Framing your own art

Confession: I am cheap. Not as cheap as some, but I don't like spending money on things I can do myself for less. Case in point: Matted artwork. Having a professional do this can cost hundreds of dollars. Yes, they do a lovely job, but I don't want to spend that much on my art.
Here's a couple ways to save money on matted artwork.
First you need a frame with similar dimensions to your artwork plus a mat. It doesn 't have to be exact. I use coupons from Michaels or go to thrift stores to find frames.

Since it is likely you won't find a precut mat to fit the frame and the artwork, you have a couple choices. You can purchase a mat cutting instrument and do it yourself. I tried this with moderate success. I don't recommend it.

OR just google mat board. There are many places that have larger pieces that you usually cannot find in craft stores. You can also get a custom opening cut. There are some ways to select the size based on whether you want your artwork centered or weighted.  Look into it a bit and decide what your prefer.

This is a print that my family bought me a few years ago. It is weighted on the bottom. That means the mat is wider on the bottom.
I couldn't get rid of the glare, but you can see how it turned out.

With shipping, the mat cost about $30. I bought the frame for about $20. I will try to get a better picture, but it turned out well.
Here is what this beautiful painting by Liz Lemon Swindle looks like.

 You can see this work and many other here. It is called "Why Weepest Thou." I love it!

Try framing your artwork! It will work!