Do you have a single art print to frame or you’re finally tackling that stack of artsy Etsy-bought prints sitting under your bed, here’s the low-down on some quick and easy things to DIY your printables.
THE FRAMES
Let’s start with the frames. We found our frames at IKEA for $14.99. A price that’s hard to believe with the frames being 19 3/4″ x 27 1/2″. Each frame comes with the white matte, fits a 16 x 20 picture, and has plexiglas instead of glass. Not needing a frame this large? The RIBBA line offers two smaller sizes and IKEA has several other affordable options to choose from in various sizes.
HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGES
Now that you know where to find the frames, let’s chat about printing images. Before you even upload your images to be printed, you’ll need to make sure they’re high resolution. All the artwork I sell in my shop are 300 DPI, that means they’re a HIGH RESOLUTION for printing purposes. There are plenty of youtube videos and pinterest (quick picture to clarify) post about resolution you can find on the internet.
PRINTING IMAGES WHILE STAYING ON A BUDGET
I’ll share a few places I like, for instance my local COSTCO is top of the list right now. I have used them multiple times in the past so I know I’ll be happy with their quality. I use my cell phone A LOT for photographing ideas or images for later and I am always impressed at how they turn out. Don’t be afraid to use the simplest form that you most likely have with you on the daily.
So, how much did it cost me to print each image? Here is COSTCO’S breakdown..pretty inexpensive right?!
| 4×6 | 11¢ ea |
| 5×5 | 39¢ ea |
| 5×7 | 59¢ ea |
| 8×8 | $1.79 ea |
| 8×10 | $1.79 ea |
| 8×12 | $1.79 ea |
| 11×14 | $3.99 ea |
| 12×12 | $3.99 ea |
| 12×18 | $3.99 ea |
| 16×20 | $6.99 ea |
| 20×30 | $9.99 ea |
$6.99 per 16 x 20 image which is really cheap considering the fact you’re printing a poster. This is comparable to the $14-$17 through other printing services found online. Worth it! They are great print quality and I only had to wait an hour to pick them up. You know what that means – a little shopping for a few things; chocolate muffins, bottle of wine and a costo chicken! 😀 Of course, I can only speak of these prices and print quality for my local COSTCO but it’s worth it to give yours a try.
IF you don’t have a COSTCO near you or you’d like to explore other options, here’s a list of a few other printing companies plus the pricing for a 16 x 20 image. Please keep in mind most of these will also add shipping cost to the final price.
Vistaprint – $9
Social Prints – $15
Shutterfly – $17.99
Nations Photo Lab – $13.20
Be sure to check out my shop for the latest designs that YOU can frame in the comfort of your home, if you want to sign up for my VIP email list you can do that . You will get an instant coupon on your first order! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Happy Framing! 🙂
- Want to start your own ETSY shop? Click here for my free 40 listings!
- https://etsy.me/3wu9HuG
- Tailwind works beautifully for Pinterest, here is my affiliate link. You’ll get a discount. http://www.tailwindapp.com/i/cmdesign4you
- I’m also on AMAZON, I have tagged a few things that I love, check it out. http://www.amazon.com/shop/candacemanning
- AND, you can follow me here on Instagram for fun stories and updates. https://www.instagram.com/chic_wallart_printables