Custom Framing

The majority of what we frame is two dimensional art. These projects allow us to show some of our “old school” techniques such as French lines, French panels, paper panels, hand wrapped fabric mats, and a wide array of fillets and bevel accents. If you haven’t designed with these elements, get ready for “WOW”!

Here’s an example of how a simple framing project can turn into a cherished heirloom: A customer brings in a wedding photo she wants to reframe in celebration of her 20th anniversary. We pose the questions: “Do you have the original invitation? Do you have any objects you may have worn at the ceremony that you’d like to include…like a brooch? Would you consider adding a small piece of tulle from the vale in the framing package?” Eyes light up, and she returns the next day with half a dozen items and an idea for a small plaque to be included on the frame. Now it’s not just a photo, it’s an intriguing story.

There are also many business related items that are longing to tell a tale, but can’t because they’re stuffed away in drawers or closets. Graduated in 1993 and still don’t have your diploma hanging in your office? Had an article published in a professional journal? Received an award recognizing you as a leader in your field? Let your colleagues and clients know about your achievements…let these items speak for you!

Out of all the artwork we frame for customers, it’s kid’s art that provides the most sense of doing a real long-lasting service for someone. What could a bigger affirmation of a child’s talent than seeing their work professionally framed? Whether the piece is for your home or a gift for a friend or relative, it’s destined to be cherished for years if not decades to come. Recently, a parent reluctantly relinquished her child’s 1st grade art…because the kid was off to college and wanted to hang it in his dorm room! When deciding to frame art like this, PLEASE think archival…use good quality materials like rag mats and conservation glass. If you don’t, it’s a guarantee that in ten years you’ll wish you had.

 

The framing of three dimensional objects is achieved by taking advantage of the depth of a moulding and building up shadowbox walls between the glazing and the backing board. Even more depth can be gained by designing an acrylic “museum box” to project from the front of the frame. Textiles are mounted into shadowboxes with the use of fine thread, embroidery thread or monofilament. Mounting options for other objects may include heavy monofilament, mylar encapsulation, polyester strapping, bent rod mounts (copper rod with a plastic coating) and premade object mounts (for coins, golf balls etc.). To keep these types of items in original condition, glues or adhesives should never be used to mount them.

Many simple orders morph into elaborate shadow box orders. Do you have a few years worth of beach house photos, but just can’t pick one, two or even five? Design a shadowbox with a dozen photos, a handful of seashell, add sea glass and beach tags, and “voila!” you’ll have warm vacation memories for years to come!

One intriguing job we did was for a surgeon who invented a new scalpel that was featured in a trade journal. He brought the article in to be framed. After a couple of consultations, the final frame included the journal article, a copy of the patent, a brass plaque with the patent information, and THE ACTUAL TOOL ITSELF! This framing project went from a mere article to an office centerpiece.