Anyone know of a good place to buy cheap frames? I am looking to frame 3-4 8x10 photos (so probably an 11x14 frame). Just really want something black and standard. I can cut my own mats, but all of the frames I've seen in stores and online are ~$20 for four pieces of wood glued together with a little glass in front. Has anyone found anything like this (doesn't have to be super-high quality) in the $10 range?
Or do I just have to suck it up and pay or else tape my photos to the wall with masking tape...:)
Walmart and Target have frames that are about 12 dollars or so. I go there to see about frames because if you find a good one I think you can frame it and have it almost as good as paying $50 for some place to frame it for you.
Metal frames seem to be the cheapest, but I don't know if that's what you are looking for. You can check frameplace, or misterart - both have some fairly reasonable frames. Haven't used either one, just have them bookmarked for future reference.
Also - Pearl Paint - metal frames are online, but if you go to one of their stores, they usually have a pretty good selection of wood frames.
I've found reasonable frames with pictures already in them at Walmart, Kmart, Target, etc. Sometimes framed artwork is cheaper than bare frames. Just remove the art work and insert your matted picture.
Flea markets and yard sales are good too, although not if you're looking for matching frames.
I buy frames at "Ross Dress for Less". You'll have to search around a bit an most likely will find many scratched or damaged ones. The upside is that you'll find nice frames for as little as a few dollars - if you search long enough.
you might also check Walgreens or Bed, Bath & Beyond if you have one of those nearby - they have a pretty good selection. I just picked up 2 11x14 frames for $15 (with glass & mounting). They are not the highest quality - but not bad for under $20.
I just found some great black and brushed aluminum 11x14 frames at the Super Target here in town for 6.99 a piece. I grabbed a few and was surprised that they have a mat, backing and foam complete for that price. I might just go clean them out just to have them on hand.
Also try thrift stores -- I've gotten many frames for $1-3 each at my local secondhand store. Also, some of the "overstock" stores (in California try BigLots, MacFrugals, etc.) will sometimes have some cheap frames.
Some office supply companies (e.g. Viking Office Products) carry inexpensive frames (mostly for mounting certificates).
i found some really nice black metal frames at Michael's craft store. They have museum style matting...large frame, small mat opening...only $6.99 for the 11 x 14 size (matted to 5 x 7).
also, you can try flea markets and yard sales. doesn't matter if the frames are different styles. i paint all my frames the same color. it gives the display sort of an eclectic but uniform look.
I have looked at a lot of frames in the past. There are cheap frames, and there are good frames. I have found a nice balance between the two at AC Moore. I buy 11x14 frames that include a matte for an 8x10 print for $14.99. I buy 16x20 frames that include a matte for an 11x14 print for $19.99. They look good on the walls :)
Don't sell yourself short on a decent frame. If you are going to display one of your own prints, make the best of it by putting it in a decent frame :)
Try "Tuesday Morning". They have a huge frame selection and they are all extremely discounted. I was in there the other day and saw frames with matts for $10.00. There are several of these stores in RI.
