Framing Made Easy

An Odd-Size Piece

Before cramming Junior’s finger painting into a frame that’s too small or letting a concert poster swim in one that’s too big, consider a sectional-frame kit. Available in inch increments between 8 and 40 inches, the kits allow you to pick a size that is perfect (or will be after a little trimming of the piece). There are two “sides” in each kit, so you’ll want one for the length and one for the width.
 
 

What You Need

• Nielsen Bainbridge frame kits ($8.60 to $19.60, dickblick.com)
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Piece of glass (prices vary; art-supply stores will cut to size for a small fee)
• Foam board
• Utility knife, for cutting foam board

 

How to Frame It

Step 1: Assemble three sides of the frame by connecting a shorter section to each end of a longer section. Use a screwdriver to tighten the joints.
 
 Step 2: Sandwich the art between a piece of foam board and a piece of glass (both cut to the size of the artwork), then slide them all into the metal frame.
 
 Step 3: Turn the whole thing upside down, and attach the fourth side of the frame, tightening the joints with screws.
 
 Step 4: If there’s a lot of wiggle room and the artwork and glass are rattling around inside the frame, use the included pressure clips to keep everything in place.