Beginner picture frame making: create your own project

About this course

Participants learn how framing decisions can present and help protect artwork, with an introduction to conservation framing. The course covers planning and cutting bevelled mounts, working with wooden mouldings, assembling frames, securing artwork, and adding finishes such as sealing and hanging fittings. Teaching combines presentations, demonstrations, guided exercises, discussion and individual feedback. Learners then apply the techniques to their own framing projects, with tutor guidance on design choices, finishes and setting up a home framing workspace.

What you'll learn

• Plan, measure and cut bevelled picture mounts
• Construct and assemble wooden frames from mouldings
• Mount and secure artwork within a frame
• Apply finishing techniques, including sealing and fitting hanging hardware
• Use specialist framing tools, equipment and materials safely

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners and also welcomes learners with some previous framing experience who want to develop their skills. Participation involves practical individual project work within a small group, with demonstrations, discussion and one-to-one guidance. Learners should be comfortable using a ruler and basic maths for measuring.

• No formal assessment is used
• There is no expectation to complete work outside class

Before you go

• Bring an image or artwork measuring up to A3 to the first session.
• Basic materials and equipment are provided, so materials do not need to be bought before the first session.
• Glass cutting is not included; the tutor can advise on suitable suppliers and glaziers.