Fun Framing Factory

FUN FRAMING FACTORY

Art Framing Studio Certification

Picture Frame Making — Class Syllabus

Hands-On Introductory Workshop · 3 Hours

Course Description

In this hands-on session, students will move through the foundational skills of picture frame making at an energetic pace — from safely operating tools and setting up a clean workspace, to cutting moulding, scoring and cutting glass, crafting bevels, joining corners, and assembling a finished frame ready to display. Students leave with a production ready frame kit of their choice — finish it at the Fun Framing Factory in the open workshop, or at your own pace, once certified. Bring your curiosity and readiness to build!

☐ Yes, I understand this is not a custom art framing workshop but a production readiness session — a rapid paced certification class designed to get me quickly up and running as a fine art framing practitioner.

What You Will Learn

— Archival material selection and best practices for fine art framing

— How to calculate the ideal mat opening and frame size

— How to operate the panel cutter to cut matboard, backing board, glass, and plexiglass

— How to cut precise 45° bevel openings in mat board

— Miter-cut frame moulding using our traditional Morso 45° wood cutting machine

— Join corners with our 45° miter vise with v-nails

— How to layer and assemble all frame components including hanging hardware and dust cover

— Proper tool safety and cleanup protocols

Upon completion, students leave with a production ready frame kit of their choice and receive their official frame shop certification.

Class Agenda

Hour 1 — Studio Orientation & Cutting Stations

— Studio overview and material introduction

— Material dimensions and template walkthrough

— Panel cutter demo and practice — each participant cuts matboard, glass, and plexiglass

— Morso wood cutter demo and practice

Hour 2 — Joining & Assembly

— Miter vise demo and corner joining

— Mat opening — instructor demos first cut, each participant completes remaining cuts

— Frame assembly as a group

— Group review of finished practice frames

Hour 3 — Open Studio

— Receive your official frame shop certification

— Each participant receives their own kit

— Open build time — finish, modify, or start a new frame

— 1:1 technical support available

Class Schedule

— Certification: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

— Open Studio: 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Materials & Picture Framing Kit

Our supply kit includes an 8x10 frame assembly kit — everything you need to complete your first finished frame with a 5x7 or 4x6 print. Additional kits and materials are available for purchase.

— Glass is from new old stock or recycled and refurbished materials

— Frame moulding is vintage circa 1980 from a historic frame shop out of Davidson, NC — available in bold colors and traditional hardwoods alike

— Mats are 100% archival Crescent 4-ply

— All assembly hardware is included in your kit

We also have a limited collection of original artwork from contributing MakerSpace Charlotte artists — available for class use!

Bringing Your Own Print

You are welcome to bring your own print. Please ensure it is either a 5x7 or 4x6 size so it fits the provided frame assembly kit correctly.

Key Requirements

— Bring a 5x7 or 4x6 print, or select from our featured artists

— Additional kits and materials available for purchase

— Arrive 5 minutes early to get settled

After Certification

Upon finishing the demonstration frame, members are welcome to stay and work independently on their own frames. The instructor remains on-site for the final hour to offer personalized guidance, answer questions, and support individual projects at any skill level.