Picture framing is rewarding, enjoyable and it's relatively easy to obtain professional results. It is well worth buying some basic framing equipment to add to your household toolbox even if you only make six to eight frames a year.

Good framing begins with colour and design. A visit to a framing shop or art gallery will provide inspiration for any DIY framing.

'Selecting a frame
Select a moulding in keeping with the style of artwork and perhaps the style of the room in which it will hang. There is a huge variety available, ranging from very ornate styles to plain mouldings which can be painted or decorated as desired. The idea is to enhance the artwork and draw the viewers' attention. Consider the size of the picture; the bigger the picture the wider the moulding should be.

Calculations:
There is a simple formula to measure the amount of moulding you need:
2 x the width of the picture + 2 x the depth (or height) + 8 x the width of the mitre of the moulding (ie the distance from the rebate area to the back + 10% for safety.

Mount boards
The mount board (or mat board) is very important. Generally, lighter colours work best, as dark colours tend to distract the eye from the artwork.

Choosing mount board
Consider not only the colour but the amount of border you want to be visible. If you are framing a watercolour for example, pick a light colour that matches the overall colour tone of the painting, such as a soft green, pale yellow or ivory. Similarly, a soft brown or beige mount board may be suited to an old sepia-toned photograph. Generally, try to avoid bright, vivid colours as these may overpower the artwork.

D rings
D rings are used to attach the hanging wire. Position them on the side of the frame about one-third down from the top of the frame. Picture wire or nylon cord can be used.

Hanging pictures

Consider the following tips:
* Grouping the pictures - small pictures on a large wall could be lost unless they are grouped together or given pride pof place on a feature wall.

• Hanging with a hidden wire alone, or with a cord and decorative tassels, a chain, or even rope.
  Select a suitable subject that reflects the style or ambience of the room.
  Pick a location that will display the picture to its best. If a picture is placed on a wall facing the door it becomes the first thing someone sees when entering the room.
  Avoid hanging pictures on exterior walls which are prone to sharp changes in temperature. Over time, this could have a damaging effect. Where not possible, create a gap between the back of the picture and the wall to increase airflow around the picture: cut the cork from a wine bottle in half and fix the halves to the bottom corners. To compensate for this, ensure the picture hook or nail protrudes slightly further than normal so that the picture is straight.
  An oil painting should never be placed above a heater as the rising heat may damage the surface of the painting.
  Similarly, exposure to long periods of sunlight may fade many pictures, particularly watercolours.

Experiment with arrangements
Arrange groups of pictures on the floor in front of the wall on which they will hang or arrange pieces of brown paper on your wall cut to the size of your pictures.

Experiment with hanging
Try hanging them on rope, chain, ribbons or even cord embellished with tassels.

Hanging larger pictures
When hanging a large picture, hang it from two hooks, placing them about 30-40cm apart, depending on the size of the picture. Hung this way the picture will never be crooked.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens