Framing Books

Mat, Mount and Frame It Yourself (Crafts Highlights)

David Logan

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 9 to 13 days By: Watson Guptill - Model: 0823030385 Amazon Marketplace: 51 new & used starting at $6.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Excellent book: my top pick 4 out of 5 stars.
27 of 27 people found this review helpful.

I have been doing amateur framing for about seven years, and have read a lot of framing books. This book is (easily and definitely) my pick as the best book for beginning (and more experienced) amateur picture framers. What I liked about the book: * lots of helpful colourful photos; * easy to read text: * shows that you don't have to spend a lot of money to get into this hobby / profession and produce excellent results; * covers many useful topics without getting into the more advanced, more complex topics (e.g., gesso); * at the end of each section, the author summarizes the important points. The best thing I like about this book is that the author provides many rules-of-thumb; for example, how much of a border should there be around a piece of art work; how wide should be the frame; how deep should be the rabbet; what colours are best given the colour of the artwork; etc. It is also nice to know that most of the things I taught myself (the hard way) are "correct"! With this book, I now understand why I am doing it right!

The book is not perfect. For example (as one reviewer mentioned) the whole topic of making your own frames is virtually ignored. The discussion of equipment related to the frames themselves (e.g., clamps, etc.)is also almost non-existent. Since I have been involved in picture framing for some time (but nothing too complex), I found the coverage of some topics rather, well, silly (e.g., how to read a ruler) and also disagreed with a few of the book's statements. This is to be expected; we all approach the topic differently, and as the author states, framing is a combination of art and science.

Nevertheless, this book is my first pick for learning the important aspects of picture framing.

Editorial Review:

Here is a one-stop guide that shows you how to mat, mount and frame your photos and save time and money in the process. Helpful sidebars and clear illustrations make everything simple. 160 pages 8 1/2 x 11 Softbound

Home Book of Picture Framing: Professional Secrets of Mounting Matting, Framing and Displaying Artworks, Photographs, Posters, Fabrics, Collectibles, Carvings and More

Kenn Oberrecht

Amazon Price: $14.93 List Price: $21.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Stackpole Books Amazon Marketplace: 43 new & used starting at $9.72

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

8 full-color pages, 450 b/w photos, 20 drawings 8 x 11.A new and updated edition of the highly popular first edition New sections on using power tools and framing fabric art Complete directory of suppliers Over 40,000 copies of the first edition sold Framing a favorite picture, whether a gallery piece or a childs drawing, can be easy and inexpensive thanks to this revised and updated edition of the classic bestseller. Home Book of Picture Framing is the most comprehensive guide to mounting, matting, and framing oil paintings, watercolors, posters, photographs, calendar pages, and greeting cards without spending a fortune. Complete with sections on safety, tools, materials, and techniques, the book contains all the information needed to prepare homeowners for their first project. For those wanting to turn this skill into profit, the author gives advice on starting a business. Guidelines for framing three-dimensional objects are included, and new sections on using power tools, framing needlework, and creating hinged and easel-style frames demonstrate the most recent trends in framing. Kenn Oberrecht is the author of several woodworking and photography books, including the popular first edition of Home Book of Picture Framing. He lives in North Bend, Oregon. Recently, my wife, Patty, and I were brousing in a gourmet shop in Florence, Oregon, when she noticed a large, framed poster and asked the woman behind the counter if it was for sale. The proprietor said she had unframed copies available and began to tell her about getting it professionally mounted and framed. When Patty told her that Im a framer, the woman turned to me and said, Maybe you can tell meI think I paid too much, but I didnt ask ahead of time. So I didnt complain when the framer charged me $250. I gulped and took a second look at the poster. . . . I made a quick assessment and told the woman that she could have framed it herself for about $50. from Chapter One, Home Book of Picture Framing 2nd Edition

Basic Picture Framing: All The Skills And Tools You Need To Get Started (Stackpole Basics)

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Stackpole Books Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $3.97

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Nice looking book, many pictures - only for beginners! 4 out of 5 stars.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.

At first I was going to give this book only 2 stars because it has so little information and is very very basic. But then I realized that it was never intended to be a comprehensive text, it was designed to provide very basic information in a very simple and accessable way to people who might be intimidated by framing their own art or photos, and it does this task well. So I decided to give the book 4 stars - but keep in mind that this book is only for beginners or non-technical people.

I purchased this book because I have to frame several pieces of art and I refuse to spend $300 to $400 per piece at my local frame shop. This book is good for someone seeking basic info on framing techniques and tools, and it is especially good for someone who is not that handy because it walks you through every step with instructions and a photo of each step.

If you are handy, or if you have some framing experience, or if you want to lean more than just basic techniques, then this is not the book for you - instead I suggest you purchace "Mat, Mount, and Frame It Yourself" by Logan, a more interesting, detailed, and useful book.

Editorial Review:

This detailed guide covers the essentials the beginner needs to get started with matting, mounting, and framing everything from works of art to personal mementoes. It contains practical techniques and expert tips on choosing the proper matboard and frame; measuring and cutting single, double, or triple mats; safely mounting your materials; building frames; attaching hanging hardware; and placing the frame for display.

Matting and Framing Made Easy

Janean Thompson

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 6 to 11 days By: Watson Guptill - Model: 0823030474 Amazon Marketplace: 31 new & used starting at $5.79

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

This one gives you your money's worth of useful information! 5 out of 5 stars.
46 of 48 people found this review helpful.

This is simply the best book currently out there for the do-it-yourself framer. In particular, after looking at dozens of books in libraries and bookstores, it's the only book I found that really gives satisfactory attention to archival considerations, pros and cons of different methods of mounting artwork, and protection of the framed materials from moisture in the environment (a real area of concern if you're living in an extremely high-humidity region, as I am!). After an hour or so of browsing through the book, I already felt I had gotten my money's worth in answered questions and useful information. Everything the beginner needs to know, plus a little more in-depth information for those of us who have already learned the basics. Recommended!

Editorial Review:

Once you have finished putting all your personal vision and hours of labor into creating a great photograph or digital image (or watercolor, drawing, painting, needlepoint or any other work of art), you need to mat it and possibly frame it for your wall, your client or as part of your portfolio. Clear, straightforward color photographs and step-by-step instructions guide even the novice through introductory and advanced techniques. Topics covered are accurate measuring various mounting techniques including wet, dry and conservation mat cutting by hand and tabletop cutters single and multiple window matting glazing with various glasses and plexiglass framing with metal and wood frames and hanging your artwork including single, multiple and heavy works, as well as exhibition tips.

A History of European Picture Frames

Paul Mitchell, Lynn Roberts

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Excellent book of reference 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Mitchell has done agreat job by gathering all this data and turning it into a thoroughbred classic on antique picture frames.
Academic quality could be compared to Framing in the Golden Age but lacks the in depth detail of that great book.

Mounting Methods (Library of Professional Picture Framing, Volume 5)

Vivian C. Kistler; MCPF; GCF

Amazon Price: $24.00 List Price: $24.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Columba Pub Co Amazon Marketplace: 8 new & used starting at $19.99

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Editorial Review:

Step-by-step instructions! The professional framer's reference guide to mounting. Step-by-step instructions for dry mounting, wet mounting, spray adhesive and pressure-sensitive methods. Selecting the appropriate mounting board. Adhesives: wet paste, pressure-sensitive, dry mount tissues and film. How to handle buckling, bubbles and other problems. Setting up a mounting worktable and work station. Types of mounting equipment and accessories. Laminating. Canvas Transfers. Step-by-step instructions for projects including mounting posters, photographs, magazines, newspaper, fabric and plastics. A quick-reference mounting method chart.

Creating Keepsakes: Photography for Scrapbookers (Leisure Arts #15949)

Tracy White

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 6 to 10 days By: Leisure Arts Amazon Marketplace: 22 new & used starting at $0.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Good beginner's book 4 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

This is, as the title suggests, a good basic introductory book for those who are new to photography. It certainly gives a good initial run-down on all the over-arching principles of taking better shots with the main focus being on composition rather than tech specs. It's an easy read, and the steps suggested should prove useful to its target audience. I found it quite specific to scrapbooking though. It is not the definitive guide to photography by any means, but nor does it present itself as such. A worthwhile purchase for the burgeoning scrapping population.

Editorial Review:

What’s the point of taking photos, really? To showcase them in scrapbooks, of course. That’s why the editors of Creating Keepsakes magazine developed this all-new guide: to help anyone—with any kind of camera—take better pictures, instantly, frame by frame, click by click. And without a bunch of technical jargon. Just easy-to-follow instructions and helpful hints so scrapbookers get photos they can’t wait to display, every time. Features:

Approach picture-taking in a whole new light with more than 250 real-world tips

Train your eye in the essentials of photo composition the easy way with over 150 photos

Scraplift fabulous, never-before-seen layouts from the experts, and put your new photo skills to work right away

Make the most of everyday moments, special occasions & sporting events

Discover the best techniques for shooting all kinds of people: babies, toddlers, teens, and adults

Frame It!

Tonia Davenport

Amazon Price: $17.99 List Price: $19.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: North Light Books Amazon Marketplace: 44 new & used starting at $4.25

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A comprehensive and creative guide! 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I am a custom framer myself, and even I got ideas for frame designs! The book is an extremely comprehensive guide for standard framing techniques, but what I really love are the more creative, non-standard techniques Tonia shows as well. A must for the crafter who wants to display her artwork, but who wants to "do-it-herself".

Editorial Review:

Framing isn't something one has to leave to the professional. With Frame It! readers will learn how to use both ready-made frames and inexpensive framing materials to create frames perfect for their favorite photos, pieces of artwork or souvenirs. Readers will find everything they need to create the perfect frame, including: A wide range of framing possibilities for subjects ranging from photographs, to embroidered pieces and scrapbook pages, to collectibles like baseball gloves and trading cards; 20 step-by-step projects incorporating a mix of handmade and ready-made materials, as well as mat cutting and decorating; A comprehensive guide to both traditional and contemporary framing techniques, and a section covering the basics With the tips and ideas in Frame It! readers can create frames as special as their most cherished mementos.

How to Make Your Own Picture Frames, Revised and Enlarged 3rd Edition

Ed Reinhardt, Hal Rogers

List Price: $16.95 By: Watson-Guptill Amazon Marketplace: 14 new & used starting at $10.94

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

How to Make Your Own Picture Frames 3 out of 5 stars.
79 of 80 people found this review helpful.

Excellent book for the beginner (me!). Clear and concise. Excellent step-by-step instructions with photos for each and every step. This book covers all aspects of frame construction, painting, mats, glass-cutting and usage. A great book to trigger your own ideas to create custom frames.

Drawbacks: Original publication is 1958, and the tools and techniques used are pretty old (e.g., use of a hand saw and miter box versus an electric miter saw or radial arm saw). Photos are all black and white, so some detail is missing.

A good book for the beginner. 3 out of 5 stars.
51 of 51 people found this review helpful.

This book is a good book for the beginning woodworker, or someone who wants to make a few frames for their photos.

It offers step by step instruction for building standard mitred frames, cutting mats and glass, and construction techniques.

If you want to simply make some traditional frames this book will definitely help you out.

On the down side the book hasn't been updated since 1958 and as such it's woefully out of date. It uses and describes all hand tools, some of which are not even available any longer.

There is no information about the benefits of a power mitre saw, radial arm saw, or any other power tool which would greatly help in making frames.

Additionally I was hoping that the book would outline some non traditional frames, such as mortice and tenon jointed frames. It did not, only standard mitred frames.

Overall I would recommend this book for someone totally unfamiliar with frame making. But if you have a basic understanding of woodworking and understand mitre cuts then this isn't the book for you.

Antique American Frames: Identification and Price Guide

Eli Wilner, Mervyn Kaufman

List Price: $15.00 By: Avon Books Amazon Marketplace: 9 new & used starting at $26.87

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Decent Subject Overview, Erroneous Prices, Bad Photos 2 out of 5 stars.
30 of 32 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book hoping to get some real specific information on buying and selling antique american frames. I enjoyed reading this book because it gave me a bigger picture of how the frame styles developed in America (even though I also felt like Mr. Wilner's chatty tone seemed to talk down to his audience). I agree with some of the other reviewers in that this certainly is an enthusiastic book and creates awareness for people to look at what surrounds the picture instead of just looking at the painting. Antique frames should certainly be studied and written about and noticed and matched with the right paintings.

I do have some complaints however. I am an antiques dealer and I have some other books in the Confident Collector series. I really don't think this book fits in the same spirit as the rest of the series. I think Mr. Wilner's prices are all off base with the real world of antiques and collecting. They seem to be a self-serving guide to prices in his shop alone. I go to lots of auctions and antique markets in many states and have been in the business for many years of selling both paintings and frames and I rarely have seen frames alone sell for the kind of values he is giving them. I know that prices are going up since more awareness has made people appreciate the so-called art of the frame more. I have seen that there are many exhibits and articles on antique frames in the last few years, and I have seen that frames are starting to cost more as people become more aware that frames can be as important as a painting.I know that people like Mr. Wilner are benefiting the public by educating them on what a good frame is. I agree that some frames are very valuable, like an original Stanford White or a signed artists frame (as described in the book), but it seems that Mr. Wilner's book attempts to make all American frames seem valuable and that just can't be true. It's not true of American furniture or other antiques, they all have highs and lows, so frames must too. Like for example simple black Eastlake print frames in his book are starting at $2500, but those kinds of frames can be found at nearly every antiques mall for well under $500. There is no indication in the text about why Mr. Wilner finds Eastlake frames are suddenly so valuable other than that he says so.

Also Mr. Wilner's book seems to be the only one in the series that he is the only dealer listed. Other books list other experts and sources to buy or find out more about the specific antique. Overall, I think that for people who know nothing about frames and want some idea of what they are about and to learn some general history, the chapter text is quite informative but the dates of the frames shown are not in chronological order which is somewhat confusing. Unfortunately the black and white pictures are so small and fuzzy and such bad quality that it is very difficult to see the detail in the frames, so how can you tell if you have one of the valuable ones or not?

The photo captions themselves don't really give much extra information I wish they talked more about the decorative motifs or described the frames better since the photos are so bad. As generalist antique guides go it's a decent overview. I would just tell anyone to take the Price Guide part of this with a very large grain of salt, since the frame prices seem to be on the moon instead of in the real world of american antiques.

Editorial Review:

Whether they are elaborately gilded or clean and classic, picture frames are often viewed as works of art. Now there's a fascinating, informative guide to collecting and restoring antique American frames. The book is divided chronologically into design periods, with detailed descriptions of styles and designs.