> On Oct 13, 9:44 pm, "Roger Tango" microsoft.com> wrote:

>> Can anyone point me to some online resource that addresses the creation
>> of
>> frames for photo prints? I am interested in things like glass/no glass,
>> recommended mattings, what frames to use for the current photo printer
>> formats. For example I went to the local Michaels
>> (http://www.michaels.com)
>> and all of the stock frames were for "classic" photo sizes such as 11x14
>> inch. My current printer prints on 13x19 inch, so how can I get a frame
>> and
>> associated mats without resorting to buying custom frames and mats?
>>
>> I realize this is kind of an open ended question, but I just need some
>> place
>> to start. It seems like the new formats that are coming out for printers
>> (e.g. 8.5x11, 13x19 inch) are out of step with the traditional sizes used
>> for prints, and so the "framing industry" has not caught up to those new
>> formats.
>>
>> At any rate those are the kind of questions I have.
>>
>> Thanks!

>
> If you check your local 'big' paper, once a week (usually either Tues
> or Thurs) there will be a coupon at Michael's or Joanne's for
> something like 40%% off any 1 item. Use that coupon to buy a matte
> cutter and cut your own. It's easy enough.
>
> Go to a good, local glass shop and get "low UV' glass. It's about
> twice as expensive as regular glass but it's worth it.
>
> As for glass/no glass, the issue is the "art". If it's organic/
> natural, you need to let it breath and you don't use glass (paintings,
> etc) but otherwise you do (so yes for photos).
>
> Just because your printer will print 8.5x11 doesn't mean you have to.
> Use it to print 8x10. If you do a weird size, use a larger "standard"
> frame and cut a mat with your new cutter.
>
> Mat cutting is easy.
>
> Good luck with it.
>