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.
When you bring your framing project to us, you expect the best, and that is exactly what you will get from start to finish. We organize, design, and create complex framing projects from your treasures. From creative ideas to hanging hardware, we provide innovative design and quality workmanship, so you can enjoy your piece for years.
A collection of keepsake items may seem overwhelming to safely store and keep track of, while still being able to enjoy them. Custom framing will solve these challenges and create a beautiful display you will be proud to show off.
Shadowboxes are sometimes called memory boxes, and for good reason. They are the perfect way to showcase special objects and photos that celebrate a memory, achievement, event or person. We are experts in creating artistic presentations from your items — just bring them in and we can create a truly one-of-a-kind memory for you.
Follow these four steps to create a memorable framing project!
STEP 1: Select your project theme. Some examples include Grandpa’s Army Days,Child’s Hand Print, Grandma’s Scarf,or Dad’s Passion.
STEP 2: Gather all items that relate to your theme — photos, clothing, mementos, medals, certificates — anything that’s scrapbook-worthy.
STEP 3: Bring your items to us. We will help you arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
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!
Here are some examples that illustrate how complex projects go from concept to completion!
Grandma’s Scarf
It was early fall. My Mom and I were going to take a short walk to the local bakery for some yummy scones and a cup of coffee. Mom threw on her wrap that had been passed down three generations — and would eventually be mine someday. It was beautiful, and perfect for the crisp chill in the air. As we were chatting, I noticed the scarf had become threadbare in some places. I told Mom that when it was mine, I would like to honor it by framing it in a shadowbox, so that it would not become any more damaged. She thought that was a wonderful idea, and suggested I add pictures of the women who had worn it. Every time I look at grandma’s scarf, I think of that fall day when Mom and I were at that cozy coffee shop enjoying each other’s company.
Family heirlooms are beautiful items passed down from generation to generation, and it is our job to capture their beauty and preserve their sentimental importance. Heirlooms like textiles, scarves, wedding dresses, and handkerchiefs are hand-sewn and protected behind UV-filtering glass. History and tradition come together in a design that mimics the vintage colors and textures of old photographs and fabrics.
Child’s Hand Print
The day my son brought home his little hand print in clay, I didn’t know what to do with it. I wanted to hang it, but didn’t trust the ribbon used for a hanger. So, I gushed over it, and a week later put it in a box so that it wouldn’t get broken. Eight years later, I was cleaning the closet, and opened a box that I had forgotten about. Seeing that clay print brought back the day he brought it home. I never wanted to forget it again. Now when I look at that precious handprint, I can remember that day every day!
Kids grow up in the blink of an eye, but the art — and memories — they leave with us lasts a lifetime. Frame your child’s greatest masterpiece and you can enjoy those memories every time you look at your finished piece. Their first scribbles, handprints, and school art projects make for memorable framing projects. For this ceramic handprint, we used neutral mat colors so the design would always remain in-style; the frame is a soft off-white to match the ceramic.
Dad’s Passion
Many times in my childhood, I remember my Dad grabbing his fishing pole to spend a day at his favorite lake. Some days he caught something; some days not. But he didn’t care; it wasn’t about the bounty — it was about being outside and having the hope & faith that something would catch the end of his line. Many years after having some of his favorite fishing pieces framed, it is a bit of history passed to my children about my Dad’s Passion.
Some hobbies come with a great deal of collectibles or representational items that define our personalities. Framing is a great way to honor and cherish those collections (and the person attached to those memories). Whether it’s fishing lures, coin collections, or spoons, we can create a beautiful display to celebrate that person. For this project, we opted for neutral colors and rustic finishes to highlight the sport and vintage style.
Additional Topics
Conservation/Preservation Framing
We use the very best materials for your projects because we want your art and heirlooms to survive for a lifetime without change of color, damage from glues, or out-gassing from materials that are not acid-free.
Museum Glass
Is there anything worse than getting something framed and not being able to see it? That won’t happen with Museum Glass. Not only does it have 99% UV protection to keep your art and objects from fading, it has exceptional clarity so that you can really SEE what is behind your frame!
Do you know what’s really scary? Framing that damages your art! Inferior framing materials and exposure to destructive elements can fade, discolor, and damage your framed art. Framing isn’t just about making your framed piece look good – it’s about looking good forever! This Halloween let’s avoid a framing scare by using the proper materials to conserve and protect your project.
Acid-Free Materials
Acid-Free is your new favorite framing term. Materials that have acidic components breakdown and outgas, discoloring and burning your art. ‘Acid-Free’ materials have had those harmful ingredients filtered out, so they do not cause damage. There are two main components in a picture frame that can potentially contain acid: Matting & Backing Board. We only use superior acid-free mats & foam core.
Matting goes on top of the art. If the mats are not acid-free, they out-gas and cause damage, seen as brownish edges on the opening of the mat. Matting color will fade if it is not acid-free, eventually clashing with the art color. If you have acid-burn or faded mats, ask us to re-mat your project with acid-free mats or 100% cotton rag mats.
Backing Board like foam core goes underneath the art. If it is not acid-free, it can burn your art, causing weakening of paper fibers and decolorization. We highly recommend always using acid-free backing board.
UV Filtering Glass
UV (ultraviolet) rays can wreak havoc on your framed artwork. If UV rays can burn skin, they can damage art as well. UV damage is a chemical reaction; changes take place at a cellular level that cause fading, discoloration and harm to your art. Art framed with ‘regular’ glass will often fade to a washed-out blue tone.
Just as we put sunscreen on to protect our skin from harmful UV rays, you need to protect your art by framing it with UV-filtering glass or UV-filtering acrylic. We recommend glazing that filters 99% of those harmful rays.
Just because your art is inside does not mean that it is safe. It still needs UV protection. Did you know that fluorescent lighting emits UV rays? Stop the damage before it begins and opt for UV-filtering glass.
Do I Need to Protect Fabric?
If you think your fabrics & textiles don’t need glass … think again. Fabric is susceptible to dust, smoke, bugs, furnace residue, hands-on people, UV rays, and so on. Some fabrics like canvas can withstand harmful effects better than others, but why risk it? Moths and non-visible bugs are especially attracted to silk and wool. Modern glass is nearly invisible, so you can enjoy the fine details of your textiles AND take advantage of the protective benefits glazing offers.
What is the difference between Conservation & Preservation?
Conservation: prevent injury, decay, waste, or loss of integrity
Protect a piece of art in its original (pristine) state.
Preservation: keep alive or in existence; make lasting – to keep safe from harm or injury
Protect a piece of art in its existing state.
What’s A CPF?
A CPF is a Certified Picture Framer. A CPF is experienced and must keep up with current methods and materials in the industry. The certification must be renewed annually to keep the designation. When a CPF builds your project, it is in the best hands.
Displaying framed image groupings or creating a gallery wall
Traditionally when hanging pictures on the wall, one picture would be hung by itself and that was that. While a single piece of art can be inspiring and lovely to look at, sometimes you need your wall display to do more. Does it need to tell a story? Is it a conversation piece? Does it continue to capture your attention?
When one picture is not enough, you can group images together for a more cohesive display. Framed groupings are very fashionable right now, often known as gallery walls. No longer do you have to decide which piece goes on the wall — put them all up!
It’s easy to create a grouping that is completely unique to you, your style and your home. The good news is there are no rules, and lots of different ways to achieve an interesting grouping for your gallery wall.
Assemble a collection for your gallery wall
Framing is a great way to enjoy a collection of images. If the images are linked items, a series, or visually similar, consistency is the key to making your gallery wall feel like a collection. The images in our example are the same coloring, so it is easy to frame them all with the same matting and moulding. Consistent design emphasizes that the grouping belongs together and brings focus to the art.
Unite your art
Your gallery wall should be united in some manner. It can be by image style, image subject, size, frame moulding, or by mat color. In the design world, this is known as the theory of gestalt — the idea that humans have an unconscious tendency to group things together visually, whether intended or not. So apply this theory to your gallery wall and figure out what connects them. Why are you combining these particular images? Use the design to reinforce your reason.
Use a mix of frame styles (ornate, traditional, modern), but make all the frames the same color. This can be easily accomplished by simply spray painting a bunch of random frames the same color — boom, they look alike. Use a completely different frame style for each image, but all the images are the same subject. Or, the images could all be black and white, or landscapes. Use the same size image, matting color and frame. For example, random images that are all in square black frames will look like a cohesive group.
Fill an odd sized space with a gallery wall
An extremely long or tall wall can be intimidating to fill. For a wide horizontal space, consider multiple pieces hung side by side. Buy a panoramic print, cut it into three pieces, and frame each piece individually but in the same style. For a tall vertical space, consider stacking multiple pieces in a column. Buy three of the same print and rotate each so that the grouping looks like one piece. Because wall groupings are so flexible in their layout, it’s easy to customize for an odd sized space. You can even create a gallery wall to fill an odd space that goes around a corner.
Choosing the layout for your gallery wall
A symmetrical layout for a gallery wall is even and organized, creating a formal, structured arrangement. They tend to be grid-based, with equal sizes and consistent framing styles. Images may either line up horizontally, vertically or both based on the number of pieces, shape of individual pieces and overall size. Treat a grouping of pictures as a single unit.
An asymmetrical layout is more casual, using different sizes, styles, and colors to create a eclectic visual collage. It takes a little more planning to ensure that this kind of grouping does not feel chaotic or random, but the overall effect can be very creative. This is a time when ‘different’ works together.
When creating the grouping layout for the wall, there needs to be a sense of balance. A general rule is to begin in the center and work outward, making sure that the larger pieces always have a counter balance. It’s ok to mix vertical and horizontal pieces. For symmetrical layouts, measure your available space to make sure your pieces are properly centered. If you have an uneven space to fill (like by a staircase), keep the heaviest piece to the bottom as your eye naturally goes from bottom left to top right. If your asymmetrical arrangement is in a normal sized space, the heaviest piece should be placed in the center.
When deciding placement on the wall, be creative. These black & white glossy pictures of movie stars in a home theatre are framed and arranged so that the overall unit resembles a film strip.
Hanging your gallery wall
Plan. It. Out. Having a set plan of how the grouping will hang will save you a wall full of nail holes! The ideal situation is to choose which pieces you want to have framed for this area, and get them all designed at the same time, so that you will have a cohesive look.
Spacing between each piece should be proportional to the overall size you have available. If pieces are placed too close it will make the art look crowded; too far apart will make it feel disconnected. Varying spacing can seem chaotic and random. Generally, 2” to 3” apart is a good distance between each piece. Correct spacing sometimes depends on the amount of room you can devote to the grouping.
After the images are framed, make a template of each piece to be hung. Trace around the outside of the frame on kraft paper, cut out the shape, and label it. Note on the paper whether the art is vertical or horizontal. You may also want to note which picture it is. Secure the templates to the wall with painter’s tape. Stand back and look at the arrangement. Do you like it? Or do you need to rearrange? Once you have decided on a plan, leave them up there until the pieces are actually hung.
Additional Topics
Museum Glass
When you have multiple items hanging together, that’s a lot of glass. The more surface space, the more chance for reflection. Eliminate glare by using Museum Glass. Museum Glass has exceptional clarity, so that you can really SEE what is behind your frame!
Delivery & Installation
Lots of framed pieces? We would love to deliver & hang your new collection for you. Ask us for details on how we can help you arrange your frame grouping.
Vacation is a special time to relax and get away from the craziness of reality, creating powerful memories of your time with friends and family. You work hard all year for your vacation, planning it carefully, counting down the days … and it’s over before you know it. What do you have to show for it, besides a couple of extra pounds and a gorgeous tan? You’ve got your memories! You bought souvenirs, took amazing photos, and documented your journey. Bring those items to us so we can help bring your vacation memories back to life. Relive the fun & excitement of your travels by seeing them custom framed on your wall every day.
Tip: Hang framed vacation pictures in a place where they can be viewed daily — guaranteed smiles!
What are your favorite vacation memories?
No two vacations are alike. Your photos and souvenirs will vary based on what kind of trip you took. Because each framing project is custom, we can create a display that is as unique as your vacation. Wouldn’t you like to display…
The African mask from your study abroad program?
The Asian silk painting from your business trip to Beijing?
The epic panorama from your family ski trip?
The stunning rock formations you toured in Arizona?
The fossils you found by the lakeshore?
The favorite drink you ordered at the beachside bar?
Amazing architecture you saw during Mardi Gras?
The first moment you stuck your toes in the water?
Vacation memories & souvenirs that work well for framing:
Sea Shells
Foreign Coins
Local Art & Sculpture
Stamps & Postcards
Interesting vacation memories photographs to frame:
Wildlife
Family Portraits
Famous Landmarks
Landscapes
Don’t cheat yourself, vacations are important! A vacation can increase creativity, reduce stress, and produce memories for a lifetime. We’d love to help you relive your favorite vacation every day. Stop by with your photos & souvenirs to see how custom framing can turn a boring scrapbook into a daily conversation piece.
Additional Topics:
Preserve your vacation memories by upping your photography game!
Clean your lens! A dirty lens can ruin several, if not all, the pics you take. Many newer phones will warn you if they sense a smudged lens.
Take your time. Even top-of-the-line digital cameras may need time to auto-adjust to lighting conditions and action speeds.
Always ask permission if you want to take a photo of a person not in your party.
Consider lighting. Most photographers encourage the use of natural lighting to illuminate your image (early morning or evening will avoid the tourist crowd). Try to get the subject in the light, not the backlit, for a clear shot.
If you are taking selfies, don’t forget to show where you are! Turn the phone to landscape and put yourself to one side. Or in portrait mode, put yourself at the bottom.
Some more tips:
Some dramatic vacation photos are in silhouette, with a setting sun in the background. The contrast makes a vivid image.
For action shots where the subject is moving rapidly, use ‘burst-mode’ to take multiple pics per second from which you can choose the perfect image.
Pose your subjects with a theme. Photograph a row of bare feet. Or have everybody’s back to the camera. Act like they are scaling a monument instead of just staring at it. Humor always makes for a better photo!
Don’t forget filter apps, just for fun – vintage, rainbow, black and white, etc. You can find all kinds of effects to apply using your phone or social network.
Vacation Bucket List
According to a 2017 survey by US News & World Report, Rome is one of the world’s best places to visit. In terms of cultural offerings and affordability combined, it’s a must-see city! Check out the other 30 places around the world they recommend visiting. What’s on YOUR vacation bucket list?
We’ll Print It For You
Just bring us your digital file, and we can print it in any size on canvas, plastic or metal.
Wedding keepsakes are often heirlooms that get passed onto future generations; here are some ideas if you’re framing for a lifetime. (See descriptions after the photo gallery.)
Wedding Dress
Bouquet
Grandmother's gloves
Wedding announcement in paper
Parent's wedding photo
Momentos
Momentos
Invitation
Invitation
Wedding preparation
Wedding photo
Wedding photo
Signature photo
Honeymoon
Honeymoon
Framing wedding gowns
Typically, your wedding dress gets packed away for several years, unused and forgotten, until your daughter wants to wear it on her own wedding day. When you unpack it, the fabric is yellowed, moth-eaten and unwearable. Why not prevent that damage and put it on display? You’ll be reminded of your special day every time you see it, and framing will keep it safe from the elements. We only use reversible mounting methods so the dress will be in pristine condition should your daughter want to wear it one day.
Framing wedding bouquets
Hold on to your bouquet for the long haul! Preserve your floral arrangement for a romantic reminder of your wedding. Your flowers’ natural beauty will be retained and made into a shadowbox for your enjoyment every day. These blooms don’t have to fade!
Framing vintage family heirlooms
Preserve your family’s history by framing old wedding keepsakes you have tucked away. The old newspaper announcement, Grandma’s lace gloves, and that charming vintage portrait will all be better preserved in a custom frame. Put your heritage on display so those precious family memories will not be forgotten.
Framing your wedding invitations and Save the Date cards
You spent so much time picking out stationery – don’t just throw away your wedding invitation! Turn it into a cherished keepsake by framing it. Framed wedding invitations can truly look stunning – and they make great gifts!
Wedding reception shadowboxes
Your wedding reception was the party of a lifetime! Re-live those moments in one glance by assembling a shadowbox collection of photos, keepsakes, flowers, table numbers, favors, garters and programs from your celebration. These creative displays are only limited by your imagination!
Your engagement memories
Your story doesn’t begin on your wedding day; marriage proposals are romantic beginnings to a lovely relationship journey. Some proposals are spontaneous and creative; others are traditional and sweet. How did your fiancé propose?
Destination weddings & honeymoons
Your destination wedding was perfectly unique – exotic location, intimate setting, close group of loved ones – cherish those memories! Maybe you got married on a white sand beach in front of crystal clear water… or you honeymooned at an elegant European estate…or you eloped to Paris and got married in front of the Louvre. Your destination wedding and honeymoon was truly remarkable, filled with picture-perfect moments. Remember that feeling!
Additional Topics:
Framing wedding Signature Mats
Signature mats are the perfect frameable alternative to guestbooks. Friends and family can write their best wishes and artistic sentiments directly onto the mat. You can then frame the mat in any style you wish. We can cut a mat for your guests to sign.
Museum Glass
Is there anything worse than getting something framed and not being able to see it? That won’t happen with Museum glass. Not only does it have 99% UV protection (keeps your art & objects from fading), but has exceptional clarity, so that you can really SEE what is behind your frame!
We Rent Frames & Easels
Do you need props for your photo booth? We rent frames and easels! An empty frame makes a fun photo-op; take pictures of the happy couple or guests inside the frame. Easels are a great way to attractively display signs, photos, and directions. Stop in to see our selection of frames and easels. Ask a Frame Depot staff member for details!
