Nonstandard frames: 8x12 and such

[listenthenspeak]

Hey everyone. So I'm super excited to be participating in an art gallery next month for the first time ever, and I have a question regarding framing. I chose to keep two of my prints in the original ratio, so they're printed to 8x12, and I had them mounted as well (with WHCC)--which is probably about 1/8" thick or less. I found 8x12 frames at Michael's, only to realize once I got my prints that there is really only enough space for a print, not a mount or a mat, because the backing of the frame is thick. It closes with the little metal pieces that slide into a groove, so it's really not flexible with the thickness of what you put in.

Ahhh! So my question is, has anybody found anything that works for this odd size (though it really should be standard, in my opinion!) frame? Something that will let me have the thickness of a mounted photo? I also checked AC Moore but they don't even have ANY 8x12's.

And forget about the pricing on custom framing. With 60% off, they said it'd be around $100 for an 8x12. That's not happening.

Any ideas??? Input?? Suggestions??

Thanks for your help!!!!
-Naomi

[i speak in math]

I would grab an 11x14 frame and try to get a custom matt cut to fit the 8x12. This should be a lot cheaper than custom framing. You will have your shot, 1 inch matt on one side and 1.5 inch matt on the other then the frame.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by listenthenspeak

and I had them mounted as well (with WHCC)

Mounted HOW?

[listenthenspeak]

on matboard...it's about 1/8" thick or less.

[OsmosisStudios]

I would suspect that's the issue, not the frames themselves. Frames are pretty tight as is: 1/8" is outside most tolerances. Dont get them mounted next time.

[listenthenspeak]

Yes, I understand it's a bit thick, and I realize that that is the problem. What I'm looking for is ideas for solutions.
The 8x10 frames I got fit the mounted prints fine. I much prefer mounting, especially if I'm going to be selling it because I just feel it's more durable. So I'll have to consider what I'll do in the future, but for now, I'm looking for ideas for the current situation....perhaps anyone that has found good 8x12 frames, or perhaps ones with the bending pieces of metal rather than the sliders.

Any ideas anyone??? Any good places you've found 8x12 frames?

Thanks for your help!

[OsmosisStudios]

Reprint 8x12s and put the new, unmounted, prints into the frames.

[digirebelva]

mat the 8x12's to 12x16, (golden state art is the cheapest I have found for the pre-cut mats, michaels carries the 12x16 frames (at least they do around here) which gives you a good 2 inches all around the photo...you dont want to put your small un-matted images in a art gallery..it looks cheap & amateurish (think photos on peoples entertainment stands) and wont reflect well on you as a artist...go with black or white mats...(a bit boring but gallery standards)
Congrats on the showing & good luck

[listenthenspeak]

Thanks for the advice! Very much appreciated. Will take a look.

[BCampbell]

You can find 11x14 mats with an 8x12 opening online if you can't find them locally. They're wider on the top and bottom but it's the price you pay if you don't want to pay the price of custom frames.

If you had them mounted to an 8x12 board, I'm not sure how you'll attach the mat, but that'll be an interesting challenge.

You may want to reprint and use a standard hinge mount to affix the photo to the backing and attach the mat to the backing traditionally. But some people do just fine with wet/cry mount methods too. It's up to you, but if I were wet/dry mounting I'd mount to a board sized for my mat.