Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The author does a good job of covering the process step-by-step. The book contains a thorough introductory chapter with in-depth descriptions of tools and supplies and materials lists. The following chapters contain individual tutorials in ascending order of difficulty and starting with a basic frame followed by chapters covering makeovers for charity shop frames, found materials, gilding, box frames, embossing (gorgeous copper frame tutorial including optional patina here), and other specialty custom alternatives to make the perfect frame for any need.

The author has included a useful resources and vendor list with links. The sources listed are slanted toward readers in the UK, but readers located elsewhere won't have problems locating retailers and suppliers online with a simple Google search.

I have a huge box of needlework, embroidery, and antique textiles lying in an acid-free box with tissue paper between the layers and this book has really inspired me to gather the tools and materials to custom frame some of them so they can be seen and enjoyed.

NetGalley, Annie Buchanan

This is a lovely book with clear illustrations and good instructions. I love the idea of creating frames which are works of art in their own right but can be personalised to enhance the contents of the frame.

Recommended to any home-crafter that is looking to try something a little different.

NetGalley, Michelle Mcdonough

Anyone with an interest in this field will surely learn a lot from this book, the illustrations are very real - examples of the authors own work. Frames are made from a range of materials and specialist techniques such as gold leaf are included. With a full list of all equipment required given for each project, it really will facilitate the process of creating beautiful frames.

NetGalley, Morag Murray

As someone who enjoys photography and loves the aspect of real life pictures being displayed not just on a camera roll this was an excellent book to teach an affordable and beautiful way to display your photos in a DIY manner.

NetGalley, Isla Rose Weston

This book is a very good, detailed guide to making frames. It may have you clamping, cutting, glueing, using drills and saws, or gilding existing frames, amongst other things!
I would like to have a go at making a frame at least once, and now I have the information if I ever find the motivation!

NetGalley, Jenny Lodge

If you have a lot of pictures to frame and need to know how to make your own frames, this book would certainly be useful. Eight projects are featured, with helpful step by step instructions and lots of accompanying pictorials for each one. The author goes for the handpainted or handmade styles, avoiding any expensive or unnecessary tools or supplies.

Overall, a great book for a beginner at frame-making.

NetGalley, Flora Fung

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I love this book. This one is clearly written by the UK-based author for a UK-based audience since some of the terminology is different (Using the term "rebate" instead of "rabbet," for example.). But, aside from that, I found the book easy to follow with great advice for creating your own frames, including the matte/backing for the artwork or photos, mounting hardware and advice for where to purchase materials and tools. It even includes a section on how to gild a frame: that looks like fun!

Most woodworking/DIY titles assume you have expensive tools like a table saw, band saw, and miter saw, but this book guides you through creating beautiful frames with the most basic tools and materials. I wish more DIY titles did that! People with more woodworking experience and expensive tools could still follow the steps in this book to create beautiful frames, but I think the instructions are clear enough for a novice to follow using basic tools.

I got a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review and I honestly think it's great. It's refreshing to find a DIY book that doesn't assume you have hundreds of dollars (or pounds) worth of tools to create beautiful frames. I give this book an enthusiastic 5/5 stars.

NetGalley, Alicia White