Help please: Good quality, cheap framing in London

[Sydney_Bristow]

Hello all,

Need a bit of help from Londoners.

My parents wedding anniversary is coming up and I've got an idea for a special keepsake to present to them. It includes a dedication, photograph & small porcelain ornament to remind them of a very special time (this ornament is not flat and obviously has some depth to it, about 2cm).

I was hoping to frame the three together so it becomes a lovely keepsake for them to put on their wall. Anyways, as money is tight I'm hoping to spend less than £80 to have the whole thing framed, with non-reflective glass on the front. I've been to 3 different framers in the west end and have been quoted over £150 at each. I only want a simple wooden frame & non-ref glass. It's completely exhorbitant in my opinion and way over my budget. Do I sound tight? I truly don't mean to be, I simply cannot afford that kind of expenditure right now.

I wish I was more creative and could frame the whole thing myself but sadly, my talents lie elsewhere

If any Londoners could recommend a good, cheap framer and also a company that could do the dedication printing in a pretty manner (adding some colour or flowers around it...if you know what I mean) please could you let me know. Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated!

Thank you sooooo much in advance.

Syd x

[a_person]

Have you considered eBay Syd? I've b*ght some really good quality stuff from there that were personalised keepsake items. Let me see if I can find them in my feedback.

Depending on how far you want to go, I think one of them has a shop in Kent (if you're able to drive).

[Sydney_Bristow]

I'd go to Kent if they're good n cheap!! Cheers hon!!

I hadn't considered ebay because the framers would obviously have to measure the ornament and figure out how to fit it into the whole thing and make it stand there permanently.....a box type frame if you know what I mean, something with depth.

[a_person]

Hmmmm just trying to think of local businesses in London.

[Sydney_Bristow]

Anyone got any other recommendations please?

[anakin]

Sorry Syd, no idea =(

[David]

Erm, there's http://www.framefactorylimited.co.uk/ in Islington that I know. Although if you want a recommendation, I can't really help. The only time I went there they cut my drawing wrong, although they did then make me a custom frame for no extra cost to make up for it. That was a few years ago.

[freddie]

Just watched SuperScrimpers on channel 4. So many ideas for things you already have at home, try www.channel4.com/superscrimpers, some great ideas. Not sure if this will help you, but may give you some ideas of how to do it yourself professionally.

[Celini]

150 quid sound actually quite reasonable for what you're asking I am afraid!
I know only 1 shop in Covent Garden (never use their service though) but it's probably one of those you have already visited.

[anakin]

The only other thing I could think of was maybe trying freecycle. It's a long shot, but you might get the design bit for free in exchange for something you're getting rid of - or even help to get them free cinema tickets!