only have them framed for a few years so they didn’t fade or get damaged.*

* to be clear, I DO know that if you spend more money you can get archival quality mats, frames, and glass too. But talk about cash-ola… that truly is a fortune. At some point I’ll have these preserved, but until then, read on for my temporary “we-need-to-put-our-kids-through-college-instead-of-paying-for-archival-glass” solution.

Hot Tip: How to Save a Bundle on Custom Framing www.makinglemonadeblog.com

Side note: as someone who is longing to move to North Carolina, the name of this train is pretty ironic…

Hot Tip: How to Save a Bundle on Custom Framing www.makinglemonadeblog.com

I headed over to Michaels to get a frame that would fit the outside proportions of what I wanted, knowing I’d need to get a custom mat cut to fit. I found a ready-made black frame on sale for 50% off, plus used a 15% extra off frames coupon, so it came to $8 for the frame. So far, so good.

Hot Tip: How to Save a Bundle on Custom Framing www.makinglemonadeblog.com

While I was waiting for at the framing desk, the woman next to me was getting a poster framed and the grand total came to $294! Totally worth it if you’re going to have something for awhile, but I certainly couldn’t spend that on something for my son’s room, the way that bugger likes to ‘rearrange’ things. I picked out an ivory mat, and the total for THAT was only $17. More good news.

Hot Tip: How to Save a Bundle on Custom Framing www.makinglemonadeblog.com

But here’s the best news: our Michaels store will put together the frames you buy from their store– even the ready made ones. They add backing paper, hanging wire, wall protectors, and even a fancy sticker on the back… FOR FREE.

Hot Tip: How to Save a Bundle on Custom Framing www.makinglemonadeblog.com

Hot Tip: How to Save a Bundle on Custom Framing www.makinglemonadeblog.com

Hot Tip: How to Save a Bundle on Custom Framing www.makinglemonadeblog.com

The grand total for framing this piece was only $25. That is an absolute steal for ‘custom’ framing! Or as I call it, semi-custom framing. I can guarantee if I got it actually custom framed the cost would have been well upwards of $100. But WOOT– I got the frame I wanted, in the mat of my choice, all blinged out and put together by someone other than me. That’s pretty custom, right? And I saved like a gazillion dollars doing it that way!

Hot Tip: How to Save a Bundle on Custom Framing www.makinglemonadeblog.com

Hot Tip: How to Save a Bundle on Custom Framing www.makinglemonadeblog.com

I’ve been tweaking Bee’s room to better reflect his love of trains, and I can’t wait to showcase these beautiful custom framed (wink) art pieces soon. Just wait until you see how I’m revamping his walls… it’s totally ‘on track’ with his train passion. Har, har.

Hot Tip: How to Save a Bundle on Custom Framing www.makinglemonadeblog.com

Am I the only one who didn’t know Michaels put together frames purchased at their stores? Be sure to ask at your particular location, but ours offered at no charge!

{don’t forget, you can pin ideas by hovering over the image and clicking on the ‘Pin It’ button!}

Hot Tip: How to Save a Bundle on Custom Framing www.makinglemonadeblog.com

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