Picture frame - select a frame that suits the project you are framing.

Glass and backboard - available in sizes to fit the empty frames. Glass is available as normal picture glass and a non-reflective glass. The latter is perfect for situations when the finished picture is to be hung near a light source.

Glazier points - these secure the glass, mount and backboard to the frame.

Gumstrip - used on top of glazier points. This acts as a secure seal and protects the surface of the wall on which the frame is hung.

Picture hooks - used to hang pictures. Picture hooks or screw eyes can be screwed into the vertical edges of a frame two thirds of the way up to carry picture wire or cord.

Picture wire or cord - wire is available in different gauges or thicknesses and should be selected according to the weight of the picture to be hung. Cord is suitable for lighter pictures.

Sponge - to dampen the gumstrip.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

Mount - a bevelled piece of card used to finish a picture or to make a picture fit a frame. Mount cutter and mount board - used to cut your own mounts

Silicone sealant - used in 3D framing

Glass cleaner

Double sided tape

Once you have your item to frame, you have to decide on the type of frame to use.

Empty frames - available in a wide range of sizes in traditional wood styles or more modern finishes.

Complete frames - complete with glass and backing board already in position, in a range of colours and sizes. Ideal for family photos and other favourite items.

Photo frames - the range includes wood and metal frames that come with glass and backboard. Smaller frames are free standing and larger ones are suitable for wall hanging. There are also shaped glass frames that suit contemporary interiors.

Clip frames - a modern and inexpensive way of framing where glass and backboard are secured together with metal clips. Ideal for photos and posters.

Box frames - used for framing 3D items such as bridal bouquets, decoupage, dolls house scenes, shells, stamps, floral items, medals, coins and holiday mementoes. These are available with and without partitions and come in a variety of depths.

A mount is the decorative piece of card which often surrounds pictures. They are ideal to give the picture 'a bit more space'. Often an image can feel very crowded in a frame - a mount can create a more balanced result.

You can use a mount to bring out the colours in a picture or help it fit into your chosen colour scheme. Often a mount is used when the picture is too large for one frame and too small for the next size up! Mounts are available in a selection of colours and oval or rectangular apertures - ovals are particularly popular for photographs.

If you are using a mount, attach the picture to the back of the mount using a small amount of double sided tape along the top edge only, making sure it is lined up correctly. Place the picture (and mount) on the backboard - making sure it is central and then place the cleaned glass on top.

Turn this sandwich over (picture, mount, backboard, glass) and place into the frame. Check to make sure everything is as it should be and lay the frame face down on a sturdy surface. Make sure your surface is covered - this will help prevent damage to the frame.

Using a small hammer, tap the glazier points into the back of the frame - check for dust around the picture after fixing one glazier
point - at regular intervals along all four sides. Once everything is secure, proceed to sealing. Cut four pieces of gumstrip, two for the long length of the frame and two for the shorter length. Using a damp sponge, moisten the back of one of the pieces of gumstrip and lay it along the back of the frame making sure you cover the seam between the backing board and the frame. Smooth the gumstrip and repeat with the remaining three pieces until the entire back is sealed.

Measure a third down from the top of the picture and make a small hole with an awl in the back of the frame. Repeat this on the other upright. Screw a screw eye into each of these holes and tighten. Thread either a length of nylon picture cord or wire through the eyes and either tie securely (in the case of cord) or if you are using wire, twist until tight. Wire is only really necessary on large, heavy frames. Your picture is now ready to hang.

There are two main methods of preparing your cross-stitch, embroidery or tapestry for framing.

Sticking - With the sticking method, you use one of the self-adhesive mounting boards from our range - they come in a range of sizes and are either flat or padded. Cut the board to fit your chosen fabric, remove the protective sheet covering the adhesive and centre your work on the sticky surface. Any excess fabric can either be trimmed or glued carefully on the reverse of the mounting board. You can then proceed to frame your stretched piece of stitchcraft. Many people use mounts on stitched pieces - the added depth means that the stitches are not crushed by the glass. Mounts are essential if you have included beads or other embellishments in your work.

Lacing - This is a more professional way of preparing your work for framing. Cut a stiff board, slightly smaller than the backing board for the frame - this allows for the thickness of the fabric. Centre the fabric on the board and using large headed pins, pin evenly round the edge of the fabric into the board. Working with opposite sides, lace the material together using a strong thread and a large headed needle. Don't work too close to the edge of the fabric otherwise you might cause slight damage. Repeat this process on the other two sides of the cloth. Remove the pins and check the tension on the front. This can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the lacing threads. Once you are happy you can proceed to mounting and framing.

• Why not cut your own mount using one of the different mount cutters and one of the many shades of mount board available in the store?

• Clean both sides of the glass thoroughly making sure it is free of dust.

• Gumstrip is acid-free tape which will conserve the picture and help prevent discolouring. Sealing in this way helps prevent dust and moisture getting into the frame and ruining your picture.

• 3-D frames all come with fixings to ensure the frame and glass are held together securely. Make sure that you seal with gumstrip to prevent dust or moisture damage.