In my mixed media wall art, I tend to use mainly two types of frames: The Green Tree Gallery 12x12" from Hobby Lobby and the Studio Decor Lifestyles 10x13" from Michaels. On sale, I can get either frame for $5 each, which isn't bad for the quality, especially the Studio Decor, which comes with a particle wood backing and installed mounting hardware. However, I have been trying to find a wholesale source for frames with no success. Also, I have been trying to find a source for pre-cut no opening matboard in 12x12 and 10x13 in various colors, also with no success. I've had some offers from some of the made in China sites for the frames, but they want a minimum order of 1,000 yet refuse to send samples, even if paid for. If anyone can recommend a supplier for either of these items, I would be greatly appreciative. I tried searching the discussions, but if there's already a post on this topic I was unable to find it. The frames need to be preferably black, and the backing boards in various colors, preferably mainly pastels.
If I can't find the board precut, I'm in the process of building a cutting guide, does anyone have a good source for mat board? Does not need to be super fancy archival stuff, just the basic stuff like Hobby Lobby carries for $10 a 32x40 (not on sale).
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Well, emailed a couple of the people listed to get an estimate on precut mat board, over a week later still no response. However, yesterday I had a bit of luck. I was on Harwin Street (Houston's "wholesale" area) and asked around about mat board. One person directed me to Texas Art Supply and after my GPS tried to kill me a couple of times I finally found the place. I am hooked. Not only was the mat 1/3 or less of the cost I'd been paying at Hobby Lobby, they had an industrial cutter free for customer use. My arm was sore by the time I got done cutting all the mat but it was worth it. Walked out of there with a large stack of the sizes I needed for $50. They mail order as well, but they do not cut mat, and being able to use that cutter makes the hour drive worth it. Their prices on other items were also very reasonable, my niece that draws and paints was running around like a kid in a candy store.
I'm going to try a bin or two of matted and bagged pieces, see how they do. If they sell quickly, I'll convert to that method and bring some of my basic frames for an added cost for those that want framed. It'll definitely make my life easier and my back happier. Thanks to everyone for the advice.
Hi Neil, if you emailed us the only reason you did not get a response with a couple hours on a business day is the email never actually made it to us. Also, all our prices are on our website.
See what I mean about Houston? You hit the jackpot. WOOHOO!
Larry Berman
Thanks to all those who mentioned my company Frame Destination, Inc.
I wanted to point out that we carry mat board cut to any size with or without a window. If you are able to standardize on a few sizes and buy in qty you can reduce the price dramatically if you buy just 4. We also sell full sheets. Our least expensive paper mat board is less than $8 for a full sheet and less than $7 if you buy at least 5 sheets. If you buy our mats cut to size with window at qty 25 it will be difficult for you to save much money but you will spend a lot more time. We also carry clearbags however, we will sell in qty 10, and we have discounts for smaller quantities then if you go direct from clearbags. Depending on your qty, and your location we may be less expensive.
See, I told you folks, Mark, was one of us. Support his business and you'll be supporting us.
Thanks to all that have replied. I've given thought to selling unframed, and even discussed this last night with a fellow vendor that was selling "loose" photography, and even he agreed that my pieces (cut vinyl record art) are too fragile to sell "boarded and bagged" such as his art was. Maybe on some thick matboard, but even then it's iffy. I do wish I could, because those crates of framed art are really heavy.....but I've got plans for that, too.
I will definitely look over the suppliers listed! And feel free to keep the replies coming. I'm always willing to learn from veterans in the business.
I have been using Frames USA for a while now. I use the metal frames that come in pieces and am pretty happy with them. They have just added a mat component to the frames, so you might price them out. So far, I have had good service, but it takes a while to get the frames to Montana.
Kelly
You are buying wholesale when you buy mats from Dixie Matting. Everything is hand cut and requires purchasing in quantities. When I was figuring out my ordering, I realized that I was paying approximately the same price for cut mats as for full sheets, which I then would have to cut myself. With Dixie, you specify an outer size and inner opening size. There are no custom sizes as they cut everything.
But here's the thing. If you're just starting out it doesn't pay to buy quantities because images and sizes will change each time you do a show.
I've always recommended enough frames to fill a display with a few as backup that you can interchange with matted versions of what has sold framed. That way you don't have too much of an investment and might actually make a profit. Besides, like I said in an earlier post, most people buy unframed. And if everything is the same size, all your materials are interchangeable.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Please click on the link for FrameDestination.com, a long time supporter of this site. Mark Rogers is devoted to people in our line of business. (See that ad on the left hand side of this site.)
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