3 tips to frame your photos

When framed art isn't an option, photos are a personal and inexpensive way to decorate the bare walls of your house or apartment. Here are some clever ways to display your photos and tips for keeping them clean.

Picture frames and glass don't usually get filthy dirty, but they do collect dust, residue from heat sources and fingerprints. Regular dusting and an occasional cleaning will keep them in good shape. To wash glass:

1. Dampen a cloth in a mild vinegar and water solution, then wring almost dry.
2. Wipe the glass. Don't spray liquid directly on the glass as it can easily seep under the frame and damage the mat or the artwork.
3. Polish glass with a coffee filter or used dryer sheet; they're lint-free.

Aside from paintings on canvas, most graphic art is framed under a mat — a cardboard border with a quality paper veneer — that prevents the image from touching (and sticking to) the glass. Cutting mats the meticulous professional way isn't easy, but even a rank amateur can make attractive mats with glue and materials found around the house.

1. Start with the cardboard mat that came with the frame; if the commercial border is just paper, use it as a template to cut a piece of cardboard.
2. Choose something attractive to cover the cardboard. Consider the frame and the photo or artwork and pick something that will complement both. (See list below for some ideas of what to use.) Cut a piece of material slightly larger than the dimensions of the mat.
3. Thinly coat the cardboard with glue and affix the material, smoothing to eliminate air pockets and wrinkles.
4. When dry, cut away the material from the outside edges.
5. Next, turn the mat face down and cut excess material diagonally from each top corner to opposite bottom corner, taking care not to cut into the cardboard. Fold the flaps over, trim away all but about one centimetre (0.5 inch) and glue the edges.

Some things you may use for your individualized mat:

• Remnant wallpaper
• Curtain or upholstery fabric
• Any leftover medium-weight fabric
• Fake leather, suede or fur
• Wrapping paper or foil
• Parchment paper
• Magazine or old book pages

Create a modern photo display by using everyday office supplies.

1. Scrounge desk drawers for clear acrylic document sleeves and some metal binder clips.
2. Mount your photos in the sleeves.
3. Nail both ends of a length of wire or rope to the wall, clothesline fashion, leaving a little slack. (If you have some thin computer cable you're not using, use it to give the display a high tech look.)
4. Now clip the photo sleeves to the hanging line.

Because it's so easy to change photos whenever you want, your display will never get old.