March Blog 6

Mat Colors:

Mats are available in hundreds of colors, yet the neutral tones tend to

be best sellers. When you use neutral colors, the art generally stands

out more. Neutral mat colors will also be easier to place into a new

decor when you paint, buy new furniture, or move. However, if you

want color, we have mats in all your favorite tones. We’re here to

help you select the best color for your next framing project!

Mat Patterns/Textures:

In addition to smooth-surfaced mat boards, we also offer a variety of

textures, both in fabric and printed patterns. Fabrics, such as linen, silk

or suede can add a sense of elegance and sophistication to your framed

art. Some of our other patterns work well as accents to add just a touch

of interest to your design.

March blog 5

What is a Float Frame? :

A float is a minimalist frame option sometimes used when framing

art on canvas. The painting drops into the front of the frame so none

of its front surface is covered. This is especially beneficial when the

painting continues from the front down the sides of the canvas or

when an important part of the subject comes so close to the edge of

the art that it would be covered with the lip of a standard frame. As

most float frames are very simple profiles, another, more decorative,

frame can be added around it to bring out the personality of your art.

Mat Quality:

Not all mats are created equally. Mats made from 100% cotton rag or

alpha-cellulose are the best choices. Standard paper mats are highly

acidic. They can discolor, much like newspaper. The acid in paper mats

also migrates out and can damage the art. We always advise the use of

better quality mats, both to protect your art and to prolong the integrity

of the frame designs you purchase from us.

March Blog 4

What is a Fillet? :

A fillet is a decorative accessory that can be inserted into the opening

of a mat or the lip of a frame. When used with a mat, it is most common

to choose a fillet that coordinates with the color and style of the frame.

However, when you want to add a fillet inside the frame, contrast is

most desirable. Fillets are available in a wide variety of colors, styles,

and widths for all of your framing needs. We are always happy to show

you our selection.

Liners :

A liner is a border used between the art and frame when mats aren’t

appropriate. Paintings on canvas and needlepoint are two art forms

where liners are often used. Although, the first liners were gilded panels,

fabric-wrapped liners are quite common today. Most are neutral in tone,

allowing the colors in the art to stand out. Liners come in various profile

shapes and widths to create an ideal combination with the desired

frame. We can combine liners just like we layer mats, creating a truly

custom work of art.

March Blog 3

Frame Depth:

Our deeper mouldings are used to create shadowboxes when we

are framing objects. However, the same mouldings can provide

great solutions when framing art on paper, too. When the art is

placed forward in the frame, the added depth projects the art

towards you. If the art will hang in a niche or bookcase, a deeper

frame helps offset those recesses. We can also recess the art into

the deeper frame, adding depth and drama.

Combining Frame Mouldings:

For centuries it has been a common practice to combine more than

one frame moulding to make a single frame. This technique is called

stacking, just like when carpenters stack mouldings when putting

finishing touches on a room. Stacking frame mouldings enables us

to mix colors or styles to coordinate with your art. This technique

also helps us provide you with a frame of a grander scale for a large

or special piece.

March blog 2

Choosing a frame style:

The style of a frame should always flatter the art it surrounds. If the

art you want to use isn’t the same style as your room, that’s okay. We

can help you choose a frame that will serve as a bridge between the

different styles. For example, an ornate frame may work well with

abstract art to help it work in a classic space or a fresh look for

traditional art can be achieved when paired with a soft contemporary

frame style, instantly updating it.

Appropriate Frame Width:

Many people assume that narrow frame mouldings are for small

pictures and larger works of art should be paired with wider frame

mouldings. That isn’t always the case. Wider frames can benefit smaller

pieces of art by calling attention to them. The width of a frame can also

be used to relate the framed art to the scale of your room or furnishings

– don’t overpower a room with a frame that’s too large for the space or

under-power the artwork with too petite a frame.

March Blog 1

Framing Everyday

Moments and Memories

As you look back at the months of your calendar, memories of holidays and special occasions will no doubt come flooding back. Photographs from Grandma's 90th birthday, Mom and Dad's 50th anniversary celebration, and the whole family gathered around the table at Thanksgiving help us remember those days. Similarly, shoeboxes of birth announcements, wedding invitations, graduation photos and other memorabilia fill us with a sense of nostalgia.

 But if you look a little closer at the calendar pages and dig a little deeper into your shoebox, you will discover that there are plenty of “in between” moments in your life that also need to be preserved. Are you holding onto a restaurant matchbook and a theater program from your first date with your spouse? Let us frame them with a current photo of the two of you for a memorable anniversary gift. Does your husband have a favorite vinyl album that he played again and again his senior year of high school? A custom frame can turn it into a cherished birthday present.

 Of course, you don't need to wait for a special occasion to bring us a custom framing project. Let us tell the story of a favorite vacation by combining postcards from different cities and landmarks with foreign coins, photos and more. Or you can surprise your child by framing a painting from his art class or a first report card, “just because”.

 Along with traditional photographs from holidays and events, we can help you capture life's “in between” moments by framing autographs, concert tickets, newspaper clippings, and other memorabilia.