Wooden Picture Frames

1. Establish the desired picture frame size. Remember to use the rug, not the picture to guide to determine the finished dimensions.

2. Choose picture frame molding, builder's molding or lumber for the frame. Picture frame molding can be obtained at framing stores, art stores and larger craft shops.

3. Builder's molding and lumber can be found at the local home improvement store.

4. Measure the width of the chosen framing material and multiply this number by 8.

5. Add to the measurement the length of each side of the desired frame. Divide the total inches by 12. Purchase this amount of framing material plus a few inches extra in case of a cutting error.

6. Use a handsaw to cut the molding into four pieces, one for each side of the frame. Each piece must measure the preferred length of the side plus twice the width of the wood. This extra quantity is for the mitered corners.

7. Lay the cut frame pieces out onto a flat work outside and arrange them so that they form a frame.

8. Use wood glue and corner clamps to join the corner sections of the frame.

9. Apply the wood glue along the cut edges, press the pieces together and hold the pieces in place with a corner clamp.

10. Glue and fasten all four corners.

11. Turn the frame over so that the reverse is facing up.

12. Apply two V nails along every glued corner seam with a hammer. The midpoint of the nail must rest on the seam and the open piece of the V should be pointed on the way to the inside edge of the frame.

13. Remove the clamps and allow the frame to dry during the night. Do any sanding or staining of the framework after the drying process is complete.

14. Attach the hanging device to the frame.

Be careful: Use picture frame molding. It comes with the channel for glass insertion already made. With the other choices builder's molding and ordinary limber one may have to make this groove self with a router. Make sure that raw lumber pieces are planed, before joining them.