GUIDE TO TRIMMING AND FRAMING PRINTS:

You've purchased the cutest prints from me and they arrive, undamaged in the stay-flat mailer from All Pets Cherished Kids Decor. You remove the print and realize that you now need to trim the print and you only get one chance.....so here is a guide so that you get your print(s) cut and fit into your frame.... perfectly!

Supplies needed:

Print(s) from All Pets Cherished Kids Decor
Paper Cutter* (or Ruler and xacto knife if you don't have a paper cutter)
Pencil
Frame you are putting the print into

For this example, I am using an 8 x 10 wood frame with no mat

Step 1: You are going to want to make sure you have a clean, dry area to work on (such as a kitchen table) and make sure your hands are clean and dry before starting to work. First step is to disassemble your picture frame and remove the back exposing the picture frame glass. This is going to be your template so that you can figure out where to cut the print.

Step 2: Lay the print on a clean, dry surface. Place the glass over the print. You may notice that the print is not centered on the page, and may even be crooked. This is normal and will not affect your print. Printers are not perfect! They do not always print the graphic perfectly straight on the page. You will need to adjust the glass on to the print until it looks straight. The glass may actually be tipped in relationship to the paper. Do not worry, go by what the actual "graphic" looks like inside the glass.

Step 3: Once you have adjusted the glass over the print so that it is the way you want it to look once framed, hold the glass with one hand and carefully (and lightly) trace around the glass with a pencil. Remove the glass and you should have a light guide of where you will be trimming the print.

Step 4: Lay the print on the cutting board and carefully line up with the blade. You may have to cut the print at a slight angle, so use the blade to line up the print, not the back of the paper cutter. Remember: Less is more! Always trim small amounts to start, you can always trim off more later. Repeat on all 4 sides until your print is trimmed.

If you do not have a paper cutter, you can use a ruler (straight edge) and an exacto knife or scissors to carefully cut out the print as described above.

Step 5: Put the print in the frame and reassemble the picture frame with the glass and back. Hang up and enjoy!

For this example, I used a wood frame that was purchased inexpensively at my local craft store. It does not have a hanger on the back and it is unfinished.

For the finishing touches, I will continue to embellish the frame, first by painting it white. Then I have selected a yellow color that compliments the Froggy Tales theme. After painting 2 coats of yellow, I will add a glossy varnish sealer to the dried frame. I will also add a sawtooth hanger to the back of the frame to make it easy to hang.