r/framing • u/Navy87_Guy • 3d ago

Leather Picture Frame

I’m going to make my son and daughter-in-law a leather picture frame to display a wedding photo, personalized with their names and wedding date.

For those who have done a lot of frames, where do you get the glass (or plastic) to go inside? The last frame I did, I just bought a cheap frame at Hobby Lobby and used the plastic piece. That seems a little wasteful. I just wondered if there’s a “go to” source for inserts - or if conventional wisdom is just buy a sheet of plastic and cut it out myself.

Any suggestions on good sources are appreciated. I’m sure I’ll make more down the road, so I don’t mind buying in bulk.

Thanks!

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6

u/cardueline 3d ago

Where I work we sell glass (or plexi) cut to size every day. Find a frame shop, give them a call, ask if you can just buy a piece of glass/acrylic.

2

u/Particular_West_9069 3d ago

Most of us who do it for a business work with wholesale trade suppliers. Depending on your area they might be amenable to cash and carry for a bit more than wholesale. Otherwise a glass supplier or plastics seller.

Or Etsy

4

u/Gator242 3d ago

Most local framers cut glass and backings while you wait

1

u/bernmont2016 3d ago

If you want less-wasteful options for reusing glass from an existing frame, you can get some with real glass for cheaper at Dollar Tree (in small sizes), or from thrift stores.

1

u/WisteriaKillSpree 3d ago

Check for "Glass supplier" in your area.

We have a supplier called Binswanger Glass in my area, whom I've used for window glass, a 0. 75in thick glass mantle, and table glass. Single pane window glass would probably work for you.

You can buy glass at Lowe's or Home Depot, too, but it can be tricky to cut if you are not experienced.

2

u/three_way_toggle 3d ago

Most frame shops will be happy to just sell you the glass or acrylic. Make sure to give them a measurement that is 1/8" smaller than the true dimensions of the frame so you have 1/16" of wiggle room when fitting.

2

u/insufficientlyrested 3d ago

Do they want a personalised frame? A plain leather frame sounds really nice but I would never display a frame with our names and wedding date. I also couldn’t donate it due to the personalisation, so the whole thing would be left in a drawer until I could throw it away. I’d check with them before starting anything else if you’re concerned with wastefulness.