To frame or not to frame

[Minnesota scroller]

You scrollers that sell your portraits at fairs etc., do you frame everything or have you tried selling the portraits unframed? This refers to birds and animals and dogs scrolled on BB plywood. I am not talking about people portraits. I know a person can pick up some document frames at Walmart for $2.50 but I think some of these that I've scrolled actually look pretty good without a frame. I just attach a hanger in the back with 1/4" screws. Do you think people would buy them like this? Adding a frame would just increase the cost. Our town is starting up something new on one street downtown every Thursday evening. There is no charge for vendors to display and sell their craft. Considering I live only 2 blocks away I thought it would be silly not to get involved. Also, how much do some of you people charge for an
8 1/2" X 11" portrait such as my owl, eagle or turkey?

Just hoping to make a little cash to buy myself some more wood and blades. I'm not really looking to make a large hourly wage from this.

Thanks,
Mike

[BobD (Archive)]

A few of the latest portraits Charlie Dearling sent us had the frame painted on the top layer of the wood...I couldn't tell until I picked it up...

Bob

[Rolf]

I like to see things framed. It adds another level of finish.
From a sales perspective packaging and presentation helps alot.

[pete00]

Howdy Mike

Suggestion, offer to frame them just before they buy.
Have a few different styles, colors etc.

Of course you HAVE to charge extra for that....

pete

[Minnesota scroller]

Actually Pete, when buying $2.50 document frames from Walmart, you have only 1 style and color. The document frames are 8 1/2" X 11" and made out of wood. They actually look pretty decent. However, the 8 X 10 frames are much higher priced. If anyone knows of a source for 8 X 10 photo frames under $5, please let me know. If you have to add another $10 for the frame, I'm afraid people around here would away from buying.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Mike

[ozarkhillbilly]

Mike I have made and sold several portraits and projects with out a frame, I placed the cutting on 1x6 and also mounted it to 1/4 and 1/2 plywood. And they looked fine and sold with no problem.

Below are a few of them, all were mounted on 1x's and painted black except the dragon obviously.

[minowevie]

Hi Mike, I don't sell, but I do know what I like. and I think a frame on some projects, gives a better finished look. and debth. but then Bills work at the upper post looks great just like they are. if you stack cut. maybe you could offer both. and see how that goes. of cours the customer could deside witch one he or she wonts, and is willing to pay more for the framed one. or it would give them the opption to frame it them selfs, knowing how the framed one looked. maybe they wouldn't like your frame, and could see what you have done, and buy their own. and buy just the flat piece you have done.
does this help. Evie

[Rolf]

I really like the Dalmation, I think that is what it is.
I get my frames from AC Moore or Micheals when they have a sale.
Or for special projects I make the frame.

[lucky788scroller]

a quality frame job turns a craft cutting into a piece of art. One other cheap idea... rope. Frame it in a length of rope. Old weatherd wood looks nice too. Dale