{Quick, Easy & Cheap} Tips for Photo Framing

Smile pretty and say "cheese"!   Hope your summer is off to a fantastic start.  I bet there's lots of photo taking in your future this summer ... you may even want to use a few in your decor.

So here's a post with a couple tips for photo framing that could make the process quick, easy, and cheap{er}!

Using these tips we hung these pictures in about 5 minutes, level to each other, and no bickering :)

{A series of photos hung on the wall using our tips}

Tip #1 {Photo Matts ... The Look for Less}
Priced custom cut matts?  Ugh.  You can cut your own matts with a beveled edge ... I've done that.  But I'm notorious for changing my photo displays often, and sometimes I also change the size of the photo even though I use the same frame, so matts - because they have a specific size for the opening, are not flexible enough for my needs.  I came up with a "reverse matt" {made up that term} that works with any size photo used in a particular frame.

I like the Ribba Ikea frame in the 20" x 30" size but this technique can be used with any frame of any size.

I purchase Crescent Board - it looks like a matt board, in the Art department of my local Craft Store.  The back of the board ...

and I cut it to fit the frame.  Super simple straight-line cuts.

You don't have to be too concerned about how clean the cut is because it will be concealed by the inside edge of the frame.  Then I use double-sided tape* to attach my photo to the front of the Crescent Board.  And I pop it in the frame, and voila!  The photo floating on top of the Crescent Board gives the impression of a photo matt.  The photo below is an 11x14 centered in a 20x30 Ribba frame {frame spray painted white}.

Now there isn't a bevel edge around the photo but you have to get too real close to notice.

A photo floating on top of a Crescent Illustration board is a very cost effective way to simulate a matted framing of a photo.

* if you're interested in lifelong preservation of a photo

 be sure to use an archival acid-free tape / adhesive

Tip #2 {Pretty Pictures all in a Row, and Level}
A series of two or more photos is a great way to tell a story.

Hanging a series of frames level {aligned} with each other is not the easiest thing to do {for us, at least}.

And, at the end of a picture hanging day, I want my marriage to be in-tack and not marred by some snipping at each other while trying to get those frames level.  Tell me we're not the only ones who get a little tense doing all the picture frame hanging "advanced" math and, ahem, recalculations.

Marriage saver {and wall preserver} = a turnbuckle

Turnbuckles are nifty pieces of common hardware found alongside nuts, bolts, and screws.  Sometimes they are in the speciality bins.  They come in a range of sizes; the smaller the turnbuckle the smaller adjustment range.  I think our turnbuckles are the super big size ... lots of adjustability ... from the position of the picture hanger we can adjust the picture .75" in either direction without moving the hanger on the wall.  With that amount of adjustability you almost don't even need to initially measure :)

You'll attach your turnbuckle to the picture hanging wire on the back of the frame.  Wrap the hanging wire securely around the ends of the turnbuckle.  Note: In the below photo you can see the IKEA Ribba frames have a recessed picture back ... my finger shows the approximate depth ... we can tuck a super big turnbuckle behind those frames and the frame still lies flat to the wall.  If you use a frame with a standard flush back you will want to choose the smallest turnbuckle so the frame hangs flush with the picture hanging hook.  You'll still have a small amount of adjustability on the frame.

{A turnbuckle attached to the frame's hanging wire makes adjusting picture height easy.}

Hang the picture, note if it needs to be higher or lower, take it down and make a small adjustment {tightening or loosening the "buckle"} and rehang the picture.  Later rinse repeat until the picture is the correct height!  Once you get the hang {ha ha} of it there is usually only an adjustment or two needed.

Ahhh, three picture frames in a row and hanging level to each other.

{A series of photos hung on the wall using our tips}

If you're hanging a really large or heavy object you might want to use French Cleats ... also good in earthquake county or to baby-proof a wall hanging ... read about that here.

And if your picture has those "dastardly double d-rings" on the back of the frame I have a few tips for working with that type of hanger too ... read about that here.

So happy summer photo taking and picture hanging!

Have some picture framing or hanging tips you'd like to add?  Any plans to decorate with summertime photographs?  What's your favorite photo hanging in your home?

Thanks for visiting today and I really appreciate your patience as I complete my blog DIY redo ... seriously taking more time than I expected, but hey, what DIY project doesn't?!

Robin

Linking to these fun parties:
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
How to Create a Mouse-over Picture of Your Before & After Project: 178th Metamorphosis Monday

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