Frames for 6 x 8 plein air panels

[Fenders]

I've been doing lots of plein air this summer. I usually use 6x8 or 8x10 panels. I found nice, inexpensive gold frames for the 8x10's but not for the 6x8. I really don't want to start making my own but may have to. Any suggestions where to get simple 6x8 frames?

thanks in advance for your help!!
Florie

[Scorpio]

Florie,

These are the ones I use:

http://www.aswexpress.com/discount-art-supplies/online/1727/art-supplies/4

I look forward to finding more sources as a result of your post.

[Paintin' Nature]

Florie,

ASW is the same place I was going to recommend. They are having a sale right now. But they are out of stock on 6x8" That bummed me. Where are you getting your 8x10's and if I may ask, what is the great price? I just ordered some 8x10's today from ASW on sale for about $15 each.

[Al Skaar]

Hi Florie - Here is another source for 6x8s. I've had a hard time finding them too. http://www.pictureframes.com/scripts/WebObjects/PictureFrames.woa/wa/ReadyCollection?sec=Plein+Air&browse=Collection

- Al

[RedEquus]

I use a company called American Frame (www.americanframe.com).

Janice

[Fenders]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm going to keep an eye on ASW to see when they get more 6x8 Plein air frames in??
I have used www.pictureframes.com for my 8x10. I like their slimwood frames for my smaller paintings. They are only 1 1/2" wide and right now they are on sale....$7.49.
Looks like a 6x8 at American Frame Co. is between $10 (basics) and $20. I'll have to do more research there.
Great ideas from everyone!
Thx
Florie:clap:

[fiatlux]

The moulding out of which frames are made is from mostly China these days. It used to be from Mexico. Companies import it, make it into frames, etc, and sell it to the places that most of you seem to be buying them from. However, If you frame your pictures because you intend to sell them, you can purchase frames wholesale from the places that sell frames to the retail framing stores and on-line sources from which you have been buying them.

In most states you need what in my state, New York, is called a retail number. This means that you will collect sales tax, which you are required to do in any case when you sell something (as well as giving the buyer a receipt. It is done over the internet and easy to do. You have to tell them every three months how much sales tax you've collected for the first year, and after that, if you have not collected any, they require you to send them a report once a year. If you sell your work in gallery, the gallery collects sales tax if required, and you do not have to report it.

It is not that the framing supply place requires this number (only the state is interested in sales tax). It's that it establishes you as having a business entitled to buy supplies wholesale.

There is a huge markup in frames. If you are interested try googling "decor moulding" and look at their catalog. Frames come in three ways: 1. as moulding, 2. as "chopped" segments (to make the 45 degree angle perfect, they do not use a saw but a "chopper" with the equivalent of a razor blade), or 3. assembled as a frame. If you order them chopped, the pieces can also be ordered with pushpins which means that holes are cut at the edges into which you push a piece of plastic that they supply and assemble them yourself. I order pieces chopped and they come via UPS.

There is a movement among some wholesale framing suppliers not to sell to artists. For example, one huge supplier requires you to have a storefront, but there are plenty of supplies that will sell to you with a resale number or equivalent.

Best,
Richard

[JamieWG]

I order everything custom through http://floridaframes.com. Their custom prices are comparable to pre-made, with higher quality. I paint a lot in sizes 6x8, 8x16, 12x12 and 12x24, so I can't get those pre-made anyway. I order the 6x8s at least 10 at a time to get a better discount.

Jamie

[sos940]

Hi -

Here's another source for frames. Usually sold in sets of 6 frames, but at a good price & quality is good too...

http://www.artfulpictureframes.com/