It seems like there is always a “green” or environmentally friendly way to do almost everything these days. And that doesn’t exclude picture framing.

Whether it’s knowing what materials are used in the creation of the frames, the type of mat board you can use and even where you purchase the frame, there are ways you can be sure to have eco-friendly picture frames.

Sustainable Picture Frames

In order for a frame to be 100-percent eco-friendly, it’s important to know where the wood was sourced and what materials are included. This is crucial for not only the wood itself, but the finishes on the frame. Make sure there are no plastic or synthetic materials included in the frame, and that the finish is eco-friendly.

Eco-friendly finishes are organic and water-based, with no chemicals added. Some framing companies offer frames that have been made with leftover pieces of moulding. We offer frames made from finger-jointed wood. Finger-jointing is a process where short lengths of timber are bonded together to produce longer lengths. Finger-jointing reduces wood waste by utilizing shorts to create a dimensionally stable and environmentally friendly product. Others may even get their wood from sustainable forests. Eco-friendly picture frames also include backing board that is made from 100-percent wood pulp, and the frames have recycled glass.

There are also picture frames made with “rubberwood,” which is quite durable and is made with lumber from a rubberwood tree. What makes the rubberwood material eco-friendly is the tree isn’t cut down and used for lumber until it dies.

Mat Board

There’s no question that using a mat board in picture frames can add color and dimension to your artwork. Mat board makes the piece look more professional, it keeps the art from coming in contact with the glass and it can add an additional personal touch to your piece.

If you want to use an eco-friendly mat board, there are options. Check the information label next time you’re purchasing a mat board to ensure it has been made out of 100 percent paper. According to greenliving.com, examples of eco-friendly mat boards include art board, mounting board and rag mat boards. We sell Crescent RagMat Museum, and Bainbridge AlphaRag and AlphaMat.

Repurposing and Thrifting

The use of repurposed/reclaimed wood is definitely coming back in style these days. Check out any popular design show on HGTV, and you’ll see plenty of “reclaimed wood harvest tables and coffee tables” in every episode.

If you’re handy with a saw, good with measurements and have knack for wood working, you can take wood that has been thrown away—either after a home demolition or any you can find at a salvage yard—and make your own picture frames. If you’re not too handy with a saw or are nervous about the amount of work it might take just to make a picture frame, thrift and antique stores and flea markets are excellent places to find picture frames.

By browsing these shops, you’re shrinking your own carbon footprint by repurposing something that’s already been made. And you never know what kind of antique treasures you might find on your trip. What may seem like a boring vintage picture frame can be repurposed into something beautiful, or if you’re lucky, worth some money on Antiques Roadshow.

Taking the Guesswork Out of Purchasing an Eco-Friendly Frame

Sometimes it seems like a lot of extra effort is required to feel like you’re being environmentally and health conscious. You already have to read all the labels and ingredients on your food at the grocery store, and now you have to worry about checking labels on frames, too? Well, take heart, because some frame manufacturers cut out the guess work by providing “earth-friendly frames” that already guarantee everything you need in order to go green when framing your pictures.

EcoCare is one frame manufacturer who produces frames that are 100-percent environmentally friendly. Their products are green all the way down to the packaging, which is made from recycled paper. The colors come in “Mocha Bamboo,” “Nature Bamboo” and “Black Rubberwood,” and they are all recyclable, non-toxic, and “tree friendly.” The type of wood the frame is made from does not contribute to “deforestation,” the glass is recyclable, the backing board is made from recycled wood pulp, and the finishing on the frame is organic and water based.

It seems like there is always a “green” or environmentally friendly way to do almost everything these days. And that doesn’t exclude picture framing. Whether it’s knowing what materials are used in the creation of the frames, the type of mat board you can use and even where you purchase the frame, there are ways […]

Using mat board when framing artwork will not only keep the art from directly touching the glass (which is a faux pas in the professional art world), it is also a great way to draw someone’s eye directly to the focus point of your piece while adding some professional and personal pizazz.

Mat boards are offered in a wide variety of colors, styles and textures, allowing you to add your own creative elements to finished piece. Even though many frame suppliers (us included) offer mat board with the window opening already cut and ready to go in the frame. However, if you want to completely customize your framing project to your own exact specifications, it’s not terribly difficult to cut your own mat board—and it’s also inexpensive.

What Tools and Materials Do You Need?

Measuring and cutting your own mat board doesn’t necessarily mean you will need to break the bank when purchasing all of the materials needed. Some of these materials you might already have on hand at home. The materials needed to frame artwork with your own mat board include:

Pretty simple, right? As for the tools, you’ll need:

And because you don’t want to cut lines into your dining room table, floors, or kitchen counters, some sort of protective cutting surface is needed. This can be just a piece of cardboard, a large cutting board or a fancy, specialized protective “cutting mat,” which often feature gridlines to make tracing and cutting straight lines easier.

How to Measure Your Mat Board

Now that you have your tools and materials ready to go, it’s time to get started! Measuring your mat board for the frame is pretty simple—no architecture or engineering degree required.

Step One: Place the mat board on top of the back of your frame backing and trace around it with a pencil. After tracing, cut out the section of mat board using your X-Acto knife or other sharp blade.

Step Two: Place your artwork in the center of the mat to measure the location of the opening. To measure for artwork that is perfectly centered on the mat, simply subtract the width of the artwork from the width of the mat and divide that number in half. This number will tell you how much space will be left on each side of the piece. For pieces that are not perfectly centered, measure and calculate all sides.

Related Posts:

Five Craft Projects You Can Do With Mat Board
Understanding Mat Board Types

How to Cut Your Mat Board

Once you’ve done the appropriate measurements, trace lines indicating where you’ll need to cut directly on the mat board based on the measurements you have just taken. After the lines are traced, continue with the following steps:

Step One: Take your straight-edge ruler and place it along the first cutting line you traced.

Step Two: Using your mat cutter, cut along the straight edge, being careful to stay on the line you traced so that it remains even. It’s important to press down firmly on the mat cutter to ensure you get a clean cut.

Step Three: Repeat “Step Two” on all of the cut lines you’ve traced and pop out the center of the mat board.

Step Four: Place the mat board on top of your artwork, making sure the piece is evenly centered in the middle.

Step Five: Using archival tape, which is specially made to ensure it will not damage the piece, secure the artwork to the mat board.

Step Six: Place the entire piece inside the frame and replace the backing.

The final step to this process is to hang your masterpiece on a wall and enjoy your hard work and creativity. Not everyone can afford to have all of their pieces professionally framed, and cutting your own mat board is a fun way to add some oomph to your artwork without going broke—leaving more money in your pocket for art supplies to use on the next great piece you’ve been planning. And, of course, now that you’ve seen how easy (and fun) it is, you can use mat board in those pieces as well!

Last updated March 24, 2022

Using mat board when framing artwork will not only keep the art from directly touching the glass (which is a faux pas in the professional art world), it is also a great way to draw someone’s eye directly to the focus point of your piece while adding some professional and personal pizazz. Mat boards are […]

Nothing makes a home more sophisticated and stylish than framing your paintings, photographs, and posters. You’ve finally graduated from hanging pictures up with a thumb tack, college-dorm style, and spent time and money to make them look nice. However, now that you’ve spent all that time and money on framing that photo, it suddenly breaks! Does this mean even more money down the drain?

Before heading back to the frame store, check out how to fix a broken picture frame yourself, and learn when it’s time to give up and go purchase a new one:

Bent Wooden Picture Frames

The materials needed to repair a broken picture frame include:

First, remove the picture and the glass from the wooden frame—you definitely don’t want to buy new glass (or pay for a doctor’s visit) when you’re trying to save money by fixing your own frame. Take your 3/4-inch piece of plywood and lay the frame face-down.

Next, cover all sides of the frame with damp absorbent rags. Using your eight C-clamps, clamp the frame to the plywood, making sure they are spaced out evenly. Don’t try to clamp all portions of the frame down so they’re flush just yet, you don’t want it to break. Just make sure they are tight enough to hold down the frame securely. Remoisten the rags as necessary every day, as well as tightening each clamp, little by little.

Once the frame is flat, remove the rags, but leave the frame clamped for at least one week so can dry out.

Metal Picture Frames

To successfully fix a bent metal frame, you will need:

Fixing a metal frame isn’t quite as time-consuming as a wooden one, though the steps are slightly similar.

Be sure to remove the glass and the photo from the frame before beginning. Lay the frame flat on the edge of a table, making sure the bent part is hanging over the table’s end. Take the 3/4-inch piece of plywood and lay the plywood on top of the portion of the frame that is flush with the table.

Next, take your C-clamps and clamp the plywood to the table. It’s important to not tighten the clamps too much or you may flatten the metal. Carefully take the portion of the frame that is bent (which should still be hanging over the edge of the table) and slowly bend it straight. If there are multiple sections that are bent, rearrange the clamps and work on each section until they’re flush. If there are bent L-brackets, unscrew them from the frame and replace.

Loose Corner Joints

Loose corner joints are another common issue found in broken and bent frames, which are caused by humidity and constantly changing temperatures in homes.

For this DIY project you’ll need:

Remove the nails from the loose joints with your needle-nose pliers by carefully pulling the joint apart, leaving enough space for you to clutch the nail with the pliers. Once you’ve removed the nails, take your sandpaper and scrape away the old glue that is still lingering in the joints, and then fill any old nail holes with wood putty.

After the putty is dry, pick up your sandpaper again and smooth out the surfaces. On the inner edge of each joint, spread a thin line of wood glue, press together, and then clamp until the glue dries. With your finger, check to make sure the glue is completely dry before reinserting the glass and your art.

When is it Time to Get a New Frame?

Sometimes, no matter how handy you may be, it’s time to throw in the towel. If your wooden frame is completely warped, even after you’ve tried the steps listed above, it’s definitely time to purchase a new frame. Additionally, if the nails split the wood when you’re attempting to fix the frame hangers, it’s time to head to your local frame shop.

For metal frames—especially the “cheaper” metal frames—when you try to bend them yourself, they might crack in the process. If there’s a crack in the metal frame, it’s time to purchase a new one. Cracked metal frames cannot be repaired, and you owe it to your painting or photograph, and yourself, to purchase a new one. As for your old frame, perhaps you can use it for organizing earrings and other jewelry, or a magazine holder.

Nothing makes a home more sophisticated and stylish than framing your paintings, photographs, and posters. You’ve finally graduated from hanging pictures up with a thumb tack, college-dorm style, and spent time and money to make them look nice. However, now that you’ve spent all that time and money on framing that photo, it suddenly breaks! […]

Framing isn’t just for photos or paintings. Many collectors use frames to memorialize and display their collectables—especially collectible jerseys from their favorite sports teams.

Some people think framing jerseys is a difficult and daunting task, so they end up spending a lot of money by taking it to someone else to frame their prized possession. However, there is a smarter and more budget-friendly way to frame jerseys.

Save some money (and show off your true dedication and passion for your team) by taking a look at how to frame a jersey the DIY way:

Materials You'll Need

The materials needed for framing your own jersey (other than the jersey itself, of course) include:

What Jersey Frame Size Do I Need?

Start off by measuring your jersey which will make it much easier to find the right frame size. Most jerseys will either be 30” by 36” or 32” by 40”. It’s also a good idea to bring your jersey with you while shopping for your shadow box or standard frame. This way, you can lay it out in the store to ensure it’s the right fit for your jersey and that you can adequately display the important parts, e.g., the number, the name, etc.

If you’re purchasing a standard frame, make sure there is a foam backing board and the glass is plexiglass or acrylic. It may be easier to use a shadow box, as it provides more space between the object and the glass.

How Should I Display the Jersey?

Once you’ve decided on the frame or shadow box, it’s time to figure out how you want to display the jersey. Lay the jersey on either the mat board (shadow box) or foam backing board (standard frame), and fold the jersey, making sure the number, player name, and sleeve patch logos are visible. Some collectors will use a foam insert, which makes the jersey look more filled out. If you choose to use a foam insert, make sure it’s cut in a rectangular shape that fits snugly in the torso of the jersey, leaving room to fold the arms.

After making sure the jersey looks exactly how you want it to be displayed, pin the fabric in the desired position. Next, iron on the folds you made on the jersey to make sure it stays in place.

Securing the Jersey in the Frame

After you’ve ironed the folds of the jersey, take those same pins that you used to hold the folds in place and pin the jersey to the backing of either the mat board or foam backing board. It’s recommended that you use stainless steel framing pins, because they don’t rust—which will keep your jersey from damage.

Take a needle and thread and stitch the jersey to the backing board below the neckline, at the start of each sleeve, and on the bottom hem of the jersey. Make sure the stitching goes through the back of the jersey, so you can’t see the stitched lines when it’s finished. If you use an embroidery sewing needle with clear thread, it’s not quite as visible.

Next, knot the ends of the thread and use tape to make sure they are secure and won’t come unknotted once the jersey is hanging.

Final Steps

If you’re using a shadow box, simply close the box securely, and then hang it on your wall.

If you’re using a standard frame, there are a few more extra steps pertaining to the glass and the frame itself. The plexiglass will come with protective film on each side of the glass. Remove the film from one side and lay that side down on top of the jersey, making sure it’s perfectly straight before moving on to the next step. Once you’re sure it’s straight, it’s safe to remove the film from the other side of the plexiglass and frame.

Framing isn’t just for photos or paintings. Many collectors use frames to memorialize and display their collectables—especially collectible jerseys from their favorite sports teams. Some people think framing jerseys is a difficult and daunting task, so they end up spending a lot of money by taking it to someone else to frame their prized possession. […]

When you are thinking of ways to decorate your home in festive fall flair, consider the picture frame—a commonly overlooked item that can be used for many fall decorating ideas. Whether it’s simply painting a frame in beautiful fall colors or using the frame itself as the centerpiece, here are five fun kid-friendly fall craft ideas—all using picture frames.

Nature-Inspired Picture Frames

Materials:

Picture frame
Acorns, pinecones, leaves
Hot glue gun
Photograph

Take advantage of all those leaves, acorns and pinecones that are taking over your yard this fall, and use them for this fall craft for kids. Go on a nature hike, and while enjoying the beautiful weather, collect fallen acorns, pinecones and even leaves.

Pick a plain frame with a clean surface, and hot glue your finds directly onto the frame. Once dried, take your favorite family portrait (or any picture you desire) and display.

Pressed Leaves

Materials:

Leaves
Wax paper
Mat board
Heavy books
Newspaper or scrapbook paper
Frame
Mod Podge

Even though this fall craft idea takes a bit more time, it will add an elegant fall touch to your home. Find pretty leaves outside and place them in between two pieces of wax paper. Take the sheets of wax paper with the leaves in them and place between the pages of a heavy book. Next, stack heavy books on top of the first book, and let it set for a week.

While the leaves are drying out and flattening, measure a piece of newspaper or scrapbook paper so that it will fit your chosen frame and mat board. Once the leaves are dry, flat and ready to go, choose one and carefully paste it onto your newspaper or scrapbook paper using Mod Podge.

Don’t forget to measure out the placement of the leaf to ensure it will be directly centered in the middle of the mat board. Once the paper is dry, insert the finished project into the frame.

A Frame for Gratitude

Materials:

Empty frame
String (twine, yarn, etc.)
Tape
Construction paper
Clothespins
Marker
A grateful attitude

This fall craft can be a fun, ongoing project for the entire family. Not only is it nice to look at, but it’s a great way to bring the family together to discuss what everyone is grateful for right up to Thanksgiving.

Take an open frame and tape twine in a zig-zag pattern onto the back. Next, take construction paper in fall leaf colors and either draw leaves free hand or use this pattern, and then cut the leaves out.

Each day, have every family member write down a few things they are grateful for on each of the leaves. Hang each leaf onto the frame using clothespins. Place on a mantle or other high-traffic area of your home to be reminded of all the things your family is grateful for this year.

Turkey Frames

Materials:

Hot glue gun
Googly eyes
Brown paint
Paintbrushes
Feathers
Foam sheets
Plain wooden frame

The finished product of these turkey frames may just be cute enough to replace your real turkey as the centerpiece on Thanksgiving Day. Paint a plain wooden frame brown; once the paint is dry, use a hot glue gun to glue feathers on the back of the frame (leaving space to insert a picture) and “googly” eyes on the front for the turkey’s eyes. Take either a yellow or red foam sheet, cut out a small triangle, and then glue that to the bottom of the frame under the glass. Once the glue has dried, insert your favorite holiday photo.

Festive Fall Wreath

Materials:

Picture frame
Two different colors of spray paint
Wood letters
Fall foliage (real or artificial)
Cinnamon sticks
Ribbon
Hot glue gun
Staple gun (recommended, but not required)

For this fall craft, the frame is the centerpiece of the finished product. It’s inexpensive and easy to make, and it adds a cozy and festive fall element to your front door.

Take a plain wooden frame without the glass and spray paint the frame in a color that will pop against your front door. Once the paint has dried, glue the leaves, acorns or other fall foliage, the cinnamon sticks (for a festive fall smell!) onto the frame. This can be either in the corners or on the sides of the frame.

Take a wooden letter (for your first name, last name, or whatever you’d like) and spray paint the letter with the other color of spray paint you purchased. Glue it onto the bottom left-hand corner of the picture frame once dry.

Lastly, either staple or glue the ribbon onto the back of the frame, making a loop. Hang on your door and enjoy!

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When you are thinking of ways to decorate your home in festive fall flair, consider the picture frame—a commonly overlooked item that can be used for many fall decorating ideas. Whether it’s simply painting a frame in beautiful fall colors or using the frame itself as the centerpiece, here are five fun kid-friendly fall craft […]

I’ve always loved the look of chalkboard menus, especially ones with little drawings next to the menu items. Framed chalkboards have become a popular home and office décor item. They are extremely easy to make, so I decided to create one for my office.

Today’s example uses a piece of 12”x 24”, 1/4” thick craft plywood, chalkboard paint, and our Wood Picture Frame Profile 215 in Blue/Black to create an elegant, yet practical chalkboard for your kitchen, office, or craft room. *Note – if you are ordering a wood frame from us select a point depth that is just slightly larger than the thickness of your plywood. For example, if your plywood is 1/4” thick select 5/16” for the point depth.

Supplies to Make Your Own DIY Chalkboard Frame

supplies

Step 1

Paint one side of the craft plywood with the chalkboard paint. The paint’s directions recommend at least 2 coats. (I did 3 coats.) Let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next.

step1

Step 2

Once the plywood is completely dry, place it inside the frame and attach whatever hanging apparatus you are using.

step2

Step 3

Hang your new chalkboard and doodle to your heart’s content!

step3

I’ve always loved the look of chalkboard menus, especially ones with little drawings next to the menu items. Framed chalkboards have become a popular home and office décor item. They are extremely easy to make, so I decided to create one for my office. Today’s example uses a piece of 12”x 24”, 1/4” thick craft […]