Float frames make your project stand out!

Nov 3, 2020 | Family Framing, Gallery Walls, Gift ideas, Picture Framing

Float frames make your project stand out!

Float Frames: A versatile frame moulding for stretched canvas

Have you seen these frames and wondered what they are used for? They are called Float Frames. Instead of the frame sitting on top of your art, a float frame rests under your art. It is a frame designed to lay behind a painting or stretched art to make the art appear as if it were ‘floating’ within the frame.

Why would you use a float frame? Float Frames:

Allow the viewer to see the sides of a canvas
Give stability to a canvas and prevent warping
Can appear minimal or invisible
Are available in a variety of colors, sizes and materials.

A float frame is more versatile than you would imagine.

Using a float frame can be a great way to add another frame to your moulding stack, leave a visual distance between your art and frame, extend the depth of the moulding for shadow boxes, or add character to your framing. We’d be happy to show you our float frame collection!

Traditionally float frames are used to rest behind a stretched canvas. It gives a clean, contemporary look.

You can also add a frame within a frame for a dramatic, multi-dimensional effect.

Sometimes you need to raise the art above the frame.

gallery wrap vs traditional wrap on canvases

Gallery wrap vs. traditional stretch

With traditionally stretched canvases, the fabric is wrapped around shallow stretcher bars (plain wood frame) and secured to the sides. The edges are unpainted and staples are visible. The canvas is usually intended to be framed before presentation. The shallow depth ensures the canvas can fit inside normal frames.

With a gallery wrap, the fabric is wrapped all the way around the edges and secured to the backside of the stretcher bars. Edges are painted and finished; no mounting methods or staples are visible.

When using a float frame, the depth of the stretcher bars is a matter of preference, based on the look you want. Ask us about your options. Either way, when using a float frame, it is best to have the edges painted (even if it is painted black) since a little edge will show.

← Framing newspapers, articles, and other printed media A framed gift for the host! →

Framing newspapers, articles, and other printed media

Oct 5, 2020 | Caring for artwork, Gift ideas, Picture Framing, Projects

Framing newspapers, articles, and other printed media

Hear ye, hear ye!

There was a time when the only way to receive news was through printed material such as a newspaper. Now newspapers and magazines have become collectibles. Why? Fewer and fewer newspapers are being printed in favor of online and digital sources. Despite our transition to digital media, there is something about seeing a headline in print that makes it feel permanent and important. Just like a photograph, when you see it, it jogs your memory back to a special time. So what do you do with a collectible? You frame it! Read more about framing newspapers and how to do it properly.

How do you properly frame newspaper articles so that they can last forever? Carefully! Framing newspapers is challenging – the paper itself is meant to self-destruct. Because a newspaper is printed on a lightweight, non-acid-free paper, it needs all the help it can get to preserve itself. We use only acid-free materials that surround the paper to ensure no further damage will be done.

There are numerous ways to mount a newspaper. If individual articles are cut to create a story, then dry mounting is recommended to prevent and remove wrinkling. Mounting is done on a dark backing such as foamboard to prevent ‘ghosting’ (the reverse side text showing through). Because newspaper ‘yellows’ quickly, a UV protecting glazing is used to keep the fading to a minimum.

Looking for an old newspaper?

There are several websites that sell old newspapers. They are a great resource if you want a headline from a specific date like your birthday.

ebay.com

anydate.com

rarenewspapers.com

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Conservation-grade materials

We want your newspaper articles, magazine covers, and other collectibles to survive for a lifetime with minimal 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.

Where do you begin when framing newspapers?

Step 1: Bring in the newspaper article

Step 2: We’ll help you decide on a design…

Step 3: Pick up your completed framed project!

More fun projects to consider framing

Sometimes wrinkles are part of the charm, like in this old article about Mark Twain.

Your grandparents’ wedding announcement gets new life in a custom frame.

Capture a moment in time by framing your favorite magazine cover.

Vintage sheet music makes a great addition to your music room decor.

← Hide or disguise it with a stylish frame! Float frames make your project stand out! →

Let’s have fun framing posters!

Aug 2, 2020 | Gift ideas, Picture Framing

Let’s have fun framing posters!

Budget-friendly options for framing posters and making them priceless

Framing posters is just like framing any other piece of art, right? Not necessarily. Posters are mass-printed reproductions of photographs, artwork, or advertisements. You’ve seen them plastered on dorm room walls and movie theater halls. Because they are low-cost compared to original artwork, there are a few things to keep in mind when framing them. Your framing will ultimately depend on how you plan to use the poster — you still want it to look good!

How is framing posters different from framing other art?

Posters are typically printed on inexpensive, light-weight paper. This paper can appear wavy or wrinkly if framed improperly. Unlike original or limited-edition art, posters should be adhered to a backing board using a dry mount machine so that they appear smooth. No more wrinkly paper when framing posters! Also, it isn’t necessary to use spacers to keep glass off of the poster, and you don’t need to use the highest-quality frame mouldings to achieve the look you want.

Why do people frame posters?

Budget

Yes, you can frame on a budget! We offer budget-friendly poster framing options that don’t look cheap. When you are framing a poster for your kid’s room or for a gift, you may not want to invest as much into framing it as an original piece of art. An inexpensive poster may not need a 24K gilded frame or archival quality mounting. Sometimes you just need simple and affordable. We have frames that would work well on your poster and fit into your budget.

Also, read out post: See it framed before you buy it!

Too good to be true?

When a big box frame shop advertises “50% + 20% off,” it looks like a great deal — but is it really? What is the original price? Does 50% + 20% = 70% off? Let’s say the project is $500.00. If it were 70% off, it would equal $150.00. If it is 50% + 20% off, it would equal $200.00. Don’t let the big store’s sales confuse you — compare our prices and I’m sure we can find a poster framing option that you will be happy with.

Decorative

You love Van Gogh, but the odds of you owning an original Dutch Master are pretty slim. Poster reproductions are the perfect way to bring famous, beloved art into your home. You want it to be designed as if it were an original piece of art to be worthy of a lifetime of compliments. Just because something was originally a poster doesn’t mean that it can’t look like a million bucks after a good framing job. Our designers are eager to help design that special piece.

Temporary Displays

Posters are frequently used in semi-temporary displays. In real estate offices, hospitals, waiting rooms, and classrooms, it is not unusual to change art on a regular basis.

Collections

In a room with a poster collection, it is easy and affordable to frame numerous posters similarly. This unites the collection and increases its aesthetic value. This is especially popular with travel, movie, and concert posters.

Acrylic glazing

If your poster will be hanging in a high traffic area (waiting rooms), a danger zone (kid’s room), or moved around a lot (dorm room, apartment), acrylic glazing may be a better choice than glass. Acrylic won’t break and is light weight.

Your holiday home

Dec 4, 2019 | Family Framing, Gift ideas, Picture Framing

Your holiday home

Add a magical touch to your decor this holiday season!

You’ve made the cookies, addressed the cards, cleaned the house, and planned the party. Now it’s time for the best part — decorating your home for the holidays. It’s easy to remember to trim the tree or light the candles, but what about your walls? Deck the halls this holiday season by using custom framing to add a festive touch. So put on some Christmas music, grab your favorite holiday drink, and get framing!

Photo of dog in santa hat

Visiting Santa

Dig out the old photo of Santa & the kids from years ago. Guaranteed Smiles!

Winter Landscape

Winter landscapes can be breathtaking. Frame your favorite winter scene.

Family Portraits

Use last year’s family holiday photo to brighten up your walls.

Drawings

Remember the drawing your child drew and it was too priceless to throw away? Framing it makes it even more special.

Try something different this year – hang an empty frame on your door instead of a wreath. You can decorate the frame with bows, greenery, Christmas flowers and ornaments…or just keep it plain. This will turn your front door into a unique work of art.

← Holiday collection to benefit The House Color trends for 2020 →

We love our pets

Oct 28, 2019 | Gift ideas, Pet framing, Pets, Picture Framing

We love our pets

We Love Our Pets

Pets are a part of the Family – include them in your framing!

If you have a pet, you know how much love and joy animals can bring to your life. Many happy memories are made with your pet at your side – the ultimate companion! Most pets like dogs and cats are considered part of the family. When it comes to decorating your photo wall, don’t forget the pets! Whether your four-legged friend is curled up at your feet or has crossed the rainbow bridge, make sure to cherish their memory by including them in your framing. Here are some creative ways to remember your pet.

Why Do We Love Our Pets So Much?
They Give Us Unconditional Love: Pets love you unconditionally. Pets don’t care if you forgot to take the trash out, or if your boss yelled at you. They don’t judge you. They are just happy to be with you and spend time with you.
They Make Us Feel Needed: The act of caring for a pet has mental & physical benefits. It can give you a sense of purpose. Pets need physical activity. Exercising your pet regularly gets you up & moving.
They Remind Us How to Be in the Moment: As we become adults, it is easy to forget how to have fun and carefree. Pets can show us how to be more mindful as they don’t worry about what happened yesterday or what might happen in the future.

Your Favorite Photo

Start your day off right by looking at your favorite pet photo, guaranteed to make you smile every time!

Part of the Family

Don’t forget the dog! Pets are like members of the family. Include your pet in your next family portrait or birth announcement.

Paw Prints

Memorialize your pet by framing their paw print, your pet’s “signature.” A plaster impression or inked print will be kept safe within a frame.

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Honoring our heroes

May 1, 2019 | Family Framing, Gift ideas, Military Framing, Picture Framing, Projects

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!

FiremanBadges

FlagPresentation

MilitaryMedals

PolicemanBadges

PolicePortrati

WW2NavyUniform

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.

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