Our Blog
This blog is to keep you entertained, informed, and educated on all we do!
Color of the Year for 2023!
COLOUR TRENDS 2023
Viva Magenta is Pantone’s Colour of the Year!
WORD OF THE DAY:
Verve: (noun)
enthusiasm or vigor; vivaciousness; liveliness; spirit
PANTONE 18-1750
FUN FACT:
The origins of the magenta shade can be traced back to the cochineal beetle, which produces red carmine dye, one of the most precious natural dyes.
Image credit: Huge / Pantone
Art & Colour Consultations
Do you want advice on how to use colour in your home? It can be overwhelming to put a colour scheme together. We can help! Our design experts will help you pick out colours that match your space and style. We offer in home design consultations at your convenience. Call, come in, or email us to schedule an appointment
Using Viva Magenta in Your Home
Many of us have neutral coloured walls and furniture. It is safe, but sometimes can be a bit boring. Make a stand out statement with Viva Magenta! Neutral spaces often beg for a focal point
something as simple as changing out sofa pillows with magenta ones might do the trick. What about a fabulous piece of magenta coloured art? Or a colourful chair? Or a floral arrangement? Or will you be daring and paint a single wall Viva Magenta for a dramatic look?
Last year greens were the IT colour, and many of us embraced them; they were a soft, soothing shade. Red and Green are complementary colours, so try pairing Viva Magenta with Valspar’s colour of the year, Green Trellis. The result will be a calm vibe, mixed with an energetic pop. Add polished silver hardware or frame and you’re set!
How are you going to use these colours this year??
We Can Help!
Colour Trends by the Century
1920’s
The Roaring 20’s were a decade of indulgence. The walls were neutrals and accents were bright.
1930’s & 40’s
Smoky, dusty colours were the norm. Soft, subdued yellows, pinks, and hazy greens were accented with deep colours.
1950’s
Pastels ruled. They were even incorporated into appliances and bathroom fixtures.
1960’s
The ‘Peace, Love & Rock n’ Roll’ decade brought bright, clashing colours. Black & white were used to neutralize them.
1970’s
Earthy colours dominate. Beige, rust, avocado, and harvest gold play together for a decade.
1980’s
Miami Vice and ‘country’ come together with mauves and blues. I bet you know a house that is decorated in those colours.
1990’s
A new take on earthy colours with a deeper, richer feel and Tuscan influences. Beige dominates, followed with terra cotta, sage and earthy reds.
2000’s
Soft & Relaxing colours are popular to create a spa or coastal vacation feel in everyday life accentuated with pale blue and aqua paired with beige and white.
2010’s
Gray and any version of it is king! With the tech generation in full swing, gray was everywhere; paint, furniture, flooring, appliances, fixtures and, of course, laptops.
2020’s
Care to guess?????
Of all the amazing Colour Trends for the last 100 years….
….which decade do you like best?
Free Newsletter Offer:
Why does the Frame cost more than the Art?
LET’S TALK TURKEY
Why does the Frame cost more than the Art?
Sometimes custom framing a simple, inexpensive print or poster winds up costing more than the art itself. A basic reproduction of famous art like American Gothic can be purchased for a few dollars. Custom framing that same print can be many times the original cost of the art. If you didn’t spend that much for the art, why would you spend more on your framing? Here are some of the reasons it’s hard to compare the cost of art to framing.
What affects the price of a project custom framed with wood moulding?
•Material it’s wood! A natural product takes time to grow and process. Hardwoods, softwoods, veneers, and pressed woods will all cost different amounts.
•Location of origin was the frame made in the Canada,USA, Italy or China?
•Production has the wood been hand carved or machine milled?
•Frame Finish has the frame been hand finished and/or gilded in gold leaf?
•Quantity this frame was ordered especially for you. Was the frame moulding purchased as length, already chopped to size, or pre assembled?
•Glazing is there glass or plexi? A non glare finish? UV protection? Optical coating?
Are you getting your money’s worth?
Framing protects your art from bugs, rips, and fading. A good framing display showcases your art so you can enjoy it daily. How can you really compare?
Grant Wood, artist of American Gothic
Grant Wood was an American painter best known for his paintings depicting the rural American Midwest. American Gothic was painted with oils on wood in 1930. The painting won 3rd place in a contest hosted by the Art Institute of Chicago, who then purchased it. The iconic house is in Iowa and is referred to as ‘The Dibble House’. Wood intended the characters to be Father & Daughter; the man was actually modeled after Wood’s dentist and the woman is Wood’s sister. The general reception was very favorable, but Iowans felt it made them look dowdy.
A Grant Wood landscape painting sold for $7 million in 2005, so you can imagine what American Gothic would fetch if it sold today.
Big box shops will frequently mark their prices up specifically so they can mark them down and offer huge sales. Ask yourself what the true original price is before purchasing. Having us do the work ensures you will be happy – we guarantee it. Your dollar stays in the area, we do all the work right here, and we are well trained to assist you. You get what you paid for!.. and a bonus smile! Thanks for supporting locally owned businesses!
Free Newsletter Offer:
How Did we Choose These Frames?
WHY DID WE CHOOSE THESE FRAMES?
Finding The Frame You’ll Love Forever
WHY DID WE CHOOSE THESE FRAMES?
Finding The Frame You’ll Love Forever
We know it can be a bit overwhelming when you walk into our shop and see a wall filled with hundreds of frame corner samples. Our designers are here to help de
mystify the design process, and show you some guidelines that will place the perfect frame on your art.
Go With The Flow
A modern take on a traditional frame color choice! There are a lot of gold accents in this abstract landscape painting, and the gold frame complements them without taking away from the focal point. The textural paint is matched in the wavy frame pattern.
Similar But Different
This rustic birch tree image is framed in a wood moulding that mimics the texture of the trees. A white frame could have been chosen because birch trees have white bark; instead, the colorful frame creates a warm feeling due to the rust-colored accents in the art.
Embrace the Culture
Sometimes it is best to honor the feel of the region/country where the art came from. This hand-embroidered silk art from Asia looks natural in a bamboo frame. Texture and tone complement the stitching while not overpowering this gentle piece.
Have Fun With It
You can’t deny how fun this art is! It needs a frame that can give it a musical vibe, one with movement. This frame design has a rhythmic element reminiscent of a drumbeat or piano keys. The blue tone of both artwork and frame encourages the viewer to relax and feel the chill energy.
Art & Design Consultations
Our designers can guide you toward that perfect frame for your art. We offer in home consultations, or you can stop in the shop at your convenience.
Poster Frames
Do you have a teen going off to college? Help them decorate the right way put that poster in a frame, rather than thumbtacking it to the wall. We have well priced poster frames perfect for dorms rooms and first apartments.
Design Preview
See It Framed Before You Buy It! We know how painful it can be to make a decision from a corner sample. But not anymore! We can show you what that corner sample will look like all around your art BEFORE you say yes.
Free Newsletter Offer:
How to Preserve Your Vacation Memory!
HOW TO PRESERVE A VACATION MEMORY!
Taking A Shadowbox Project From Conception to Completion
Shadowboxes are sometimes called ‘Memory Boxes’ for a reason. They are the perfect way to showcase special objects and photos that celebrate a memory, achievement, event, or person. What better memories are those made on a beloved vacation? Relive those wonderful memories every day by putting them on display. We are experts in creating artistic presentations from your memories. All you need to do is bring them to us and we will create a one-of-a-kind framed shadowbox.
Here are the 4 steps to create a memorable vacation-themed framing project!
STEP 1:
Choose a vacation memory, such as the Caribbean Cruise you went on last summer.
STEP 2:
Gather all the mementos and souvenirs that relate to your theme – photos, tickets, clothing, mementos, medals, coins, maps, certificates… the more the better. We can curate while we design the project.
STEP 3:
Bring all of it to us. We will help you arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing way. Once we narrow down your items and layout, we can help you pick a suitable mat and frame.
Do you need those photos printed? Email them to us and we’ll take care of it! We know what size will work best for the layout.
STEP 4:
We’ll work our framing magic and present you with a framed memory to last a lifetime! Now it’s ready to hang so everyone can relive that magical Caribbean Cruise with you.
How easy was that?
Let’s take a closer look at our specific project:
A T-shirt form was cut from foamboard / matboard to hold the shirt taut and in place.
Maps were scanned and printed at a size that fit the design.
Individual mats were cut to mimic a framed look for the photos.
A sand-colored linen fabric was chosen for the background. At the bottom a framed “beach” of sorts was added, built up with a spray foam and cut to accommodate items.
When you bring your mementos to us, you expect the best, and that is exactly what you will get from start to finish. We organize, design, and create complex framing projects from your treasures. From creative ideas to hanging hardware, we provide innovative design and quality workmanship, so you can enjoy your memories for years.
Thinking about a Caribbean cruise?
Here’s a little about the Caribbean which includes more islands than you probably realize – 700 of them!
*If you want to surf or snorkel with sea turtles, look at Anguilla or Barbados, which also has over 15,000 Rum shops.
*Bermuda has pink sand beaches.
*If you like to hike, the Dominican Republic has the highest mountain in the Caribbean – Pico Duarte. St. Vincent in the Grenadines provides many hiking trails capped with active volcanos.
*Are you a foodie? Don’t miss Grenada. It is called the “Spice Island” for its nutmeg, allspice, clove, and cinnamon production.
*On the Turks and Caicos’ islands, you’ll find some of the best beaches in the world. Grace Bay Beach is famously beautiful.
*Chocolate addict? St. Lucia has a centuries-old tradition of cacao production offering “bean to bar” estate tours, chocolate spa treatments, and cafés and bakeries doling out sweet treats.
*Music lover? In Jamaica enjoy live reggae while eating jerk cuisine.
*The Panama Canal is one of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever built. But don’t be in a rush – it takes an average of 12 hours to pass through.
Museum© Glass
If you’ve used Museum© Glass, you know how wonderful it is. If you haven’t yet, now is the time to try it! When you want to be able to see each and every item, Museum© Glass will provide amazing clarity while protecting these valuable mementos from UV rays and fading.
Free Newsletter Offer:
Want to receive our blog content as soon as we release it? Fill in this Form for to receive it in our free monthly newsletter!
Vintage or Heritage – Frameworthy!
Vintage or Heritage?
What’s the Difference?
Vintage and Heritage are two terms that are frequently used interchangeably, but is there a difference in their definitions? As with many words, there can be multiple meanings, especially when you consider how they are used and in what context.
Heritage involves something that is ‘handed down’ from the past, such as a sentimental heirloom, tradition, or culture. It evokes a personal tie with history. Heritage can also be an item or a place that brings on a nostalgic feeling of tradition (like a portrait of your great-great-grandmother) or has historical significance (like a World Heritage Site).
Vintage is sometimes synonymous with ‘old’ but will frequently be in reference to a specific period of time. One of the most used definitions of Vintage is regarding wine (vintage is the year in which the grapes were harvested). You can own a vintage 60’s outfit or a vintage car from the 30’s or a vintage Victorian frame…the importance is more about the era it came from and not the personal connection.
In custom framing, Heritage generally refers to family history (think genealogy), something that is passed down from previous generations…. and Vintage refers to something that basically means ‘old’, something from a previous time.
Is it either/or, or can something be both Vintage AND Heritage? Yes! Look at these examples. We think any picture, hand-written note, or personal treasure handed down through the generations is heritage and can be considered heirlooms… but these items are also old and hearken back to a specific time….so they are vintage as well! You make the call!
Archival Materials
Because we want your art or heirlooms to survive for a lifetime without change of color, damage from glues, or out-gassing from materials that are not acid-free, we use the very best materials for your projects. We’re happy to tell you all about it.
Photo Restoration & Printing
We all have old pictures that look faded and torn. Many fingers have touched them, or tape and thumbtacks have compromised the quality. Not to worry – we can digitally fix that for you. Ask us how.
Summer Décor Refresh
Is your home ready for summer visitors? Give your home a fresh look so you can be proud to show it off. We can help you choose art, frame it and install it. Stop in, give us a call or email us to learn more.
Free Newsletter Offer:
Want to receive our blog content as soon as we release it? Fill in this Form for to receive it in our free monthly newsletter!
Go for the Gold and get the Best!
GO FOR THE GOLD…and get the BEST!
“The Gold Standard” is the example by which everything else is measured: it’s the best. When you see a gold frame on an art masterpiece, you might think it looks timeless, luxurious, and valuable. How can you bring that quality look and feel into your home? Here are a few examples of using gold in your art and framing.
SHOW OFF WITH GOLD ARTWORK
You most likely have seen Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, in which the use of gold-leaf is prominent. Klimt was heavily influenced by Byzantine mosaics during his Golden Period.
These gold collector medallions were meant to be shown off. Because the medallions are small, they were united with a creative mat design and used a gold frame to balance the look.
The use of gold brings this artwork to life and enhances the detail. To avoid overpowering the art, a contrasting frame was used.
This is an engraving made on a piece of gold metal plate. It is a beautiful and unusual piece of art that belongs in a frame to protect it from bending and other damage that can happen to a soft metal.
MAKE AN IMPRESSION WITH GOLD FRAMES
When a piece of art is this small (6”x6”), it needs a little help from a mat so that it doesn’t get neglected. The art is modern and high-contrast, so it is best to keep the surrounding elements the same. A simple black mat and sleek gold frame does the trick.
Veterans, thank you for your Service. What a great way to honor your favorite veteran by framing their important military papers. Veterans Day is everyday!
Art isn’t always flat. This beautiful three-dimensional sculpture is surrounded by an equally beautiful gold frame, creating a show-stopper.
Mothers Day!
Maya Angelou said, “To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.”
Show the Mothers in your life how much you care. Frame a cherished memento for her. Mother’s Day is May 8th this year!
More Precious than GOLD!
ADD A TOUCH OF
GOLD WITH
MATBOARDS and FILLETS!!
This wedding invitation is subtle yet striking. The muted golds and silvers are soft and opulent without being gaudy.
Do you notice that small inner gold frame? That’s a fillet, (pronounced ‘fill-it’) and it can provide a finishing touch to your art. Notice how your eye is drawn to the focal point of the art?
A wedding lasts only moments but your love is unending. Frame your cherished wedding day memory.
A diploma is more than just a piece of paper; it represents years of hard work and deserves a frame worthy of the effort. Frame those gold tassels!
Military service is honorable and steeped in tradition. Tasteful use of gold can exemplify that service.
The gold medal is the goal of the Olympics. If you were lucky enough to attend an Olympics event, go for the gold when framing your memories!
Free Newsletter Offer:
Want to receive our blog content as soon as we release it? Fill in this Form for to receive it in our free monthly newsletter!
Top Ten Reasons to use your Local Custom Picture Framer
Thanks for being a loyal customer! We think you’re pretty amazing, and we hope the feeling is mutual. Here’s a reminder of some of the reasons you keep coming back to your favorite local framer (that’s us!! 
).
We guarantee the craftmanship of your project for life! We will repair or replace any portion of the project that exhibits a defect in materials or craftsmanship. Coverage does not apply to damage caused by abuse, transport, or exposure to the elements. Applies only to materials and workmanship provided by us. Come and visit us at our store or at our home page for the details.
Earth Day is April 22
We are so very thankful for planet earth that we have been blessed to live on. It is amazing…the more I study it the more I stand in awe of its Creator! Most of our vendors are involved in re forestation to replenish what has been harvested. Let’s all do our part to preserve & maintain it too!
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is not far away. What are the Top 10 Reasons you love Mom? Put a smile on her face by framing a picture from the past. Be aware it might bring tears, too. Bring the tissues!!!
Who doesn’t love chocolate chip cookies? We teased about cookies, so here’s a link to the classic Original NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Now if they were only Gluten Free!
Free Newsletter Offer:
Want to receive our blog content as soon as we release it? Fill in this Form for to receive it in our free monthly newsletter!
…and the Winner Is… Red Carpet Worthy Picture Framing
The Academy Awards
The 94th Academy Awards will be televised on March 27th. The nominees for Best Picture are…
Belfast; Coda;
Don’t Look Up;
Drive My Car; Dune;
King Richard; Licorice Pizza;
Nightmare Alley;
The Power of the Dog;
West Side Story
—
Did You Know?
Each Oscar statue is gold plated, weighs 8.5 pounds, and costs $500 to produce. Academy Award winners have to sign an agreement stating that if they want to sell their statue, the Academy has first rights to buy it for only $1!
…AND THE WINNER IS…
Red Carpet Worthy Picture Framing
It’s award season! The Oscars might get all the attention right now, but our creative picture framing designs are a winner every time. Break out the champagne, dress to the nines, and keep scrolling to view our red carpet worthy projects.
BEST MATTING:
Look magazine was published from 1946 to 1970; this issue featuring Marilyn Monroe is definitely a collector’s item worthy of framing. The Look logo has a black and gray background, so we used the same colors and pattern in the matting for a creative design.
Although she was in 47 films, Jean Harlow never won an Oscar. Known as the Blonde Bombshell, she became one of Hollywood’s most enduring actresses despite a relatively short career. What frame is movie star worthy and works with a boudoir portrait like this one? A mirrored frame, of course.
BEST TV Memory:
Several generations have grown up watching The Andy Griffith Show. It was nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Comedy Show three times but never won. We think this framing is a winner, though! This autographed photo from the show was framed with a rustic, vintage design to match the era and outdoorsy nature of the program.
BEST Drama:
Andy Warhol painted Marilyn Monroe in the early 60’s and became known as a leader in the Pop Art movement. The bright usage of color in this silkscreen brings to life Marilyn Monroe’s iconic status and celebrity glamour. For our frame design, we wanted something bold and dramatic. Black never fails for drama, and the curvy gold frame emphasizes the curls in her hair.
Movie posters are widely available these days but framing them doesn’t have to look generic or cheap. We wanted the framing of this Frankenstein movie poster to replicate the look and feel of the original 1931 classic. By stacking three golden frames together, we replicated the drama and glamour of 1930s Hollywood, the bygone era of the gilded movie theatre.
This little movie star deserves an award worthy frame! Turn the stars in your life (your kids, grandkids, parents, best friends…) into legends by framing a photo of them. Look through your favorite pictures, find the ones that have the most ‘Hollywood’ glam, and frame it to match that star’s personality. How would you frame this photograph?
Free Newsletter Offer:
Want to receive our blog content as soon as we release it? Fill in this Form for to receive it in our free monthly newsletter!
A Different Way to Frame
A DIFFERENT WAY!
“We mostly see what we have learned to expect to see.” – Betty Edwards
It’s always fun to see something in a different way – especially when you are framing a piece of art. Maybe the final design you decide upon wasn’t what you thought it would be. We love showing you the possibilities of how color, frames, and matting can change the look and feel of what you frame. There isn’t just one way to frame a treasure! Here are different ways to frame the same art.
BABY PORTRAIT: This darling cuddly baby deserves to be surrounded by a
frame that is warm and soft. The frames all share a delicate element, tying in
with the nature of the portrait. There is no need for matting because the blanket
in the portrait serves that visual purpose.
ABSTRACT LANDSCAPE: Abstract art naturally lends itself to a world of
possibilities. This focal point is obvious, but do you go with the neutral mat? Or
a mat the color of sunshine? Or the color of the mountains? How fun do you
want it to be?
RUSTIC HOME: Here’s a throwback look of a rugged house in the woods.
Because it has a subtle, serene feel, we didn’t get too crazy with the design. We
varied the mat colors just a bit. Which one works for you?
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER: Mother and daughter, is there anything more
special? A classic black mat was used to contrast with the lightness of the
portrait. So, the next question is what kind of frame? A striking bold silver, a
feminine antique, or a gentle silver with soft curves mimicking the waves in
their hair?
WEDDING PORTRAIT: The wedding portrait is timeless, but what style is best for you?
1. A soft black frame for a strong feel but doesn’t compete with the groom’s suit.
2. A traditional gold frame with soft curves for an elegant look.
3. A silver frame to soften the feel, yet still quite elegant.
4. A classic wood frame with black accents to tie it all together.
5. Or a pure white frame encircling the bride’s dress.
Do you know how many mat choices you have?
We have 1,644 to pick from!
• Fabric mats – linen, silk, burlap. These mats give your artwork different looks, from elegant to vintage to casual.
• Mats made to look suede for a rich, soft look. PS – they’re not really suede!
• Mats with different color cores (the beveled white line you see at the edge of a mat) offer a more personalized touch to the art. Cream for an antique look, black for a defining line, and colors for fun.
• ‘Rag’ mats when you want the very best. They are the best because they are made from 100% cotton. They have no properties that can harm the art.
• There are ‘Leather’ mats for a masculine or wild west look.
• Even sports mats that looks like pigskin or a golf ball – even TURF!!!
POMEGRANATE
PAINTING:
This lovely painting depicts ripe pomegranates harvested from the landscape in the background. Do you choose the lively silver frame with wood accents and curves that work with the pomegranates, or the gold/silver coloring to coordinate with your décor? Or a darker coloring for contrast? The choice is yours.
DIFFERENT can be AWESOME!!!!
You don’t want your framed art to look like everybody else’s. Come in today and let us show you the possibilities for your art.
Free Newsletter Offer:
Want to receive our blog content as soon as we release it? Fill in this Form for to receive it in our free monthly newsletter!
What we have been working on…
Two signed jerseys and some hockey cards!
What a difference CUSTOM framing makes eh? These items were dropped off by another client who entrusts us with our creativity. We made a special frame of the Team Canada Logo and merged it into the large one. Some custom printed matboard to match the jersey pattern (which is really cool) and a lot of Candian Red – oh ya – also a custom Gold Ice matboard as well – just to let everyone know they won the gold!!!
Here are a few pics of the progress and the FINAL RESULTS!!!
Enjoy the view…
Free Newsletter Offer:
Want to receive our blog content as soon as we release it? Fill in this Form for to receive it in our free monthly newsletter!
Quick Links
Visit Us Today
1 - 4664 Riverside Drive, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, T4N 6Y5
Click On Map to Zoom In
