If you have to go to a metro area, why not give an independent, local shop an opportunity for your business? At least check them out for competitiveness. Maybe they will be conveniently located, too.

I have gone to Aaron Brothers in the past. They did a very nice job, and definitely had a great eye. But It bothered me that they mark up their framing so much, that you have to have a 70% off coupon to even make it competitive. If you do decide on Aaron Brother's PM me, I just received a 60% + 20% off coupon.

When I moved I went on Yelp and found a local framer with great reviews. Their price is comparable to the highly discounted Aaron Brother's price, so I feel better supporting a local business and that the pricing is less deceptive.

I agree with Oly! I rue the day that Nick, my longtime framer in the wonderful, old antique-filled house, decided to hang up his tools and retire. He had a loyal following and most of the framed art that hangs in my home spent some time in his shop.

I wish I knew a local framer..

Hardly could find a local shoemaker.

Aaron Brothers for us here. The custom framing is ridiculously expensive. Unless you buying in a gallery, and they "oh, let me take a frame off this piece, and give it to you to go with your piece"..and it happened to me exactly once.

I want to second how expensive framing at Aaron Bros. has gotten. I had a 50% off coupon (hah!) and they quoted $500 for a 48x30 frame destined for a mirror. And it was rather plain stock I was considering. I like Aaron Bros. for ready-made frames if the size is right. I have my own mat cutter so that helps a lot.

I would go local if I could. There used to be two frame shops in my hometown, not anymore, the last one closed when the owner died a couple of years ago. When I lived in Allentown, I had most of my things framed at the frame shop up the road from me. I did find one regional chain, and then Michaels and apparently Hobby Lobby? I didn't know either of them did custom jobs.

April, if you're willing to come up towards me you can try Leon Picture Frames 1201 E Ball Rd just west of State College. They do great work.

edited to add that Factorum Shoe Repair at 392 Ocean in Laguna Beach does great work. I take my best stuff down there still. The I have a coffee at Zinc!

lpinkmtn, I have had framing done at Hobby Lobby and they did a good job. If going there, I would still try to use one of their coupons in case there is any part that is not on sale, it will help. It did end up more than I expected but that was probably my own ignorance. They have choices of what glass is available, the frames, mats, etc.

Good framing is not inexpensive, but in my opinion, worth it. I've had framing done at both Michael's and locally owned shops. The pricing and quality is comparable. The most recent piece I had done (at Michael's) was a dry mounted nautical chart (35 x 45) with acrylic (because of size and weight), fairly large moulding and it was $292.00.

1929 Spanish, you're a wealth of knowledge! Thank you!

I wrote it down..)))

I use PictureFrames.com online, though they are in High Point, NC, which is about 1.5 hours from where I live. I've never been to the shop but instead do everything on line. They will help you measure and even send you samples of frames and mats inexpensively. You can shoot a digital image of your art, upload it, and play with different mats and frames to preview the look. Outstanding prices and good personalized service on the phone. You must, however, feel comfortable assembling everything. I have become so comfortable I prefer it. Over the years, I have collected most of their mat samples and a good selection of frames. Will run about half the price of Michael's. And they ship plexiglass only, unless things have changed.

April - More post hijack... I've lived in OC for the better part of 50 years. Ask me anything!

We use a local framer for some things and Michaels for others. Michaels does a very nice job. People are knowledgable and very helpful. I think they are a little less expensive than a local framer.

I used a local framer. Much better selection, and they always did a great job.

1929Spanish - Thank you for the information, another Orange Countian here. Have something I want to have framed soon.

My pleasure. This guy's shop is off the beaten path. A friend of ours, who is an artist, introduced us to them.

I've used Michaels with good results. I've also used FastFrame, which is a franchise. I had a coupon, but they were also pricey. Of course, I have great taste and always like the most expensive frames.

Yeah, I know custom framing is expensive. It was at my local shop too, but totally worth it. These are antique heirloom pictures and could really use a new framing job, since the last one was done about 60 years ago!

My local shop (Chicago) is much cheaper than Michaels, and faster! Don't assume it's more expensive just because it's not a chain. Look on Yelp for reviews of small shops in whatever metro area you're headed to and call a few. You might be surprised.

Hi creature,. I'm in Chicagoland, too and would like the name of you reasonably priced framer, if you don't mind, please. Thanks