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Your diploma or degree represents years of hard work, dedication, and academic achievement. It's a symbol of your educational journey and a testament to your skills and knowledge. Framing your diploma preserves its integrity and allows you to display it as a visual reminder of your accomplishments proudly.  Keep reading as we delve into the art of framing diplomas and degrees and provide a list of common diploma sizes to help you select the perfect frame.

Why Frame Your Diploma or Degree?

Framing your diploma or degree serves several purposes. Firstly, it protects the document from potential damage, such as creasing, fading, or moisture. Secondly, it elevates the document's visual appeal, transforming it into an attractive display that can be showcased in your home or office. Lastly, framing your diploma or degree allows you to celebrate and share your achievements with others.

List of Common Diploma Sizes

When selecting a frame for your diploma or degree, choosing the right size that accommodates your document perfectly is essential. Here are some of the most common diploma sizes:

1. 8.5" x 11": This size is standard for most US letter-sized diplomas and is commonly used for high school diplomas, college degrees, and certifications.

2. 11" x 14": This size is often used for larger diplomas, such as law degrees or master's degrees. It provides a slightly larger display area and allows for additional matting if desired.

3. A4 (8.27" x 11.69"): A4 is the standard paper size used in many countries, including most of Europe. Diplomas from universities in these regions often conform to this size.

4. 14" x 17": This size suits larger and more elaborate diplomas, such as doctoral degrees or honorary certificates. The additional space offers flexibility for various framing styles and matting options.

5. Custom Sizes: Some institutions may issue diplomas in unique sizes or dimensions. If your diploma does not conform to standard sizes, consider custom framing to ensure a perfect fit. 

Tips for Framing Your Diploma or Degree

1. Choose a High-Quality Frame: Opt for a frame made from durable materials such as wood or metal to ensure longevity. Avoid frames that contain harmful chemicals or materials that could damage your document.

2. Acid-Free Matting: Matting adds visual appeal and protects your diploma from touching the glazing directly. Select acid-free matting to prevent yellowing or discoloration over time.

3. UV-Protective Glazing: Use glazing that protects your diploma from harmful sunlight, preventing fading and discoloration.

4. Mounting Techniques: Use archival mounting materials, such as acid-free corners or hinging tape, to secure your diploma without causing damage. Avoid using adhesives directly on the document.

5. Professional Framing: If you're unsure about framing your diploma, consider seeking professional framing services. They have expertise in handling delicate documents and can guide you in choosing the right frame and materials. Contact one of our frame experts to learn more about framing your documents. 

Framing your diploma or degree is a meaningful way to honor your educational achievements and showcase them in a visually appealing manner. By selecting the appropriate frame size, using high-quality materials, and following proper framing techniques, you can preserve the integrity of your document and create a stunning display that captures the significance of your accomplishments. So frame your diploma with pride and let it serve as a constant reminder of your educational journey.

About The Author

Brittany DeMauro is the Creative Director here at CustomPictureFrames.com. With a background in creative writing and a passion for all things DIY, you'll find her in the shop crafting content. She can always find space for a fun gallery wall and loves discovering new artists to display around her home (in custom frames, of course!) When she's not creating content for our brand, she can most likely be found binging shows on Netflix with her two cats.

Adding beautiful artwork to your space doesn't have to break the bank. Thanks to the vast world of public domain art, you can access a treasure trove of stunning images that are free to download, print, and frame.

What Is Public Domain Art?

Public domain art refers to creative works, including visual artworks, no longer protected by copyright or intellectual property rights. These works are freely available for anyone to use, modify, reproduce, and distribute without seeking permission from the original creator or infringing on any legal restrictions.

Artwork enters the public domain for various reasons, such as the expiration of copyright protection, the failure to meet the criteria for copyright protection, or when the creator intentionally dedicates the work to the public domain. Public domain art can include paintings, illustrations, photographs, sculptures, and other forms of artistic expression.

Accessing public domain art allows individuals and organizations to explore and use significant cultural and historical works without legal limitations. It allows for creative freedom and enables the public to enjoy, learn from, and incorporate these artistic creations into various projects, including printing and framing for personal or commercial use.

In this blog post, we'll unveil a curated list of websites where you can find incredible public domain art. Once you've selected and downloaded your favorite pieces, CustomPictureFrames.com can help bring them to life with high-quality custom frames. Let's dive into this artistic journey!

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore The Met's collection of over 400,000 high-resolution images for free download. From classic masterpieces to ancient artifacts, you'll find captivating art that can grace your walls.

National Gallery of Art

Discover the National Gallery of Art's open access program, offering thousands of images from their collection. Browse through centuries of artistic brilliance and find the perfect piece to complement your decor.

Wikimedia Commons

As a vast repository of public domain images, Wikimedia Commons is an excellent resource for finding art in various styles, periods, and genres. Their extensive collection features artwork from museums, libraries, and artists worldwide.

The British Library

For a touch of historical charm, visit the British Library's collection of digitized images. Explore vintage illustrations, maps, manuscripts, and more. Transport your walls to different eras with these captivating works of art.

Unsplash

Although primarily known for photography, Unsplash offers a growing collection of public domain art. You can find various styles and themes, all contributed by talented artists. Unleash your creativity with these contemporary pieces.

Europeana

Europeana provides access to millions of digitized cultural heritage artifacts, including paintings, drawings, and photographs. Dive into European art and history while discovering hidden gems for your next framed print.

NASA Image and Video Library

If you have a penchant for space and science, NASA's vast image library is an awe-inspiring resource. Explore breathtaking astronomical photographs and mesmerizing visuals of our universe. Bring the cosmos into your living room.

Once you've chosen your desired artwork, shop our website to complete your work of art. With our wide selection of frame styles and custom sizing options, you can create the perfect frame to showcase your chosen public domain art. From sleek and modern to ornate and traditional, our expert craftsmanship ensures your art will be beautifully presented.

By combining the vast world of public domain art with our custom printing and framing expertise, you have the power to transform your space with stunning, budget-friendly artwork. Explore the suggested websites, unleash your creativity, and elevate your home decor with framed prints that reflect your unique style and personality. Unleash your inner curator and embark on an artistic journey that adds beauty and inspiration to your surroundings.

About The Author

Brittany DeMauro is the Creative Director here at CustomPictureFrames.com. With a background in creative writing and a passion for all things DIY, you'll find her in the shop crafting content. She can always find space for a fun gallery wall and loves discovering new artists to display around her home (in custom frames, of course!) When she's not creating content for our brand, she can most likely be found binging shows on Netflix with her two cats.

Matting photos and artwork adds a professional touch and elevates their visual impact. While cutting your own mat board can be a rewarding experience, pre-cut mat boards offer convenience and ease. In this blog post, we will guide you through matting photos and artwork using a pre-cut mat board, ensuring a hassle-free and beautiful presentation.

Gather Your Materials

To get started, gather the following materials:

• Pre-cut acid-free mat board in your desired size and color
• Artwork or photo to be matted
• Acid-free tape or adhesive
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Pencil
• Picture frame

Prepare Your Workspace

Find a clean and well-lit workspace to work on your matting project comfortably. Ensure the surface is protected to avoid damaging the artwork or the mat board. Gather all the materials mentioned above to have them on hand as you work through the steps to add a mat to your image.

Measure and Position the Artwork

Measuring to purchase an acid-free matboard with the perfect dimensions is easy. Measure the dimensions of your artwork or photo. When ordering online, you may see mentions of exact and non-exact openings. Exact openings mean exactly that! The opening of the precut matboard will be the exact measurements listed. A non-exact opening is more user-friendly and forgiving. It will be cut up to 1/4 inch smaller than the dimensions listed. This allows for you to place the image behind the mat and it will not fall through the opening.

Once you have your mat of choice in hand, place the pre-cut mat board on your workspace and position the artwork on top, ensuring it is centered. Use a ruler or measuring tape to double-check alignment.

Mark the Position

Once the artwork is properly aligned, use a pencil to lightly mark the corners of the artwork on the mat board. This step will serve as a guide for attaching the artwork. This step is important for both exact and non-exact mat openings. Try to be as accurate as possible to ensure your image will sit properly within the mat opening. 

Attach the Artwork

Carefully lift the artwork and apply acid-free tape or adhesive to the back, ensuring the tape is positioned along the edges. Place the artwork back onto the marked position on the mat board, gently pressing it down to secure it. Pressing down gently is key here so that the image isn't fully attached just yet. This step will help you minimize any damage to the image or matboard before the final framing.

Inspect and Adjust

After attaching the artwork, inspect the matting to ensure it is aligned and positioned correctly. Make any necessary adjustments before proceeding to the next step. When the positioning is perfect, press the tape down more firmly to ensure the image is safely and securely attached to your mat. 

Frame and Display

Once you are satisfied with the matting, it's time to frame your artwork. Prepare the frame by removing the back and cleaning the glass or acrylic surface. Carefully place the matted artwork into the frame, ensuring it fits securely. Replace the frame back and secure it in place.

Matting photos and artwork with a pre-cut mat board provides a simplified and convenient approach to achieving professional-looking displays. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently mat your artwork without cutting your own mat board.

Remember to choose acid-free materials to ensure the long-term preservation of your artwork. With pre-cut mat boards, you can save time and effort while still achieving stunning results. So, gather your supplies, select the perfect pre-cut mat board, and bring your photos and artwork to life with beautifully matted presentations!

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this method allows you to showcase your creativity and enhance the visual appeal of your cherished pieces. Enjoy the process and embrace the satisfaction of perfectly matted photos and artwork!

About The Author

Brittany DeMauro is the Creative Director here at CustomPictureFrames.com. With a background in creative writing and a passion for all things DIY, you'll find her in the shop crafting content. She can always find space for a fun gallery wall and loves discovering new artists to display around her home (in custom frames, of course!) When she's not creating content for our brand, she can most likely be found binging shows on Netflix with her two cats.

Aspect ratio is a term used to describe the proportional relationship between the height and width of an image or video. This relationship is not expressed with standard units of measurement but is based on a representation of those proportions. Aspect ratios are especially important when dealing with digital media, as many websites require specific ratios to display content correctly. When it comes to art prints, most pieces conform to a few common ratios.

Common aspect ratios and print sizes

At CustomPictureFrames.com, we understand the importance of aspect ratios and have compiled a list of the most common ratios and print sizes in inches for your convenience:

• 1:1 ratio common print sizes: 8x8, 12x12, 16x16, 20x20
• 2:1 ratio common print sizes: 12x6, 20x10
• 2:3 ratio common print sizes: 4x6, 6x9, 12x18, 16x24, 20x30
• 3:4 ratio common print sizes: 6x8, 9x12, 12x16, 15x20, 18x24
• 4:5 ratio common print sizes: 8x10, 16x20, 24x30

Some medium format cameras use a 1:1 square format ratio, which is also widely supported by popular social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.

DSLRs with full-frame sensors and APS-C crop sensor cameras typically have 3:2 sensors.

Smartphones and Micro Four Thirds cameras typically shoot in a 4:3 aspect ratio.

The widescreen format with a 16:9 aspect ratio is commonly used for high-definition video and is the standard for HDTV.

Changing aspect ratios

Changing aspect ratios is usually possible, but depending on the image's original size, you may have to crop portions of your art to conform to the new ratio. For example, if you want to switch a 5:4 ratio image with a size of 16x20 inches to a 1:1 ratio with a size of a 16x16 inch square, you need to crop 4 inches from the height of your image. The same principle applies when switching from a square to a rectangle with a different ratio.

Choosing the right frame

No matter the aspect ratio, selecting the perfect frame for any image is simple with our interactive frame designer. For printed images, measure the width and height of your art, and add those values to our frame designer. It will generate the correct size frame based on your art measurements. For digital images, the image size is automatically calculated after the upload is complete. You can adjust the size of your frame and image by choosing from our suggested dimensions or inputting your own values.

Make sure to consider image resolution and the Dots Per Inch (DPI) calculation as you enlarge or shrink your piece, and remember that switching aspect ratios may result in the need for cropping. Our website generates the best sizes your digital file can be printed at for the most high-quality image. If you'd like to print at a size larger than the system suggests, contact customer service to make sure your file can be enhanced to be printed. 

At CustomPictureFrames.com, we are here to help you with all your framing needs. If you need assistance, please get in touch with our support team with any questions. Don't forget to share your creative framing projects with us on social media using #getcustomframed!

About The Author

Brittany DeMauro is the Creative Director here at CustomPictureFrames.com. With a background in creative writing and a passion for all things DIY, you'll find her in the shop crafting content. She can always find space for a fun gallery wall and loves discovering new artists to display around her home (in custom frames, of course!) When she's not creating content for our brand, she can most likely be found binging shows on Netflix with her two cats.

Ordering a custom picture frame from CustomPictureFrames.com is an exciting process. You’ve carefully selected the perfect frame style, matting, backing, and glazing options to showcase your artwork or photograph beautifully. But what can you expect when your frame arrives?

First and foremost, you can expect your custom frame to arrive in perfect condition. CustomPictureFrames.com takes great pride in the quality of our craftsmanship and materials, including the packaging used to ship your frame. Our boxes are specifically engineered to minimize damage during transit, and the cardboard used is SFI-certified and sustainably sourced. Plus, we never use more plastic than is necessary to protect your frame.

When you open your custom frame box, you’ll find everything you need to display your artwork or photograph. Hanging hardware and clips for installing canvases are included, making it easy to hang your new frame immediately. If you’ve chosen the print and frame option, your hardware is installed, and the back is papered to protect your print from dust while on display.

If you’ve ordered an empty frame to install your image or photograph, you’ll notice the protective film on both sides of the acrylic. It’s important to peel off the protective film in a clean area to prevent dust and hair from being attracted to the acrylic surface.

Most importantly, CustomPictureFrames.com guarantees your complete satisfaction. We stand behind the quality of our products and want you to love your custom frame as much as we do. So, when your custom frame arrives, take a moment to appreciate the care that went into its packaging and the craftsmanship that went into its creation. Then, proudly display your artwork or photograph, knowing that your custom frame will last for years.

About The Author

Brittany DeMauro is the Creative Director here at CustomPictureFrames.com. With a background in creative writing and a passion for all things DIY, you'll find her in the shop crafting content. She can always find space for a fun gallery wall and loves discovering new artists to display around her home (in custom frames, of course!) When she's not creating content for our brand, she can most likely be found binging shows on Netflix with her two cats.