A pandemic has upended our entire country. You obeyed the rules, you stayed at home for weeks now, and you’re all caught up on TV. What to do now? Does it feel like your walls are about to close in on you? Here are a few ways to keep your creative juices flowing and prepare your framing projects for Life After Covid-19 (without actually leaving the house).
EMPTY WALLS
Have you been staring at an empty wall this quarantine? If you can’t figure out what would bring that space to life, not a problem. We can help you out. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Take a picture of your ‘problem’ wall.
Step 2: Tell us what your idea is for that space.
Step 3: Email it to us at (insert your email address here)
Step 4: We’ll correspond virtually to propose a solution. Problem Solved!
LOST & FOUND MEMORIES
Maybe you spent your time at home cleaning and reorganizing your closets. How many shoeboxes of old photos did you find? Cherished keepsakes? Maybe an old memento that belonged to Grandma? Instead of hiding those heirlooms in the closet again, plan a beautiful display! Follow these steps to create a memorable project.
Step 1: Based on what you found, select a theme – such as Grandma’s Scarf.
Step 2: Gather all items that relate to your theme – photos, mementos, letters, textiles – anything that’s ‘scrapbook-worthy.’
Step 3: Bring your items to us once we are open again. We will help you arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing manner. (change according to quarantine status)
Step 4: We’ll work our framing magic and present you with a completed framed project, so you can cherish your memories for a lifetime!
“Good times are a reminder and a reward for dealing with the difficult and challenging times we all go through. Always remember, good times await you after the difficult times pass….”
– James A. Murphy –
FUN & GAMES
In an upcoming newsletter we will feature framing puzzles and games. Puzzles and board games of all kinds can be framed and displayed! If you were one of the lucky ones to buy a puzzle during the great pandemic jigsaw puzzle shortage, save it as a memory of how you spent your Covid-19 quarantine. Stay tuned for more information how!
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We are living during a most unique times in our lives, probably in this entire century, across the entire world!
Please practice safe-distance, good hygiene, but also genuine care for each other. During these times of uncertainty we want trust in the un-moveable, the dependable, and certainly the trustworthy. It is a time where gestures of empathy from our hearts will make lasting impressions on those around us. If you are particularly down because of the current situation, please reach out to someone…we are here to hear!
In the meantime, we feel this is a good opportunity to give some ideas for your home decorating, since you are probably spending more time looking at your walls than usual.
Stay safe & healthy, but most of all, be upright & content! Brian & Janice
Which Size?
How to Choose the Right Size of Artwork
When you frame artwork, you want to make sure the art is the right size for your space. You don’t want your artwork to overwhelm the room, but you also don’t want it to be so tiny it gets lost. Follow our guide to choose the best sizing for your room.
What Size is the Right Size? First Consider…
• In which room will it be hanging?
• Is this a focal piece? Do you want guests to notice it as they enter the room?
• Is it above a sofa or dining table?
• What other items are in that area?
• Will there be lighting, plants, etc., overlapping the art?
• Which size is more important for your art – height or width?
• Are you planning on one piece or a collection?
Measure & Calculate
Calculating the ideal size for framed art can be tricky. Use our worksheet to get the exact sizes picture-perfect!
Plan your framed art to cover When the COVID-19 is over a little over ½, but not more than ¾, of your available wall space. Remember that framing adds size to your artwork!
Step #1 – Measure the open area or blank wall space.
Step #2 – Calculate the width & height needed for art. This is the ideal sizing for your framed art.
If you are using the worksheet and your art will be hung unframed, subtract approximately 4”- 6” from each side of your dimension.
In the Dining Room
Because you’ll be sitting down, hang pictures a little lower than you would normally. That way you will still be at eye-level with your artwork.
In the Bed Room
Your framed art can exceed your furniture (bed) size because there is usually a night stand or dresser on either side of the bed, extending the space.
In the Living Room
Just because you have the space doesn’t mean you have to use all of it. Your framed art should not exceed 75% of the furniture size.
We Print Art!
No matter what size you need, we can print it for you.
When the COVID-19 is over – Installation!
We’d love to install your art. Just ask us! We know the correct hardware and tips & tricks. Save yourself the time and headache.
When the COVID-19 is over – Invite Us In!
We’ll do the measuring and calculations for you. We can come to your home or office, measure, and advise about art choices.
Planning a Collection?
Allow 2”- 6” in-between each piece. The larger the art, the more space you can allow between each piece. If the room already has many items, consider adding one larger piece so the space doesn’t look too busy.
Need a Different View?
Make a paper cut out of the biggest size in the range and hang this placeholder on your wall for a couple days. You can always cut it down to view a smaller size. What do you think?
What About Height off the Floor?
A basic rule of thumb is that the center of the art should be 60” (give or take a couple of inches) from the floor. But there are some things to consider –
If the art is hanging above a sofa or headboard, allow 6”-12” between the top of the furniture to the bottom of the art.
If the art is hanging above a mantle or foyer table, there doesn’t need to be any clearance; it can be a much more subjective choice.
If the art is hanging in a dining room or other sitting area, it can hang lower since people are usually viewing it from lower down!
You’re All Set!
You can confidently go to a gallery or frame shop knowing what size range of art would be best. Even if you are only thinking about one specific wall area, take different wall sizes with you – if you fall in love with a piece of art, you won’t want to limit yourself if it doesn’t fit in that one specific area. And remember – if it’s unframed, add approximately 4”- 6” to each side to account for framing.
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Interviewer: Thank you for joining me today, Barrington. I don’t think many people understand how a piece of wood becomes a beautiful frame.
Barrington: My pleasure. I’d love to share my journey from wood to wall adornment. What are your questions?
Q.First, let me ask – What type of wood are you?
A. I’m Cherry wood. My rich look, fine grain, and red coloring make a prized frame.
Q.At what point did you realize you were going to be a frame, instead of, say, firewood?
A. When did I know I was going to be a thing of beauty? Have you seen me in the Spring? I’ve always heard comments about how beautiful my grain was, so I knew I was destined for a bright future.
Q.Are you the best wood for a picture frame?
A. I think I am! There are many woods that make good frames. Straight, fast-growing trees are best, regardless of species. Cherry is quite popular.
Q.What are some woods used for making frames?
A. There are many woods perfect for making a good frame, so it depends on what kind of wood is needed. Some of the most common woods used are Pine, Ayous, Bass, Balsa, Spruce, Ramin, Poplar and Jelutong.
Q.You didn’t mention oak, walnut or maple?
A. These are hardwoods. Difficult to mill, but they make beautiful frames due to their gorgeous grain patterns. Oak is used for certain frames, but it is a heavy wood, and weight can be a disadvantage for a frame. Often softwood frames are given a finish that resembles hardwood colorings and grains.
Q.Is wood the best material for a frame?
A. Well, you’re asking me, so YES! But here’s why I say that: Wood is a natural product with a warm feel and look that when properly taken care of, can last forever. If it breaks, it can be fixed rather easily.
Q.How does raw wood become a frame moulding?
A. Raw wood stock is turned into a frame profile in a process called milling, utilizing special saws and routers to form the basic shape. The frame can then be carved, gessoed, gilded, veneered, or stained. For example, I was milled to have a flat profile and stained with a rich colorful finish. My beauty lies in my simplicity, but other wood frames can be quite ornate.
Q.What does a Framer do with the frame moulding?
A. Picture framers usually order pre-finished wood moulding in length. The moulding is cut down to size and its corners joined together with glue and pins to make the full frame. Artwork is put into the frame along with matting, glazing, and backing.
Q.Why are real wood frames more expensive?
A. Wood is a natural product, and you are ordering a custom length of a specially finished material. It depends on the finish of the moulding and its profile – is it water-gilded? Oil gilded? Stained or painted? Carved? Crafting hand-finished frames can be labor-intensive, as it is a custom-built item. Building a frame and assembling its various components involves a lot of hard work by hand. I am the finest quality frame you will find, and my framer worked hard to make me look my best.
Q.What is your goal in life?
A. I have two goals – to protect the art or memorabilia that I will frame, and to enhance the room I am hung in. That’s what us Frames do!
Interviewer:Thank you so much for taking me on your journey. I hope it makes it easier for customers to choose the right frame for their art and mementos.
Hard Woods for Frames
Soft and easily milled woods are usually used for making ornate frames. Hardwoods, like the Barrington Cherry featured above, usually have an attractive grain pattern that is the primary focus of the frame. Examples include maple, oak, hickory, walnut, ash and, of course, cherry.
What is Burl?
A Burl is an abnormal growth in certain trees. It is filled with small knots from dormant buds, creating a beautifully unusual grain, but too unstable and too small for lengths needed for moulding. It is sliced into very thin layers and used for veneering on furniture items including picture frames.
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In this fast-moving technical world, is there anything more valuable than a handwritten note? Writing letters is a lost art – emails and texts are easier but far less personal. There is something romantic and beautiful about old-fashioned penmanship, vintage postcards, and the stories they tell. Whether it’s a love letter from your significant other, a scribbled note a friend left on your desk, or a postcard from around the world, framing can help you make those memories last.
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! Museum glass will provide amazing clarity while protecting these valuable mementos from UV rays and fading.
Should I Frame My Vintage Letters Online?
‘Mail-it-in’ online framing services are tempting, but do you really want to snail-mail your cherished item and hope it arrives in the same condition as when it left you? Bring your valuable piece to us – we can help you find the best framing design and we’ll keep it under our watchful eye the whole time.
With us, you support the community, get guaranteed results, and save on postage!
100% Cotton Rag Mats
For the ultimate in protection use ‘Rag’ or 100% cotton mats. Cotton is as pure as it gets, so that your great grandchildren can read these letters. The bonus is they often have soft colors which are perfect for vintage items.
Grandpa’s Love Letters
Did your Grandpa send love letters to your Grandma while he was in the military? Now that they are gone, those letters are even more precious. It gives you a glimpse into their relationship and personality. Framing a letter or two keeps them present.
Golden History
Historical letters and documents can be valuable antiques. Honor these antiquities and preserve them for generations to come. Adorn them in gold! This is the perfect time to use fanciful, ornate frames.
The Romance of Travel
Postcards make excellent framed displays! Whether it’s a vintage postcard from a relative, or a souvenir from your friend’s vacation, add a picture or two to complete the story.
Tip: Most letters, postcards or recipe cards are written edge to edge. Try float mounting it – place the postcard on top of the mat rather than cutting an opening in the mat. That way you don’t lose a single word.
Precious Words What a wonderful moment when your dear friend surprised you with this poem complete with illustrations. You’ve got to frame that!
Lot For Sale Back in the day, a handwritten bill of sale was all you needed. They were simpler times! You won’t see that again. Frame these glimpses into yester-year.
Amazing Valentines Cards that we have framed for our clients. These are amazing antiques with a real nice sentimental attachment!!!
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Blue is on the cool spectrum, so it has a calming feeling. This particular shade of blue represents dependability, trustworthiness, credibility and constancy. Classic Blue is a color you can relate to in this crazy, fast-paced and high-stress world in which we live. “This enduring blue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.”
In-Home Color & Art Consultations
Want more advice on how to use color in your home? It can be overwhelming to put a color scheme together. We can help! Our design experts will help you pick out colors that match your space and style. Call us today.
Naval by Sherwin-Williams
Pantone wasn’t the only company who tagged blue as a trending color. Look at Naval #6244 by Sherwin-Williams. According to Sherwin-Williams, “We’re predicting that the next decade in color is going to be bold. Naval merges the desire for rich, inspiring color with our yearning for relaxation and retreat.”
Chinese Porcelain by PPG
Chinese Porcelain #PPG1160-6 by PPG is a lovely blend of cobalt and ink blue. “The shade of blue instills calmness, reduces anxiety, and encourages sleep. This soothing blue imparts slowness, encouraging consumers to practice mindfulness and be more present in their lives.”
THE NEW NEUTRALS
When you think of neutral colors, what comes to mind? White? Ivory? Tan? Not anymore. In 2020, the ‘new neutrals’ are pale shades of pink and grays. Interior designers are predicting that in the next 10 years, we’ll move away from non-descript neutrals, gravitating toward a more personal feel.
First Light by Benjamin Moore
First Light #2102-70 by Benjamin Moore reflects a shift in the mindset to a stronger sense for community, comfort, security and optimism.
Bombay Pink by Valspar
Look for new colorful neutrals like Bombay Pink #1006-8B by Valspar to add personality and elegance while remaining comfortable.
Romance for HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
Romance #6323 for HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams will welcome you in with open arms. It pairs beautifully with bold shades to energize a room.
PUT IT ALL TOGETHER
What does color mean to you? And how do you use these color trends in your framing & decor? While the blues are the right color for right now, you probably won’t paint an entire room in that shade. Try soft pink-grey backgrounds with a bold blue accent. Accent pieces can be a partial wall, a piece of furniture, your throw pillows, or – for a splash of curb appeal – the front door. On a smaller scale, you could hang a piece of classic blue art on a soft pink wall or frame a neutral art piece in a deep blue frame. Classic Blue has a lot of flexibility in the color palette combinations you can use!
Did You Know?
Certain Pantone colors are trademarked. These colors usually are made specifically for well-known brands, such as Target, Tiffany & Mattel (Barbie) ….
Pantone History
Did you know that Pantone began as a printing company? In 1963, an employee, Lawrence Herbert, developed a system for color printing consistency. He later purchased the company and renamed it to Pantone, which began publishing their Color of the Year in 1999.
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Interviewer: Thank you for joining me today, Barrington. I don’t think many people understand how a piece of wood becomes a beautiful frame.
