Are the walls closing in? A new framing project can help.

Are the walls closing in? A new framing project can help.

Are the walls closing in? A new framing project can help.

Are the walls closing in in the time of coronavirus?Empty walls

Have you been staring at empty walls this quarantine? If you can’t figure out what would bring that space to life, not a problem. We can help you out with some ideas for framing projects. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Take a picture of your ‘problem’ wall. If you can include some measurements, that is also helpful.

Step 2: Tell us what your idea is for that space. Are you looking to add one big piece or several small ones? Do you have any special items that could be framed that could be a focus or theme for the wall, like a musical instrument or family heirloom?

Step 3: Email it to us at: staff@framedepotgj.com. Give us all the necessary details and let us know you’d like some assistance with ideas for a room or a specific wall.

Step 4: We’ll correspond virtually to propose a solution. Problem solved!

Lost and found memories could fill those empty walls

Maybe you spent your time at home cleaning and re-organizing 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. We are open again but we are also doing pick-up, deliveries and also curb-side drop off and pick up — whatever you are more comfortable with during this time. We will help you arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing manner. If you can’t come to our location, we can send you photos by email.

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! Imagine all the beautiful projects that could grace your walls.

 

Fun and games

a pile of puzzle piecesIn an upcoming newsletter we will feature framing puzzles and games. Puzzles and board games of all kinds can be framed and displayed, especially if you have some empty walls in a family or game room! 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 quarantine. Stay tuned for more information on how to turn some of your fun into a framed memory.

Framed letters and poems make wonderful gifts

Framed letters and poems make wonderful gifts

Framed letters and poems make wonderful gifts

Framed letters as a gift of love

February is the month of love. And it’s also the time for Valentine’s Day and the hunt for that special gift. Are you looking for something original to give your spouse, something more personal than chocolate or a stuffed animal? Have you considered framed letters? If you have any saved love letters, we can help you frame it so that it will be preserved and something beautiful you can hang in your home. FOr maybe you have something from an ancestor that you would love to display, like an old letter or an antique postcard from your grandparents. How about the touching poem your husband wrote for you in college?

When it comes to framing and preserving old letters and documents, we have so many options for you to choose from. Framed letters and mementos make a touching and one-of-a-kind gift that will be remembered for years.

Custom framed letters and handwritten notes make memories last

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. Let us help you create some beautiful framed letters!

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. Displaying their framed letters keeps them present.

Golden History

Framed letters and historical 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.

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 yesteryear.

Just for Fun

Frame a stack of the letters in their envelopes. Keep people guessing what was written. A shadowbox frame can display these beautifully.

Tip: Most letters, postcards or recipe cards are written edge to edge. Try float mounting it – place it on top of the mat rather than cutting an opening in the mat. That way you don’t lose a single word.

Additional ideas for framed letters

  1. Should I order my framed 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. We can also work with you in person and show you not only the framing materials you can choose from, but also different types of glass and archival mats to finish the piece and protect it. 
  2. 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. And with framed letters, they will be so much easier to read.
  3. 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. They are also the environmentally friendly choice for your framed letters.
goofy mugs for father's day

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Do you always have trouble finding a Father’s Day gift that is different and fun? At Frame Depot, we have lots of fun ideas that are perfect for dad and his special day.

Magenta -- Pantone's 2023 color of the year

Color Trends 2023: Magenta!

Magenta is Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year. Viva Magenta represents a positive future in an uncertain world.

they're playing our song

Framing music: They’re playing our song

Framing music is a beautiful way to preserve the songs of your life. We can help you design the perfect frame for your favorite tune.

Let’s talk turkey … and frame costs

Sometimes, custom frames can cost more than the art you are framing, but there are good reasons for that.

how can that be framed

How can that be framed?

Have you seen large 3D objects framed and wondered, “How in the world can that be framed?” At Frame Depot, we can frame just about anything!

Why did we choose these frames?

Frame styles: Why did we choose these?

Our designers are here to help de-mystify the design process and show you some guidelines that will place the perfect frame on your art.

how to preserve a vacation memory

Preserving a vacation memory in style

Relive a wonderful vacation memory every day by putting them on display in a custom shadowbox.

vintage or heritage

Vintage or heritage?

Vintage or heritage? These two terms are frequently used interchangeably, but there is a difference in their definitions.

go for the gold

Go for a gold frame

Frame your most precious memories in a gold frame. Frame Depot can help you choose the right amount of gold to make your project perfect.

Your favorite local framer

Top 10 reasons your local framer rocks!

See why your local framer is the best place to get your precious memories framed. At Frame Depot, we focus on making our customers happy.

Honoring our heroes

Honoring our heroes

Honoring our heroes

Custom Framing lets you cherish the memory of your favorite Hero. 

What makes someone a Hero? Courage? Strength? Heroes come in all sizes and shapes and are all around us. Firefighters, police officers, and soldiers selflessly perform their jobs without thinking about the danger involved. Maybe your grandpa was a war veteran, or your daughter is active military. Show them they will always be in your heart by transforming their picture into a framed display.

Did You Know?

  • Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, began in 1864 when women decorated the graves of those who died in Gettysburg. The tradition continued after the Civil War in which 620,000 soldiers died. On May 5, 1868, it became a national holiday. In 1971 the date was changed to the last Monday in May.

  • President Ulysses S. Grant presided over the first Memorial Day ceremony on May 30, 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery with 5,000 people in attendance.

  • Today, 1,200 soldiers place flags on 260,000 graves at Arlington Cemetery every Memorial Day

  • It is customary to fly the flag at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, and then raise it until sunset.

    For all the heroes out there…

    Thank you for your service!

Military Document Framing

We can frame military documents, certificates, and discharge papers using conservation materials. Don’t let these important pieces of history go unprotected! Frame them properly. May might mean Memorial Day, but it’s also graduation season! A framed diploma makes a perfect gift for the graduate in your life.

 

Fresh look for the season

Fresh look for the season

Fresh look for the season

Design for Comfort in 2019

It’s Spring Cleaning Time!  Time to clean the cobwebs and freshen up your space.  Modernize your style with a few easy tweaks to your interior.  New accent pieces and art showcasing popular materials can help give you a fresh look for the season.  Refreshing a decor style can be as simple as a new coat of paint, a different pillow, or a new frame moulding. 

The biggest trend in home decor right now is Comfort! The Danish have a word for it: Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga).  Hygge is not just a word – it’s a concept, an attitude of living a cozy life through the enjoyment of simple, natural things.   In these tumultuous times, we long for comfort and seek a calming effect in our surroundings.  Adding personal comforting touches to our homes increase feelings of content. 

How do you apply Hygge to your home?

Infuse your space with your personality!  Decorate with items that give you comfort.  Maybe it’s a throw blanket, a photograph of nature, or a new light fixture.  Pair these personal comforts with natural materials.  Keep your decor simple (but not minimal).  Look for patterned woods, linear accents, open geometric shapes, soft metallics, and warm fabrics. 

What’s your Hygge Frame Style?

What each of us finds comforting is very individual. Our personalities determine what our personal Hygge style will look like.  If you’re…

  • Serene & Calm: Frame a soothing nature scene with wood textures. 
  • Fun & Quirky: Be Bold!  Go with a bright color for your frame. 
  • Trendy & Stylish:  Choose a metallic frame (matte or rose gold).
  • Left-Brained: Pick art & framing that draws upon linear patterns. 

Check your Framed Art & Pictures for UV Filtering Glass

How long has it been since you framed that photograph?  Do you know if you have UV-filtering glass on the piece to protect it from fading?  Bring it in, we’ll check it and advise you on what the best glass for your art is.

 

 

Spring cleaning

Spring cleaning

It’s that time of year again, time to clean out the drawers, closets and garage.  As you purge and sort and discover all the items you thought were lost forever make sure you pull out the real treasurers and do something with them. Mom would love some of frandma’s jewelry framed for a Mother’s Day gift.  How about framing some fishing flies for dad from his tackle box he used as a kid? Honor Grandpa and his service to our country by framing and hanging his medals in a memory box. The possibilities are endless, so what unique items did you find spring cleaning this year?