Poster art framing

[Bags]

Don't know if anyone can help, but I've accumulated about 8 concert posters that I need framed, and I'm looking for a place.  Seems like frameshops are a bit like mattress stores -- many offer these big discounts or coupons, which leads me to worry I'm apt to overpay.  However, I want them done nicely -- a few are gifts.
 
 Recommendations for places in the District or close-in suburbs?

[Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer]

There's this cute little French store called Targe'. You can buy frames their and diy.
 
 Oh, never mind.

[twangirl]

I get all my posters framed at Frame Mart Gallery in Cleveland Park, across from the Uptown. It's a small family-owned shop that's been there for decades. They're not cheap, but they do a fantastic job. They've done about 8 or 9 posters for me so far and I wouldn't think of going anywhere else. If you go there ask for Chris, he's real good at coming up with unique framing ideas that enhance the artwork on the poster.

[Dr. Anton Phibes]

Originally posted by Bagalicious Tangster:
  Don't know if anyone can help, but I've accumulated about 8 concert posters that I need framed, and I'm looking for a place.  Seems like frameshops are a bit like mattress stores -- many offer these big discounts or coupons, which leads me to worry I'm apt to overpay.  However, I want them done nicely -- a few are gifts.
 
 Recommendations for places in the District or close-in suburbs?

>>>There is a place I use in Fairfax....but,they are damn pricey......I think no matter where you go you will end up paying more for the frame than the print itself.....it all depends on what kind of quality you want.....I know this didn't help, but it does depend on different factors....

[ggw]

Custom framing will always cost a lot.
 
 Two possible solutions:
 
 Ikea frames - They won't fit exactly, but they still look pretty good.
 
 DIY with http://www.americanframe.com/  You can order any custom size frame and mat and they will ship it to you at more reasonable costs than frame stores.

[Bags]

ggw, cool site.  Thanks.  Actually, the measurements are online as I ordered them from online sites (except for the oddly-sized WSC posters from their CD release party), so this may actually be pretty easy!

[jkeisenh]

There's also "Frame of Mine," a DIY workshop on 8th St SE that'll help you do it well, with real glass, etc.
 
 I got my Wilco poster framed at a place next to Bedrock Billiards on Columbia Road and they did a great job.  I have to say, for me, what's most important is getting it done close to home so that once it's pretty you don't have to transport it far.

Try Michaels craft store.

[ratioci nation]

Originally posted by chimbly sweep:
 
 I got my Wilco poster framed at a place next to Bedrock Billiards on Columbia Road and they did a great job.  

how much did it set you back if you don't mind me asking?

[Venerable Bede]

michaels will have a 1/2 off sale on framing about once a month or so.

[Santos L. Halper]

americanframe.com is very easy and inexpensive, although I would recommend measuring your posters before ordering, just to be sure.  Sometimes the online descriptions are a little off.

[joz]

I've had all my gig posters framed at Total Crafts (all located in NoVa)....just dropped a few off there, in fact.  They do a really nice job and you can't beat the price.  Every time I drop stuff off, they're having a 50% off of custom framing sale (at least at the annandale location) - they seem to have much better prices/sales than at Michael's.

[Sieve-Fisted]

Nice call twangirl.   The owners of Frame Mart Gallery are family friends and my family & I have been going there for years.  With over 30+ years of experience, you can expect high quality workmanship.  
 
 

Originally posted by twangirl:
  I get all my posters framed at Frame Mart Gallery in Cleveland Park, across from the Uptown. It's a small family-owned shop that's been there for decades. They're not cheap, but they do a fantastic job. They've done about 8 or 9 posters for me so far and I wouldn't think of going anywhere else. If you go there ask for Chris, he's real good at coming up with unique framing ideas that enhance the artwork on the poster.

[jkeisenh]

Originally posted by pollard:
   

Originally posted by chimbly sweep:
 
 I got my Wilco poster framed at a place next to Bedrock Billiards on Columbia Road and they did a great job.  

how much did it set you back if you don't mind me asking? [/b]

The place is called Gary Taylor Fine Art & Framing.
 $150 incl. frame and mat.  The guy has been there forever, and his son helps him out.  He was super friendly.  
 
 Funny story, actually... they usually ask for 50%+ up front, but I got to the store, opened my bag, and saw my wallet was missing.  Woah.  It had been stolen, and I realized it after spending 15 minutes looking at his frame recommendations.  It sucked.  So he took 0% down.  What a nice guy!

[hitman]

There is a place called AC Moore Crafts.  They are a lot like Michael's, but the prices are a hell of a lot better.  I know there is one in Glen Burnie, MD that I normally drive to, in order to get things framed, but I'm sure that they have a website so that you can check locations.  Normally they run specials like if you get 3 or more things framed, you get 50-60% off the entire order.  I got 12 things framed last summer, one of which was so large they had to special order non-glare plexi for because they didn't make glass that big due to weight problems, and it ended up costing around $700.  And they were just about all custom sizes, not redi-mades.  Out of all of the places I've gotten things framed before, I've had the best experience with them.