Happy Thursday!
2 posts in two days! Must be a record :) But I really couldn't wait any longer to show you!
2 posts in two days! Must be a record :) But I really couldn't wait any longer to show you!
A couple of weeks ago I made my way to Michael's to finally get Nantucket framed. This is the first piece of needle work I have ever had framed :)
I was going for an old world kinda feel when thinking about framing. Actually, 'old trunk' is what I had in mind. I wanted the frame to look like it could have come off a ship somewhere. I think it turned out pretty good!
I was going for an old world kinda feel when thinking about framing. Actually, 'old trunk' is what I had in mind. I wanted the frame to look like it could have come off a ship somewhere. I think it turned out pretty good!
How did Nantucket get framed if you have many finishes and none framed, you ask? Well because Michaels had a sale on their framing services. If you can call it that... I still ended up paying a minor fortune to get Nantucket framed. So what was the deal? Well 60% off plus an extra 20% off. Now that in my mind means 80% off... Nope it's an extra 20% off the total after 60%... makes no sense. Anyway, I didn't get quite the deal I was hoping for but I really wanted to get her framed!!! SO I ponied up the $150.
I was so excited by this 'sale' that I actually brought a couple of other pieces along with me... but alas they will remain in my finished pile for a while longer.
I can't quite believe that $150 is considered a sale... I mean I've gotten a couple things (non-stitchy) framed before for around that price normally. I think Michaels prices must just simply be astronomical and I would NEVER shop there without a coupon... EVER. E.V.E.R!
Anyway, I digress.
The REAL question I would like to ask you all is... Is there anyway to frame a piece of needlework yourself??? I've heard of Frames By Mail but I'm a huge scardy cat because I have no idea how it works exactly. I have so many lovely pieces that I want framed but I simply will NOT be dishing out $150+ to get them framed....
HELP
Yours truly,
One desperate stitcher.
That's a beautiful piece. :) I, too, wish I could frame my own, but I just don't think I could do the pieces justice!
ReplyDeleteI was shocked when I took a piece in to be framed at Michaels too and they quoted me $200 and it was a "60% off sale" as well. So I did the mental math really quick and asked the sales lady if anyone really pays $500+ for a piece of framing????? I doubt it! And have you noticed they have that sale all the time? It's not a sale, the only sale you got was 20% off which is still something.
ReplyDeleteI took the same piece into my LNS and they quoted me $175 to frame it the same way as Michaels.
Sorry I can't help with your other option because I'm very lucky my Dad does framing so I always get him to do mine.
BTW....Nantucket does look gorgeous! I love it :)
Beautiful! It has been many years since I had cross stitch professionally framed. For EXACTLY that reason. It is soooooooooooo outrageous isn't it? I do believe Carol from Stitching Dreams has ordered and had great success with frames in the mail. I learned this from her years ago, and yet.... I haven't done it either. I am scared to also.
ReplyDeleteI would agree with Angela. I think Michael's is not a deal. I was shocked when I saw the $150 after the sale coupons were applied. On the plus side, it looks very nice and you've learned your "lesson".
ReplyDeleteI wish I could help you with framing yourself. I am trying to do the same but haven't done so. Let us know if you ultimately find a good solution!
WHOA. I've never had to pay that much for framing. There's a photo studio here (you know, if you want fancy engagement photos or family portraits) that offers framing services, and the maximum I've ever paid was like $20. I can't imagine why they're charging you so much - are they hiding gold in the frame?! I really hope you find a cheaper alternative!
ReplyDeleteHi there - I have had many challenges with framing - some I've had done by my local framer who does an excellent job (but can take up to a year), some by Michaels, which I have found expensive with mixed results. They don't always stretch the fabric properly, so I have a few that are rippling. More and more I do my own whenever at all possible. I've had Homecraft framing in Texas make custom sized frames. Her style is primitive, and the frames are very nicely finished. She's on Etsy, and has a website also. I've bought custom frames from other companies online as well with good results. Everything has come well packaged. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteColleen
Wow your framed Nantucket is spectacular. Love the frame and the matting for it. I just picked up my framed piece from Micheal's and I had a 60% plus 15% off coupon. My frame was leather, no glass and no mat - price $60.00 Honest!!! I was holding my breath the whole time till I heard the quote. I too hadn't a professionally framed sampler since 1989. I've done all my own since. If you would like I can email you what I do when I frame a piece myself. Happy Holidays, love Annette
ReplyDeleteW-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L =D
ReplyDeleteNot only the stitching is incredible but the framing is also very very beautiful
the whole is an amazing piece !
very very well done
your stitching is so enlightened ! I love =)
xxxx
Love the framed piece. I think they all over inflate their prices so that even with a coupon you pay a lot. It is still a great piece!
ReplyDeletehappy stitching and Merry Christmas....
Most all the 'big box' craft stores inflate their framing prices terribly because hardly anyone uses their services without the "coupon savings" they so famously advertise. Notice how they constantly run those coupon ads? It's a pet peeve of mine with many retailers. They evidently think consumers are too dumb to notice they overprice things so they can make you think you're getting a deal. I can get similar prices from my LNS and better quality, but understand not everyone has as many framing choices.
ReplyDeleteThat said...congrats on your first framed piece - it looks great!! I just started this piece recently but hardly have more than 20 minutes done on it so far. Merry Christmas!
Pricey it may be but it does look beautiful. So there is that.
ReplyDeleteI agree that their prices are way too high. Honestly, I think the coupon 'deals' are a bait/switch somehow because I can not see THAT many people paying full price when they DON'T have a coupon, you know? So I think these are the 'regular' prices with the coupon, if that makes sense?
Anyhoo. I've done all my framing myself the last few years through Franken Frames (online company). They are the same kind of mats and frames that Michael's sells, cut to whatever size you plug in, for tonssss less. If you sign up for their newsletter you will get a notice when they have a free shipping deal, etc.
Shipping can be a little pricey otherwise but you can not BELIEVE how these thing are packaged. They are buttoned up safer than Fort Knox. lol Even with the shipping it's still much cheaper than Michael's. I've yet to spend more than $25 (and some were as low as $10!) for a frame with them, and I've ordered some pretty tall frames (samplers). I tend to stick to the narrower frames though because I tend to like those better for my pieces. (I know the 2 inch thick ones are more $$$ but the prices must still be very fair.)
I frame my own exclusively now. I order my frames through my local LNS, and do the rest myself. I know others have ordered from online sites and done well too. Keep in mine, that usually, the majority of the cost of framing a needlework piece is the stretching or mounting fee. If you can at least do that part yourself before taking a piece in, you will save some money ~ but that only works if you know what you want the final size to be! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI am LONGING for this chart! I think you finally pushed me to buy it.:) Your framing turned out beautiful!
ReplyDelete