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If you ever had a picture that didn't fit any frames, you probably cut it out to fit a frame, or had a custom frame done for you. The custom frame builders are very expensive and it seems like the frame costs more then the picture itself! To overcome that problem, this article will teach you how to make your own picture frame.
First you need to measure your picture and write down those measurements. Then you are ready to go to a home hardware store. There you can pick out the wood you like for the frame. The store will be able to cut your sticks out for you. Get them to cut two pieces for you with this shape \______/, where the length of the bottom is the measured length of the top of your picture minus 2cm. Do the other two pieces the same way but the length of the bottom should now be the length of the side minus 2cm. In the store make sure you lay the four pieces together checking for the fit, and making the clerk do it over for you if there are any errors. You should now measure the outside of the new square you assembled with the four wooden pieces, and get a thin sheet of wood (about 0.3-0.6cm thick) that is exactly the same size from the clerk. Also get the clerk to cut out a matte piece of glass for you which is about 0.5cm thick and 2cm taller and 2cm wider then your picture.
For this next step you will need a saw since you will need to cut away some wood from the underside of the pieces of wood where the picture will have to go. You need to cut 1 square cm out of the bottom of the inside of the four pieces that form the frame. Now you can sandpaper all the pieces until they are smooth and without any splinters.
If you want a natural wooden look for your frame, you can just varnish the wood, applying 2-3 coats as specified on the can. If you want another color, apply it with a paintbrush, and varnish all the pieces at the end also. Varnishing ensures the wood is protected from the environment making it last much longer, and making it look elegant with a shine to it.
After all the pieces are dry you are ready to assemble the frame. First put down the thin sheet of wood, then the picture at the center, then the glass, and last the four sides that form the frame. The sides should fit perfectly over the glass since you cut away some of the wood which would interfere with the glass, but now the glass is enclosed by wood on all sides. Making sure not to hit the glass, you can nail the sides to the back of the frame, and to ensure even better quality glue all the contact places of wood against wood. Using screws from back to front is best since they hold the best and you will not see the ugly heads of the nails from the front. On the outside where the four long pieces of wood meet, put a nail at each side to help keep them together. Now you can put a sturdy picture hanger at the top center of the back of your picture. Then you can hang your picture, and enjoy it for many years to come, saving many costs, and giving you the sense of accomplishment for making an exquisite design for your own home.
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