Why does the Frame cost more than the Art?

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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.

Your World On Your Wall
Remember Framing

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!

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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.

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How to Preserve Your Vacation Memory!

HOW TO PRESERVE A VACATION MEMORY!

 

Old photos for framing

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:

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.

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Vintage or Heritage – Frameworthy!

Vintage or Heritage?

 

Old photos for framing

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.

Old Photo Frame

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).

Car photo frame

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!

Antique framing
frame selection
quality frame materials archival

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.

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restore photo

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.

Your World On Your Wall

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.

Guarantee Framing

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