Framing Collections – why all the stuff?

FRAMING COLLECTIONS

How do you showcase and preserve a collection? You frame it!

Collections! We all know someone who collects items like Beanie Babies, shot glasses, seashells, or wine corks. A collector’s item is any object regarded as being of value or interest to a collector (not necessarily monetarily valuable or antique). Why do we collect items? Is it because we hope to make a profit someday? Is it to create a legacy after we are gone? Is it for the thrill of the hunt or an emotional connection to the past?

Everybody collects something. You think you don’t? What about all the concert tickets you kept? Or the baseball cards & comic books you had as a kid? Or the record collection you’ll never throw away? Celebrities often have world-famous collections. Collections represent more than a bunch of stuff. They represent a moment in time; an emotional attachment; an experience. A collection evokes a smile every time you see it.

So how do you showcase and preserve a collection? You frame it, that’s how! And, believe it or not, there are very few collections can’t be framed. If your collection is hidden in a shoebox under your bed or tucked away in a closet, consider framing it. Our creative designers can come up with a safe, attractive way to display your collection so you can enjoy it every day.

The ‘Has to be Framed’ Collection

Art & Photography collections typically require some sort of framing. Photographs can benefit from uniform framing styles and conservation materials, while art can be enhanced and protected with the right frame.

Celebrity Collections:

Steve Martin: Paintings by Pablo Picasso, George Seurat, & Edward Hopper

Jamie Lee Curtis: Modern Photography

Elton John: Photography

What is a Shadowbox?

Collectibles tend to be three-dimensional objects. Quite often, framing a collectible involves building a shadowbox that can accommodate the object’s size. A shadowbox means there is depth to the frame display, usually achieved by using a tall frame moulding and lining the insides with matboard.

The ‘Perfect For Framing’ Collection

Pictured: an example of a Model Car of personal project vehicle – Frame painted to match!

Some collections use framing to unite and tie multiple pieces together. Collections that include small items like coins, bugs, or spoons can benefit from framing all the items in one place.

Celebrity Collections:

Chris Pratt, Anna Faris & Claudia Schiffer: Insects

Angelina Jolie: Antique Knives

Nicole Kidman & Wayne Gretzky: Coins

Dan Aykroyd: Police Badges

Harry Connick, Jr.: Cuff Links

Whoopi Goldberg: Bakelite Jewelry

The ‘After You’ve Played With Them’ Collection

There are entire industries built around toy collectibles. Vintage board games, rare dolls, and old books & magazines are rather valuable items. Certain toys and games are connected to a fond memory of childhood. Framing them properly can highlight their nostalgia while also preserving them for future generations.

Celebrity Collections:

Johnny Depp: Limited Edition Barbies

Quentin Tarantino: Vintage Board Games

Demi Moore: Porcelain Dolls

Conservation Grade Materials

We want your collectibles to survive for a lifetime without change of color, damage from glues, or out- gassing from materials that are not acid-free. Our framers use the very best materials for your projects.

Pictured: Frames can open to remove your toys!

What do you collect?

We can frame it!

Stop by to see how creatively we can frame your collection!

The ‘Focal Point’ Collection

Many collections are either too large or numerous to frame all of them. One or two special pieces get framed and displayed, acting as a focal point for the collection.

Celebrity Collections:

Jimmy Page, Keith Richardson, Kiefer Sutherland: Guitars

Rod Stewart: Model Trains

Want to Receive all of our newsletters for information on framing, what we are working on and special deals just for you??? Just fill in the form below & we will add your name to our list – (WE DO NOT GIVE THIS INFO TO ANYONE ELSE FOR THEIR USE):

[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]

 

 

 

 

Framing with Kids in Mind!

It’s All About The KIDS

Celebrate the creative children in your life!

There are many benefits associated with creating art. It can be relaxing to paint, draw or color. Art allows your imagination to run wild and your inner child to emerge. But for kids, creating art can teach them so much.

  • It encourages innovation & out-of-the-box thinking
  • It fosters imagination and creativity
  • It builds confidence & self-esteem
  • It provides an outlet to express thoughts & feelings

C:UsersadminAppDataLocalMicrosoftWindowsINetCacheContent.WordC2829 (Custom).jpg

Framing your kid’s art encourages your child; it lets them know they are important, and their talents are worth exploring. Let them be part of the design/frame process – after all, they are the artist!

Kids Portraits:

Many parents have their children’s photos tucked in a wallet. Add some joy to your walls! Put a frame around that carefully posed portrait or the snapshot that makes you smile every time you look at it.talents are worth exploring. Let them be part of the design/frame process – after all, they are the artist!

 

Frames For Kids

Endless Framing Ideas

Children provide endless framing possibilities…birth announcements, baby clothes, sonograms, sports games, religious rites of passage…so many milestones and achievements happen in such a short time.

Celebrate them!

C:UsersadminAppDataLocalMicrosoftWindowsINetCacheContent.WordD3067 (Custom).jpg

Remember how much fun it was to match colors and patterns when you were a kid? Involve your child/artist with the process of designing the frame package; they will take pride in their accomplishment. We’ve got lots of fun, colorful mouldings that will match your kid’s art perfectly.

Want to Receive all of our newsletters for information on framing, what we are working on and special deals just for you??? Just fill in the form below & we will add your name to our list – (WE DO NOT GIVE THIS INFO TO ANYONE ELSE FOR THEIR USE):

[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]

 

 

 

 

The Difference a Professionally Designed Custom Frame Makes

Does a Frame Make a Difference?

YES!!! Most artwork benefits from having a frame

The frame-less look is popular, but is it appropriate for what you need? Does it protect your art or enhance your image? Take a look at the examples below to see what a difference a frame makes.

“Art consists of limitation. The most beautiful part of every picture is the frame.”

– GK Chesterton

Example #1

This beach scene is shown with three different frame styles: unframed, simply framed, and double framed. Which one draws your eye the most?

  1. Unframed Art – Wrapped canvas or print hung directly on the wall. Simple, plain, unprotected.
  2. Simple Frame – Art framed with a simple frame that matches the neutral colors of the image will expand the view. A frame will add stability to the wood frame the canvas is stretched on or protect the raw edges of a photo mount.
  3. Double Frame – A second stacked frame adds interest. Visualize it on your wall. Because of the contrast, your art immediately becomes a focal point. It looks like you are stepping into the picture.
  4. Unframed Art
  5. Simple Frame – Add a simple silver frame that blends into the building.
  6. Double Frame – Add a fillet (the black piece surrounding the art). Notice how it gives it depth to the image and highlights the black in the windows?

Example #2

This cityscape is also shown with three different frame styles: unframed, simply framed, and double framed. Which one has the most impact?

What Is A Fillet?

A fillet is a small piece of moulding that fits inside a frame. It is decorative, designed to enhance, like jewelry. Ask us how a fillet would enhance your art.

Example #3

Take it a step further! Frame it your way. There are no wrong answers, only different tastes!

What’s Your Style?

Art can be framed in many different ways based on your taste and style. Which framing design would you choose?Unframed Art

  1. Simple Black Frame
  2. Black frame with gold fillet
  3. Two frames + fillet = Stunning!

Still not sure what kind of frame you want? Let us help!

We focus on your art. Our designers know how to match your art to the perfect frame for your style.

Want to Receive all of our newsletters for information on framing, what we are working on and special deals just for you??? Just fill in the form below & we will add your name to our list – (WE DO NOT GIVE THIS INFO TO ANYONE ELSE FOR THEIR USE):

[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]

 

 

 

 

Framing Diplomas Certificates and Graduation Memorabilia

DIPLOMA-WORTHY FRAMES

Your diploma deserves a custom frame worthy of your degree!

Everyone knows a diploma is much more than just a boring piece of paper. It represents years of hard work and certifies that you have the education necessary for a successful future. Whether you just graduated high school or are attending your class reunion, you worked hard to earn your diploma! Your degree is something to be extremely proud of. After all that effort, your diploma needs a frame worthy of your skills.

Now that you’ve got an office to decorate and clients to impress, you can finally frame your diploma. That expensive piece of paper isn’t going to do you any good hidden in a drawer or yellowing in a broken frame. Let your diploma be a silent sales tool, communicating your professionalism, credentials, and style. Custom framing your diploma is a great way to enhance its presentation and preserve it for the future.

Communicate Professionalism:

When you are in a professional’s office, don’t you want to know their credentials? Accountants, lawyers, and medical professionals are required to have a certain level of education and licensure. Your clients want to see your qualifications – proudly display them! Make it easy for your clients to be confident in your background and skillset.

Set Yourself Apart:

Everybody knows what ordinary looks like – give your clients a reason to notice your credentials. Frame each diploma or certificate differently, upgrading with each degree.

Good quality framing spells success.

GIFTS FOR GRADUATES

May & June are common months for high school or college graduation ceremonies. Help the grad in your life graduate to a custom frame! Framed diplomas make excellent gifts.

Create a custom design that is as unique as your graduate!

You can choose whatever frame moulding and style suits your personality and decor. Different design options completely change how a diploma looks! For an interesting twist, incorporate bold school colors, textured fabric mats, complementary fillets, or metallics that match the diploma seal. Transform graduation memorabilia into memories your graduate will treasure forever. Including photos, class pictures, announcements, tassels, and caps is a great way to personalize the diploma.

Classic Design

A Few Tips on Storing Your Diploma Before Framing…

  • Avoid keeping your diploma in direct contact with acidic materials like cardboard. You’d be amazed at how quickly acid can discolor a document!
  • Don’t keep your diploma in direct sunlight. Fading and discoloration can occur extremely fast with an unprotected document.
  • Store your document flat. Rolling it increases the chance of getting permanent waves in the material, or even worse, wrinkles and creases.
High school and college diplomas have a very traditional, classic style. Ornate diploma fonts are generally paired with a metallic seal on an off-white background. You can design your project in any décor style you wish, but you can never go wrong with these classic looks.

Preserve Your Diploma For Years To Come

Custom Framing can extend the life of your diploma.

Diplomas are meant to be displayed and enjoyed for years – sometimes even a lifetime. If framed improperly, your diploma could quickly show the effects of time, sun damage, and acid burn. Don’t let this important document be ruined! Proper custom framing helps preserve your diploma with UV protected glass, acid-free matboard and materials, and museum-quality reversible mounting. This keeps the document in an environment that slows deterioration.

A Brief History Lesson…

Diplomas used to be a work of art, featuring intricate calligraphy and designs, hand-lettered on sheepskin (parchment). They were traditionally rolled because if folded, they would crease and eventually break. It also was easier to handle rolled documents while traveling. The diploma was developed as a communication tool – traveling scholars needed to prove that they were ‘certified.’ Now it communicates your credentials to your clientele, still serving the same essential function.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • The idea of awarding diplomas began at Harvard in 1642
  • Many diplomas were written in Latin until modern times
  • The word diploma means “double folded paper” in Greek
  • At 19” x 25”, the diploma of Georgetown Medical School is one of the largest
  • Wabash College in Crawfordsville, IN, still awards sheepskin diplomas

Today degrees are commonplace; thousands of students earn some form of diploma or degree every year. Printing diplomas on paper rather than sheepskin is much more cost-effective. As technology advanced, diploma designs became more basic; embossing, colored ink, and metallic seals are now the norm.

DOCUMENTS & CERTIFICATE FRAMING

While you’re looking around for that old diploma, don’t neglect your other certificates. How much practice did it took to earn that award? What about the precious document that was handed down through the generations in your family? Wouldn’t that make a great conversation piece?

 

Want to Receive all of our newsletters for information on framing, what we are working on and special deals just for you??? Just fill in the form below & we will add your name to our list – (WE DO NOT GIVE THIS INFO TO ANYONE ELSE FOR THEIR USE):

[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]

 

 

 

 

Your Textiles on Your Wall

You can have your Textiles Memories on Your Wall

Needlework – Memorable Clothing etc

FRAMING TEXTILES

Fabrics, Clothing & Needlework can be Framed!

Just because a sentimental item is made of fabric doesn’t mean it has to spend a lifetime balled up in your closet. Textiles like autographed sports jerseys, handmade cross-stich pieces, delicate embroidery and heirloom clothing can be protected with custom framing. Fabric pieces make for rich visual displays so you can cherish your memories every day.

Heirloom Creations

The afghan that your great-grandmother knitted became so fragile that you packed it away. Wouldn’t it be a show stopper to display it for everyone to enjoy? Create not only a conversation piece, but an heirloom.

Cross-Stitch & Embroidery

Countless hours are spent sewing an embroidered piece – it is a labor of love – but once the stitching is complete, it still needs to be properly mounted & pinned. To display a cross-stitch or embroidery, it must be framed.

Crochet Needlework

Hand-made crocheted pieces can be delicate, beautiful….and hard to display without proper framing. Crocheting, tatting & knitting are quickly becoming a lost art. Whether these were passed down through generations or machine-made in the modern era, show them off in a custom frame.

Souvenirs

Besides memories, the best souvenirs from travels are pieces of art; once framed, the art lets you remember your travels every day! Many travel destinations have fabric-based souvenirs unique to that region. The bonus? It fits in your suitcase for the journey home.

Clothing

Favorite clothing like baptismal gowns, wedding dresses, and sports jerseys make for excellent framed displays. Capture a long-gone moment or vintage style – relive a winning sporting event, a beautiful wedding day, or a baby’s first outfit each time you see these pieces framed.

Should You Put Glass On Textiles?

YES! Glass provides Protection. If the piece will be in direct sunlight, UV-filtering glass will reduce damage from harmful UV rays. Glass also protects the art from dust, dirt, smoke and other indoor pollutants.

Acrylic Vs. Glass: Both materials come with UV protection, but…

PROS:

Acrylic: available in larger sizes than glass, it is not as heavy as glass.
Glass: usually not as expensive as acrylic

CONS:

Acrylic: has static, can lift fibers and distort the look of the piece, needs a special cleaner
Glass: if broken, shards can permanently tear fibers, does not come in oversize pieces

Conservation Materials Are Important For Textiles

Textiles need the same acid-free protection that art on paper needs. If mat and backing boards have acids in them, they can ‘burn’ into textiles, causing damage to the fibers.

What Is Behind Your Textile?

Your textile is stitched or pinned onto acid-free matting or backing board to ensure that it will stay in place. This process does not harm your piece and is reversible. Spacers (usually a thin strip of acrylic) are used to keep the glass off your textile.

Want to Receive all of our newsletters for information on framing, what we are working on and special deals just for you??? Just fill in the form below & we will add your name to our list – (WE DO NOT GIVE THIS INFO TO ANYONE ELSE FOR THEIR USE):

[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]