Frame Making for Beginners: Showcase Your Art
A course by Annika McSeveny (Antika) , Picture Framer
Joined March 2021

Learn how to create bespoke frames that complement your artwork, from mounting and glass cutting to backing and assembling
Discover the art of bespoke picture framing in this online course led by Annika McSeveny, a skilled picture framer with a passion for preserving and enhancing artworks. In this course, you'll delve into the world of framing and learn how to create unique and tailored picture frames by hand.
Explore the fundamental principles of framing as Annika guides you through the process step by step. From selecting the right materials and tools to choosing the perfect wood profile for your frame, you'll gain a deep understanding of the craft.
In this course, you'll not only learn the technical aspects of framing but also explore the creative possibilities. Annika will show you how to create bespoke finishes and explore various mounting techniques. By the end, you'll have the skills to build a beautiful, one-of-a-kind frame that complements your chosen artwork perfectly.
What will you learn in this online course?
20 lessons & 19 downloads
- 97% positive reviews (102)
- 10,815 students
- 20 lessons (4h 26m)
- 19 additional resources (6 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English, Spanish (Latam), French, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
For the final project, you'll have the opportunity to build a bespoke picture frame for an artwork of your choice. With the guidance of Annika McSeveny, you'll create a frame with a tailored color scheme and finish that perfectly complements your selected artwork. This hands-on project will allow you to apply the techniques and knowledge acquired throughout the course, resulting in a unique and stunning frame to showcase your artwork.

Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is perfect for artists, creatives, and anyone with an interest in the art of framing. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced framer seeking to refine your skills, this course offers valuable insights and techniques. If you're passionate about art and want to explore the world of bespoke framing, this course is tailored to help you develop your craftsmanship and unleash your creativity.
Requirements and materials
To fully participate in this course, you'll need access to woodworking equipment and materials, such as wood profiles, mounts, glue, and finishes. Additionally, having basic familiarity with woodworking tools and techniques will be helpful but not mandatory. Throughout the course, Annika will guide you on the specific materials and tools needed for each step, ensuring you have the necessary resources to create your bespoke frames.

Reviews

Annika McSeveny (Antika)
A course by Annika McSeveny (Antika)
Annika McSeveny is a highly skilled picture framer with a deep passion for the art of framing. With years of experience in the industry and a focus on conservation and display, Annika has honed her skills in creating bespoke finishes and preserving artworks. Her expertise extends to traditional gilding techniques and metal leaf applications.
Annika's career journey led her to collaborate with renowned artists, galleries, and institutions, including Lauren Baker, David Hollington, Gone Rogue, and Getty Images Gallery, among others. With her meticulous approach and unwavering dedication to the two core principles of framing – protecting the artwork and enhancing it without overpowering the image – Annika ensures each frame is a work of art itself.
With a commitment to excellence, Annika continues to expand her knowledge and professional qualifications. She holds Certified Framer Status through the Fine Art Trade Guild and is currently studying towards advanced certification in Conservation Framing and Mount Design. Annika's expertise and passion make her an exceptional guide in exploring the art of bespoke framing.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Influences
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U2
Getting to Know the Materials
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The Materials
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Framing Foundations
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The Mounting
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Type of Artwork and Different Styles of Framing 1
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Type of Artwork and Different Styles of Framing 2
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U3
Making the Frame
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Selecting a Mount and Measuring
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Cutting the Mount and Float Mounting the Artwork
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Cutting and Joining the Frame 1
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Cutting and Joining the Frame 2
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Cutting and Joining the Frame 3
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Cutting the Fillets
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Applying the Finish to the Frame 1
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Applying the Finish to the Frame 2
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U4
Fitting up All the Components
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Cutting the Glass
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The Backing
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Assembling the Frame Package 1
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Assembling the Frame Package 2
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Final Check and Aftercare
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FP
Final project
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The art of framing - bespoke handmade frames
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners and covers all the essential skills and techniques to start making and finishing custom picture frames by hand.
You'll need basic woodworking tools, frame moulding, mount board, glass, adhesives, paints, and finishing materials. The course provides a detailed list and recommendations for sourcing affordable supplies.
You will learn how to measure artwork, cut moulding, assemble frames, mount and protect artwork, apply bespoke finishes, and avoid common framing mistakes, ensuring both aesthetic and conservation standards.
Yes, the course includes modules on conservation framing, using archival materials, UV-filter glass, and reversible mounting methods to preserve artwork safely.
The course teaches how to select wood species, profiles, and finishes that complement your artwork’s style and size, ensuring both structural integrity and visual harmony.
Yes, you'll learn to create custom profiles, carve ornate details, and apply finishes like gesso, gilding, staining, painting, and distressing for truly bespoke frames.
Yes, the course covers advanced techniques for box frames, float mounting, and framing textiles or dimensional pieces, ensuring safe display and preservation.




Excellent. Need some idea where to get the materials in the Uk.
This course is excellent for somebody like me, being new to picture framing.
I have watched the entire course and am now working on my first framing project.
The course tells you everything you need to know and provides vital supplementary information on materials and tools required. It is also constructed and presented very well by Annika in a way that is easy to follow and easy to refer back to for a recap while you are working on your framing project.
The workshop was too slow-paced, and too much time was spent on basic steps like painting the frame. I was expecting to learn more advanced techniques, such as cutting and assembling a classic-style frame, not just a simple square frame.
Fantastic course. I learned a lot and am excited to start my first project. Annika was thorough and went through each step of the course will patience, skill and excellent advice.
I would gladly do another course with her after completing my first framing project.
This is one of the best courses I have ever come across. It is very detailed and insightful!