Does Joann Carry Custom Framing Services?
If you're looking to get artwork, photos, or memorabilia professionally framed, you may have wondered whether Joann — the fabric and craft supplies retailer — offers custom framing services. The answer requires some nuance, because Joann's framing capabilities have shifted over time and vary by location.
What Joann Actually Offers for Framing 📌
Joann is primarily known as a destination for fabric, sewing, crafting, and home décor supplies. In that context, the store does sell framing materials — like frames, mats, glass, backing boards, and hanging hardware — that you can use to frame items yourself or take to a professional framer.
However, Joann does not operate a dedicated custom framing department in most of its stores today. This is an important distinction. While some Joann locations historically offered in-store custom framing services (similar to what you might find at large art supply or home goods retailers), this service is no longer widely available across the chain.
The company has shifted its business model to focus on craft and fabric retail rather than service-based offerings like custom framing, which require specialized equipment, trained framers, and significant floor space.
Why This Matters for Your Framing Project
Understanding what Joann can and cannot do helps you plan your framing approach:
If you need framing materials only: Joann can serve as a one-stop shop. You can purchase pre-cut mats, various frame styles, glass or acrylic sheets, backing materials, and hanging supplies — all the components you'd need if you're framing something yourself or if a professional framer needs you to supply specific materials.
If you need custom framing services: You'll need to look elsewhere. Custom framing involves measuring your artwork, selecting mat colors and styles, choosing frame molding, cutting mats to precise dimensions, and assembling the piece professionally. This requires expertise and equipment that Joann no longer provides in-store.
Variables That Shape Your Options
Several factors determine what framing solution will work best for your situation:
Complexity of your project. Simple poster-sized items with standard materials are easier to frame yourself or through a basic service. Delicate items (textiles, documents, vintage prints), oversized pieces, or specialty materials (shadow boxes, curved glass, museum-quality framing) typically require professional expertise.
Your budget. DIY framing with Joann supplies costs significantly less than professional custom framing but requires time and some skill. Professional custom framers charge more but deliver durability, precision, and often archival-quality protection.
Availability of alternatives in your area. Independent custom framers, art supply stores, and some larger retailers (like Michaels or Home Depot) offer framing services. Your location determines which options are convenient.
Timeline. Custom framing at a professional shop typically takes 1–3 weeks or longer, depending on demand. DIY framing can be done immediately if you have the materials on hand.
The value and fragility of what you're framing. Sentimental items, heirlooms, or valuable artwork may warrant the care and archival standards of a professional framer, even though it costs more.
Finding Custom Framing Elsewhere
If Joann doesn't meet your custom framing needs, here's what the framing landscape looks like:
Independent custom framers are specialists who focus solely on framing. They typically offer the widest range of mat colors, frame molding styles, and glazing options. Many can handle delicate or unusual items and offer archival or conservation-grade materials if you need them.
National art supply chains (like Michaels) often have in-store framing departments with trained staff, pre-designed mat layouts, and faster turnaround than independent framers.
Online framing services allow you to upload images, select options digitally, and receive pre-assembled framed pieces by mail. Quality and customization vary widely.
Local print shops or photography studios sometimes partner with framers or offer framing as an add-on service, especially for photos or prints they've produced.
Each option trades off cost, speed, customization, and expertise differently.
What You Can Still Do at Joann
Don't count out Joann entirely for your framing project. The store remains useful for:
- Browsing frame styles in person before ordering custom framing elsewhere
- Purchasing individual framing components if you're working with a professional framer who allows you to supply materials
- Framing lightweight, non-precious items yourself using Joann's materials and basic assembly
- Getting inspiration from finished displays and design ideas throughout the store
If you're planning to frame something yourself, Joann's staff can also guide you on material selection, though they won't assemble it for you.
Questions to Ask Before You Decide
Before settling on where to get your framing done, clarify:
- Does the service provider offer archival or conservation materials if your item needs protection from fading or deterioration?
- Can they handle your specific item type — whether it's textiles, three-dimensional objects, oversized pieces, or delicate documents?
- What's the turnaround time and does it fit your timeline?
- Do they provide a warranty or guarantee on their work?
- What's included in the quoted price — assembly, hanging hardware, delivery?
These questions apply whether you're evaluating a professional framer, a national chain, or an online service.
The Bottom Line
Joann is a reliable source for framing supplies and materials, but not for custom framing services. If you need professional framing expertise, you'll need to visit a dedicated custom framer or an art-focused retailer that offers in-house framing. Your choice depends on your project's complexity, budget, timeline, and how much you value professional installation and expertise.