Picture Framing Made Easy [Paperback]

Penelope Stokes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1998

This is a practical guide to the picture-framing process, in which every step of the process is explained, from choosing the mouldings, cutting the wood and the glass, making the mount, assembling and finishing the frame, and hanging the picture. The techniques described assume little or no experience on the part of the reader, and unrealistic standards of workmanship are not expected. The author has included a list of remedies for basic mistakes, as well as a checklist for preventive measures. Construction methods for many different styles of picture-frame are accompanied by clear illustrations. There are tips on choosing a frame design to complement the reader's home decor, and a section on restoring old frames. Advice is also given on how picture-framing skills may be turned into a paying hobby.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Doing one's own picture framing can be an inexpensive alternative to expensive commercial framing jobs. Stokes's manual is a well-illustrated guide to framing materials and techniques, including frame construction, restoration, and conservation framing. It is not as extensive in coverage as Robert Cunning's The Encyclopedia of Picture Framing by (LJ 6/1/93), but it is a good source for the beginning framer.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Over the past decade, the number of do-it-yourself framers--those offering space, precut materials, and advice--has proliferated. Yet, in comparison with what discount do-it-for-you mounters charge, the savings are really minimal. Those handy enough with a saw and mitre box, aesthetic enough to select appropriate mats and frames, and smart enough to recognize the worth of restoration will profit by Britisher Stokes' instructions. She includes a wealth of samples and black-and-white drawings illustrating different processes. All possible framing subjects are covered, from styles and preparations to finishes and conservation. But the step-by-step photographs somehow rely too much on the text for explanation; to be geared to true beginners, the directions should have been given in fewer words, with more pictures. Barbara Jacobs --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sterling Pub Co Inc (May 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0304349526
• ISBN-13: 978-0304349524
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,845,318 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Framing really is easy, September 2, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Picture Framing Made Easy (Hardcover)

I am a water color painter and I have framed my own work, but it usually looked more lynched than hung. So, when I saw Penelope Stoke's book, PICTURE FRAMING MADE EASY, I muttered, "yeah, right." Well, I read the book and realize the key to framing is having the proper equipment and a place to use said equipment. PICTURE FRAMING MADE EASY shows in detail each tool and tack and tells how to use the equipment effectively. I must admit, her book helps make framing easier, and the finished project really can look professional when done at home. Using her step-by-step instructions you can frame your own art, heirlooms, butterly collection, whatever you choose to frame! I highly recommend it

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Picture Framing Made Difficult, June 8, 2003

By 

Catherine S. Cline (New York, New York USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Picture Framing Made Easy (Paperback)

This is not a book for the person who wants to save a little money. It is written for the fanatic who wants to know how to do everything.

To be fair I did pick up some useful information on restoring old prints and frames. But it all seems a lot more complicated than I want to do. The terminology is British and I have a feeling that some of the materials are not known by the same nomenclature in the USA.

Maybe i'm just looking for a simpler book.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Lacking in details, March 5, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Picture Framing Made Easy (Paperback)

This book is often lacking in details and does not fully illustrate all concepts. For example, it mentions the paper hinge method for mounting a picture to the mount board. However, it does not provide enough detail for an amateur like myself to implement this technique. The techniques all use very cude handtools, and the author does not even mention the tools a professional might use. I'm sure it is possible to use the information in the book to make quality looking frames, but using these tools, it sure will take a struggle of an effort