Michaels Framing Update

#841, by Ray Hartl

I did it. One year after receiving my Ray Hartl photograph (seen above), I finally got it framed. Well, it's getting framed, currently.

I took advantage of the Michaels 60% off custom framing sale. I know some of our readers said that I should be wary of the Michaels discount but I decided that if I didn't do the deed with even the idea of a discount, I'd never do it. Here's how the job broke down:

Photograph Measurements (already single-matted, in white): 32" x 32"
Glass (I opted for the "Masterpiece" glass, which reduces glare and optimizes detail - see middle panel below): $222.25 ($88.90, with discount).

Michaels Custom Glass Options

Mounting & Fitting (whatever that really means): $44.50 ($17.80, with discount).
Frame (I had to opt for a much thicker frame than I had first picked out because the thinner frames wouldn't hold the weight of the glass): $314 ($125.60, with discount).

This all totals up to $606.40 (without the discount), which is almost double what the photograph itself cost. With the sale price, I paid only $263.78. I think that's a pretty good deal and, in about two weeks, I'll show you what a good deal looks like.

ps. I received no hassle about the artist's signature on the piece.