Need advice on picture frame dimensions

[Andy Pedler]

Hi all, I've never made a picture frame before, but I want to make one to frame a piece of art that I'm going to pick up as a gift for some good friends.

The artwork is a typical giclee print, with the image being 12"x12". It is matted on paper 20"x20". So there is a 4" matting border around this 12"x12" picture.

1. How wide should the frame be? I'm sure this is very subjective, but is there any rule of thumb for scaling frame width to the size of the picture?

2. Are there any good references out there for designing a frame? Any suggestions for a profile to route on the frame?

Thanks,

Andy - Newark, CA

[Joe Chritz]

There isn't any rule and I haven't heard of any suggestions for width but never looked.

I used a simple 45 degree bevel on the inside edge because it is what Mama wanted. Most frame material is cut with a moulder and you sometimes have to do some figuring to produce it with a router.

Joe

[Mike Null]

I would do a lot of looking on the internet for examples. I would let the subject matter, color and general appearance dictate the style of the frame.

Or visit some frame shops for ideas.

Given that you have a large matt area I would guess a narrower frame would be more appropriate than a wide one.