What we have been working on…

by | Aug 23, 2021

A father to remember!!

 

As much as Arlene and others will miss her father, she will certainly remember and take value from his qualities, and enjoy this tribute to him on her wall. We put together this job without the client coming into our store, working with her over the phone and via email to learn about him and what would go well in this memory piece. Being a true Canadian outdoorsman and creation-care-full person, we incorporated lots of nature in the photo, natural colours in the matting, weathered maple-leafs and some precious gold in the “Goodly Heritage” caption. Till you meet again, Arlene and family and friends!

Picture Frame Shop

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Frame Your Travels!

by | Aug 9, 2021

Remember your vacation every day!

 

Travel, souvenirs and memories – they go together like a hand in a glove. Some of the best memories are triggered by the souvenirs you bring back from vacation. They tell a story. By preserving those souvenirs with custom framing, you can have that memory forever. What’s your favorite travel story?

travel frame

Wedding Necklace from Africa

It was hard to choose from the many necklace styles that were handmade by the village women, but you liked this one the best. What a great conversation piece you created by having it framed.

Postcards & Photos from Hawaii

You know postcards are meant to be sent in the mail, but these images were frame-worthy! You made a great choice choosing a frame that looks native to the islands.

Hawaiian sunsets never disappoint, and it’s hard to take a bad photo of such rich colors. Neutral framing lets the bold view stand out.

National Park Poster from Yellowstone

Vacationing in USA’s first National Park was on your bucket list, and you finally made it! You couldn’t believe how much wildlife there was to see up close and personal, or how impressive Old Faithful truly was. Now you have the framed poster to remember the great time you had.

Etching from Italy

While strolling the avenues of Florence, you found a street artist who was selling etchings of the very view you were looking at – the Piazza Del Duomo. How could you resist? Now it hangs in your office to give you a mini vacation from work.

Papyrus Grass Art from Egypt

The papyrus plant is a tall, leafless aquatic plant that can grow up to 16’ high and is native to Egypt. The white pith inside is used to make the paper, which is used to paint on. It is an old-world craft, from an old country. But the paper is brittle and needs protection, so you were wise about getting it framed.

Redecorating Your Home Office?

This last year you’ve most likely spent more time in your home than you thought you ever would. You may have even rearranged some things around to create a home office or noticed that your home office needed a re-do. A little paint, a new rug and fresh art – that will work! Vacation photos and artifacts make the perfect addition to help take your mind off work occasionally.

Tip: If you are working with an Interior Designer, talk to them about incorporating travel souvenirs into a design plan.

Bringing Art Home from Vacation

While on vacation, you fell in love with a painting that had already been framed. The question is… do you ship it home that way? How much do you love the frame? Will the dealer or artist reduce the price if you don’t want the frame? How much would it cost to ship it home framed? 

If you decide to bring the painted canvas back unframed, ask the dealer or artist to remove it from the frame – DO NOT cut it off the frame! Take the staples out of the stretcher frame. Cover the painting with glassine and roll it up (not tightly) and put into a tube – plastic is best. That is the least expensive way, and then you can have it framed exactly the way you want it. 

If it is a piece of art on paper, and fairly small, cover both sides with glassine, and secure between 2 pieces of hardy cardboard. If it is small enough, you should be able to transport it in your luggage. If you cannot, shipping it will not be a financial burden. Once it is safely home, remove it from the cardboard and take it to your framer.

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COLOURFUL & FUN! Use colour to bring out a range of fun feelings!

by | Jul 13, 2021

Use colour to bring out a range of fun feelings!

 

A question we hear is, “Why is custom framing expensive?” The quick and easy answer is that it is ‘custom’ – it is being handmade specifically for your design and your needs. More importantly, it is because of the impeccable quality of workmanship we put into every project. Details matter in custom framing. Here are a few that deserve a closer look and how they can impact quality.

Red & Orange

Reds & Oranges are energetic colours. They are used to stimulate the body and mind, promote power, and increase appetite.  That’s why many dining rooms and gyms have one or more red or orange walls.

Painting by André Derain,
L’Estaque, 1906

Yellow

It is believed that Yellow stimulates the nerves and purifies the body, lifting your spirits and reducing stress. Is it any wonder many kitchens are painted yellow?

Painting by Claude Monet,
Water Lilies, 1919

Blues and Greens

Blues & Greens are restful, stable colours with a stress management quality. They create a soothing feeling, encouraging calmness. Does it make you think of spas or medical offices?

Painting by Georgia O’Keefe,
Blue & Green Music, 1921

In this image there is an energetic orange flower. Adding its complementary colour blue brings out the best in each

How do you want your space to feel? Playful? Energetic?   Bold?

It’s fun to watch the yellow & orange flowers sway in the breeze, but the blue background makes this image so relaxing.

The red inner frame emphasizes the passion of this fun Las Vegas print.

orangewhiteframe

orangeblackframe

White Mat or Black Mat?

  • White is the great neutralizer. Sometimes there can be so many colours and so much action in the art, that it is hard to choose one colour – this is where white works well.
  • Black creates negative space – so all you see is the art or image.
  • White is a contemporary / fresh, clean / uncluttered look.
  • Black is a sophisticated and elegant look.
  • White works well when you want to group a look (multiple pieces framed the same).

Colorful Mouldings

Sometimes it’s fun to use a colorful moulding –
here are some examples and we have lots more!

According to
Colour-Related Studies…

 

  • Warm-coloured (yellows, oranges) placebo pills are more effective than cool-coloured (blues, greens) placebo pills.
  • Blue-coloured streetlights can lead to reduced crime.
  • Red causes people to react with greater speed and force, something that might prove useful during athletic activities.
  • Black sports uniforms are more likely to receive penalties.
  • Paint your office Blue & Green: In 1999, researchers at Creighton University found that employees in blue offices felt the most centered, calm and hopeful towards their work. Since blue can lower heart rates and green can reduce anxiety and is associated with money, a combination of blue and green is best for the office.

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It’s all in the Details of Custom Picture Framing! Taking a close look.

by | Jun 8, 2021

It’s All in the Details!

Take a closer look then compare our custom framing!

 

A question we hear is, “Why is custom framing expensive?” The quick and easy answer is that it is ‘custom’ – it is being handmade specifically for your design and your needs. More importantly, it is because of the impeccable quality of workmanship we put into every project. Details matter in custom framing. Here are a few that deserve a closer look and how they can impact quality.

What to look for:

…check out the details…

Example #1: Matboard Issues

  • Notice the over-cut mat corners? This happens when the blade cutting the mat extends further than it should.

The darkened beveled edges are due to the acid in the mat– this can ‘burn’ into your art and damage it. Ask for ‘acid-free’ mats to avoid this.

Example #2: Frame Issues

  • Notice the ragged edges on the corner of the frame? This happens when the blade on the saw that is cutting the moulding isn’t sharp enough, tearing at the wood instead of slicing through it.
  • Some frame corners have large gaps due to uneven cuts or warped moulding. We like to keep our corners clean and even!

Example #3: Fitting Issues

  • Notice the warped mats? This happens when the mat is cut too large for the frame – squeezing it in the package. It also can happen if moisture creeps into the frame package.
  • Turn it over – is there backing paper? This will help keep moisture and dust out, but also bugs that can eat your art.

Example #4: Glass Issues

  • Notice the faded art? This happens because the glass used to protect the art isn’t UV-filtering – offering no protection from UV rays. Insist on UV-filtering glass for your next project.
  • Is glare blocking your view of the art? Ask for options that minimize or eliminate glare.

Check out our difference!

 

 

Visit our In-store Gallery!

Workmanship Guarantee
We offer a workmanship guarantee. Ask us for details.

 

Conservation / Preservation
Grade 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.

 

Quality & Design
Quality is not as noticeable at first as design, but it’s just as important! We use Acid-free and 100% cotton rag mats and UV-filtering glass. Many of our frames are hand-finished solid wood. The Design is usually what everyone notices first. Our designers work with you to develop the best design for your piece.

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SO PROUD – Celebrate Accomplishments with Custom Framing

by | May 10, 2021

SO PROUD
Celebrate Accomplishments with Custom Framing

There are few things more important than recognizing a person’s accomplishments. As a child, it can set them on a path of confidence and self-esteem leading to success. For an adult, it is a grand ‘pat on the back’, and who doesn’t need or want that? For a Solider or Veteran, it is recognition of what they sacrificed. And last but not least, for our essential personnel – healthcare workers, fire, rescue, and policing, teachers, the staff at grocery stores, caregivers, pastors – there are so many individuals that could use a show of gratitude.

Here are some examples of how you can show them you care.

EDUCATIONAL / LEARNING ACCOMPLISHMENT / DIPLOMA

“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

Graduation – A lot of hard work!

What an accomplishment! He’s going places!

Career milestones to celebrate!

An informal memory collection of High School!

SPORTS ACCOMPLISHMENT / INDIVIDUAL OR TEAM

“A little progress each day adds up to big results.” – Satya Nani

Photos, badges, medals and pretty much anything related to the accomplishment can go into the memory box for a lifetime of enjoyment!

Sports and competitions to remember!

Can you imagine all these medals being tucked away in a drawer?

On the wall to show your friends and family!

Memories

of noble military and community service, honor and sacrifice.

 

 

Who do you want to celebrate?

 

WE CAN HELP!

Team Member Extraordinaire

Meet Eric! He is our latest edition to our team, been here for over a year now and is a real asset to us and you our clients. You won’t find a nicer guy, he learns well, and really applies to helping you celebrate those memories!

Museum Glass

Is there anything worse than getting something framed and not being able to see it? That won’t happen with Museum glass. Not only does it have 99% UV protection (keeps your art & objects from fading), but has exceptional clarity, so that you can really SEE what is behind your glass!

CPF

What is a CPF? It stands for Certified Picture Framer, an industry designation for framing knowledge and skill. It means that the framer is not only experienced, but must keep up with current methods and materials in the industry. The certification must be renewed annually to keep the designation. When a CPF builds your project, it is in the best hands. Currently, Eric is in the process of acquiring his CPF.

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