I'm tired of paying through the nose! Where can I find cheap CUSTOM FRAMING & MATTING in Mississauga/Toronto?
Answers:
I had a framing shop cut the mat that would fit into a standard inexpensive frame. It looked professional when it was done and did not cost a lot.
Other answers:
Learn to do it yourself.
Learn to do it yourself.
I agree that you should learn to do it yourself -- it isn't difficult at all and they charge waaay too much plus it takes forever as there always seems to be a waiting list a mile long.
Arts and crafts stores, like Michaels or Hobby Lobby often have 50% off sales, if you have one near, check it out. I am waiting for one myself.
I've worked in framing departments of two different companies. There is a reason for the pricing... You are not paying just for an odd size cut. You're paying to have the picture, painting or artwork preserved properly so that they do NOT detriorate over time. When you buy ready made mats and frames off the shelf there are acids in those products that eventually eat away at your pictures. When you go custom, we use all acid free mats and glass that is UV protected along with museum quality mounting to insure that your artwork lasts for the next generation. If you really want to cut your costs, buy a mat cutter and learn to do the basic cuts, make sure you understand the math, and have lots of patience. When you have the technique down buy the sheets of mats from a local frame shop and ask how they would mount your piece and take the time to do it right.