Don't buy framed art from art.com. They do a terrible job, and they don't protect their shipments in transit. We did a huge order through them (6 board-mounted prints + a large, triple-matted framed print). Had to send every one of them back -- and the board mounted prints each had to go back multiple times because they shipped them in padded envelopes without protecting the corners so they were damaged in shipment. The boards used were not nice quality, either. Was a huge hassle and they didn't even offer any kind of discount or refund for 3-months of returns. They never did get it right; I finally gave up and just repaired them the best I could.

We've used Michael's framing many times and they have always done a very nice job. Very affordable with the 50% off coupon. Their custom frame selection is quite nice, too.

Good luck.

I've had a print and some cross stitch work that I did framed at Hobby Lobby. I was very pleased with the end result. The lady that helped me pick the frames and matting made great suggestions. A friend recommended them to me. I didn't price around (they were running a "sale"), so I don't have anything to compare with, but I think anytime you frame something it's expensive!

The reason I would choose Hobby Lobby over Michaels is because our local HL has acid free matting in stock and they can do it right there while you wait. Our Michaels for some reason has to order acid free matting.

I've been very happy with Hobby Lobby, they are knowledgeable and have great ideas.

P.S. Hobby Lobby usually has a coupon that you can print off on their website.

Well, I totally have had a different experience with Art.Com as the above poster but my preference is to go to a local frame shop, Michael's, HL, etc., and choose my mats and frames, glass, etc., where I can see it as computers do a poor job of portraying the actual color, not that it is better or worse, but hard to do. I have had bad experiences at Hobby Lobby, Michael's and local frame shops but I have had more good experiences than bad, and I believe it depends on the person who does the framing and not the business. Some are better than others. Same way with art.com. It's just like the American lasagna I make compared to the same recipe my husband makes -- they are synonymous in ingredients, timing, temperature but the outcome is far different. Some of the Mom & Pop businesses do a gorgeous job but expect to pay more for the professionalism and input that makes the art work better than it was before they framed it.

Purchase the custom-cut frame and mat yourself from somewhere like pictureframes.com or frankenframes.com and assemble it yourself. It is ridiculously easy and takes about 10 minutes even for a klutz like me. Cheaper than Michaels (the one here jacks up the "regular price" when they do that 50% off thing so the price isn't that much different, dunno about Hobby Lobby since we don't have them here) and significantly cheaper than a framing shop. Both those sites send free sample cuts of frames and mats on request so you know what you're getting.

I disagree with sarschlos. I've had several large prints matted and framed by Art.com, and they arrived in beautiful condition. I'm looking at two of them right now -- they really brighten up my office! I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.

I second Mari's recommendation. You can order parts from all over the internet and DIY your framing for not too much money

You didn't mention what size picture you are framing. If is is a fairly large one, you won't do it any cheaper than that at Hobby Lobby or Michaels. If you can use a ready made frame and then just have custom mats cuts, you might be able to do it a little cheaper.

Not exactly sure on the size yet. The bed in my guest room is a full (this print is going on the wall over the headboard), so I'm trying to decide the "correct" size or artwork. I found one print I love, but just the print is 34" wide by 24" tall. W/ the frame, I think that will be way too big over the bed.

Here is a link that might be useful: Like this style - Summer Memories is one I am considering

I recently ordered 4 prints from art.com that were about $10 each. Then I had them framed at Hobby Lobby when they were running their 50% off sale. They were framed with 18 x 24 frames with custom matts. The total price for all four frames was a little over $200. I was was very satisfied with the result and the price was the cheapest I could find anywhere - especially considering it was four relatively large frames.

My husband and I had some pictures framed at Michaels. I took some in and the guy there was not inspired at all. He was just an order taker but I didn't know any better. I priced them out and left.

When I went back a woman was there who was great. She made several suggestions that really helped the pictures look wonderful.

The framing was expensive even though I used a 50% off coupon. I think they mark their prices up due to the coupons. I had a couple of pictures framed at a local place later on and it was much cheaper even without a coupon.

i have worked for both michaels and hobby lobby frame shops and no they do not raise the prices for sales. framing is just really expensive if you want good quality.

I have so, so, so many pictures and prints to frame that most of my walls are empty! I need to have a lot of framing and matting done but don't want to not only get ripped off but I want a great job that will look great and last for years....

What a great question, and one we all ask. Being thoroughly disappointed with any kind of "art" you can buy at local chain stores, I started finding prints I love from places you can find ANYTHING you like...like Art.com and FulcrumGallery.com. That's the great benefit in finding art that suits your style. However, I've had mixed results with framing. We recently moved into a new home and I had an entire house of blank walls. After finding just what I wanted at Art.com, I placed a very large order of framed art. I will say that all items, except one, arrived fine. However, it took me 6 weeks to finally get the last picture to arrive without damage (broken frame, smashed glass). It was getting ridiculous. A few months later, I got two more framed prints for my kitchen at Art.com. One was beautiful, the other had minor damage to the mat. It wasn't enough to send back, but I did write to them about their quality control. I never even got a reply or a "we're sorry." As for pricing, I only got my orders through Art.com when they did 50%, but even at that, it was expensive. I decided from then on, I'd just buy the prints online and take them to a local Hobby Lobby or Michaels for framing. I did just that with a huge print I had framed at Michaels for my husband's office. It turned out fantastic and I didn't have to worry about damage or computer monitor colors being off. Bottom line is, I didn't see much of a big price savings by having it framed online, versus my local hobby shops.

My daughter gets her frames on sale at Home Goods, she then takes out the print and inserts her own work. It's the cheapest way to frame and she gets great results. You can do that at Michael's too. Just measure your work and find a frame and matting that match. On the other hand, I go to a professional framer in Boston and I've never paid less that 250.00 for a framing and much more for most of them.

I’ve had better luck with Jerry’s Artarama, they are knowledgeable and there’s no need to wait for a coupon, their everyday prices are lower than HL with coupon.

I took a 21" x 18" print to Michaels last week for custom framing. The cost for two mats, glass & frame was $186. This was 60% off.

Support your local independent framer.