Prestige Framing Academy

I found Prestige Framing Academy through a Google search because I wanted to learn how to make picture frames, figuring I could save a LOT of money. The class was a little expensive… upwards of $ 500 for a 2 and a half day class, and I couldn’t find any reviews of it online, but I decided to roll the dice and check it out. I’m really glad I did.
The class was incredibly informative, and VERY hands on. You’re told to bring 1 piece of art with you, and part of the class is that you’ll actually frame it under the supervision of the instructor, as you’re learning.
The 2 and a half day class is a subset of a longer class. The one I took is aimed at artists and photographers, the longer class at people who are considering going into the trade. Over my two and a half days, I learned how to select and cut mats, select frame molding, cut it, join it, select and cut glass, mount the art, assemble everything, and paper up the back and attach hardware.
It was incredibly thorough, and extremely interesting, and taught at a perfect pace… neither too slow nor too fast. And by the end of the 2 and a half days, not only had I learned a lot, but I had framed an 8 by 10 print with a double mat and a really nice frame. The job would have cost me around $ 250 if I had had it done in a shop, so considering the $ 500 tuition covered both my education AND all the materials, I think it’s quite a steal.
Prestige doesn’t hold a lot of classes, and due to the very hands-​on nature of the class, they are very small… I think there were only 7 people in my class. They teach in a variety of cities though, so book early and reserve a spot. It’s a very well spent couple of days!