Holy sticker shock! Custom framing.

I have two prints that I need framing - went to Michael's.

One print was 22 x 27, the other was 23x 20 something.

$450.

Is that ridiculous? Would a local framer be less expensive or are Michael's prices pretty standard?

TIA!

edited post title to be more specific

Message edited 5/3/2010 10:27:06 AM.

Re: Holy sticker shock! Custom framing.

I found local framers to be worse. Good thing about Michael's is they ALWAYS have 50-60% off framing coupons so definitely wait for one of those.

Re: Holy sticker shock! Custom framing.

custom framing is pretty expensive. you can obviously bring the price down by picking less expensive frames, but you need to make sure what you are framing is worth the price!

Re: Holy sticker shock! Custom framing.

I recently had a 6"x12" watercolor framed - upgraded frame, no glare/UV protected glass, double mat - with a Michael's coupon and it came to $90. It would've been $180+ without the coupon.

Framing is expensive.

Re: Holy sticker shock! Custom framing.

One print is a watercolor we got on our HM - it was probably done by a street vendor and cost him $2 to make - but it is from our HM and we love it.

The other is an original watercolor done by my friend - that I don't mind spending money on.

I just wanted to see if Michael's was more or less than a local framer...

Thanks for your help everyone!

Re: Holy sticker shock! Custom framing.

Definitely wait until they have the coupons!! We had 2 custom made (one at AC Moore and the other at Michaels) and we got both for 50%-60% off.

ETS: One is also from our HM that we bought from a street vendor that painted it. We love it and it's special and hanging in our formal living room

Message edited 5/3/2010 11:24:59 AM.

Re: Holy sticker shock! Custom framing.

agree that the local framers will be more....unless maybe you can snag a coupon from the town crier or something?

Re: Holy sticker shock! Custom framing.

Yes it is insane. I just paid $250 with a coupon at Michaels. I have 2 more to do but I am biding my time.

Re: Holy sticker shock! Custom framing.

Thanks guys.

My DH has been nagging me about hanging pics up in our hallway - I mean full on nagging. It was ANNOYING.

I remembered a post ONCE about how local framers were more expensive so when I went to Michael's - I did end up buying them.

I wanted to reassure myself that this was the going rate. They did have 50% off framing - I didn't have a coupon per se, but there were signs up everywhere for 50% off.

So in essence - I paid $450 for peace of mind. Worth it? We shall see in 2 weeks when they come in.

Re: Holy sticker shock! Custom framing.

I just got 3 prints framed and it cost just over $800. It is crazy, but they are a focal point and really add a lot to the room.

I found my local framing store to be in line with Michael's prices and I got much better customer service there. Michael's also seems to adjust their prices depending on wether or not they have a 50% off coupon that week.

Message edited 5/3/2010 10:12:33 PM.

Re: Holy sticker shock! Custom framing.

I go to a local framer whose prices are pretty much the same as Michaels coupon prices but I like his eye for picking frames and mats. At Michaels you really have to rely on the coupons. It's like they expect you to have one.