There is no such thing as ONE perfect frame design…
Do you think there is only ONE perfect frame for a piece of art? The answer is NO! There can be many ‘perfect’ frames for a piece of art. That’s probably why it seems so challenging to narrow down the options. What’s important is choosing the right frame for YOU. Let’s break it down and show you how different frames can work with the same piece of art and why.
BLOOMING BLOSSOMS
About the Art:
Blooming Blossoms is a highly stylized photo of red poppy flowers blooming in a blurred grass field. This piece is a soft, neutrally toned art with a bright focal point. It would complement any area that calls for serenity. When choosing a frame be careful not to overpower the focal point.
About the Frames:
White (upper left): It’s hard not to notice the red flowers in the center, but by using a frame that extends the background, it highlights the flowers even more. Choosing a frame that has a flowing rounded design mimics the soft curves and lends a feminine touch.
White & Red (upper right): Adding a hint of red is going to draw the eye to the red poppies, and emphasize that the flowers are the focal point. Paired with a clean white frame that extends the background, it gives the piece a subtle simplicity with pop.
Blue & White (lower left): When you first looked at this piece, did you notice the soft grey-blues in the background? Now you do. It draws out other colors without taking away from the focal point.
Silver & Gold (lower right): Many people shy away from ornate frames because they might make the art feel too fancy or strict. In this case, the warm gold/silver color combo and the soft, curved carving flows with the art and gives it formality without stuffiness.
BIERES DE LE MEUSE Alphonse Mucha, 1897
About the Art:
Bieres de le Meuse (‘Beer of the Meuse’) was a French advertisement typical of the Art Nouveau period. Art Nouveau is known for its elaborate use of color, flourishes, and graphic design style. It can pair well with ornate frames or frames with clean, elegant lines.
About the Frames:
Gold (upper left): There are many gold tones in this piece, so you can’t go wrong with surrounding it in more of the same color. The frame’s soft, curvy design flows seamlessly with the art, which turns an ornate frame style into something whimsical.
Black (upper right): A black frame is like black clothing – it goes with everything – but you have to be careful. For this piece, choose a smaller frame profile with a touch of gold. Adding a mat allows your eye to easily rest on the art without the black frame dominating. This has a traditional and universal feel so it will match any decor.
Espresso (lower left): There is so much going on with this art; a wide, soft dark brown frame helps calm it down. Notice the detail carved into the outer edge of the frame? That helps tie the design in the art to the frame. This is a transitional look that works well in an eclectic space.
Copper (lower right): This frame has a coppery-gold finish but is carved in an Art Nouveau pattern. It speaks directly to the period in which the art was created. Matting creates a buffer between the art and the frame allowing each one to shine.
Artist Profile: Alphonse Mucha
Alphonse Mucha (pronounced ‘moo-ka’), was born in what is now the Czech Republic on July 24, 1860 and died there on July 14, 1939. He moved to Paris in 1887. Mucha painted in a style called Art Nouveau (French for ‘New Art’). Many of Mucha’s works reflect the flavor of modern life in the latter part of 19th century Paris and the blossoming use of print advertising. Many of Mucha’s advertising pieces featured a single figure or a woman against a halo-like disk, arranged harmoniously with flowers and other decorative motifs. The idea was to draw potential consumers’ attention to a feminine beauty and then send an alluring message about the product being represented. Mucha not only painted, but he designed jewelry, carpets, wallpaper and theatre sets.
What do these frames have in common?
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We hope that you and your loved ones remained healthy during the Covid-19 Pandemic. For some of you, the stay-at-home order was extra time to spend with your spouse and/or children. What did you do to keep yourself and everybody entertained? Did you put a puzzle together as a family project? Did you play board games or card games? Were you able to throw a frisbee around in the yard? Activities like these always create great family memories.
Did you know that you can frame puzzles and games? Board games, puzzles, cards, and game pieces lend themselves very well to a framed display, especially considering most of them have eye-catching design and a flat profile. What a great way to remember a happy memory in the midst of troubled times.
JIGSAW PUZZLES
You did it! You finally finished that 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle you’ve been meaning to do for years. Such an effort needs to be rewarded. Frame it! (So that you won’t need to put it together again…)
Take an ordinary game…
…and create a Memory!
BOARD GAMES
Don’t let anyone forget that you won the epic 4-day Monopoly game by owning Indiana Ave! You can even include game pieces, cards, and money.
Did You Know?
In Monopoly, Jake the Jailbird is the guy behind bars and Officer Edgar Mallory sent him there.
Chutes & Ladders, a game about Karma, was invented in India in the 2nd century. It was originally called Snakes & Ladders. The phrase “back to square one” originated in the game.
The game of Clue was invented in 1947. Mr. Green was originally a reverend, but Parker Brothers objected to a reverend being suspected of murder, so he was changed to a businessman.
The Game of Life was the first and only board game invented by Milton Bradley in 1860, although he singlehandedly launched the board game industry. Because using dice was associated with gambling, a 6-sided top was used instead.
Elsie & Her Family
Instructions
VINTAGE GAMES
Look what you found while you were cleaning closets! An old game you used to play with your siblings. It’s a little worn now to be played, so bring the fun back by framing it. Copy the rules and put it on the back or in a pocket on the back.
GLASS OR ACRYLIC?
Sometimes framing a board game or puzzle can get large. Because of the size, it also can get heavy if you use glass to protect it. Consider using acrylic instead. It is lightweight and non-breakable under most circumstances. Be sure to use the UV protecting acrylic so the puzzle or game board won’t fade.
A Scrabble Game to Remember
We framed a real scrabble game set as played celebrating a wedding anniversary for a very fine couple! Lots of fun knick-knacks & romance went into this one.
It was a multi-layered look that is on the wall to celebrate the occasion!
‘Social Distancing’ Games
Lucky you – it was warm enough to get outside and throw the Frisbee around. You had some fun and stayed six feet away from your friends! Capture the memory: get out a permanent marker, write something on the frisbee to commemorate the time, have everyone sign it, and don’t forget to date it.
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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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