What a difference a frame makes!           

A simple metal frame, hugging the work.

 On the left we have bright green and orange mats with a white metal frame.  It pops on the wall.  On the right is a silk top mat in a neutral color with a black bottom mat.  This is framed with a stylish black wooden frame with ornamentation.
   The framing of a piece of art can make or break it.  It can enhance the style or even alter it.  These three frames run the gamot from simple to funky to elegant.  They also represent costs from around $70 to $150 to $320.  This shows how different your work could look, as well as how different your final cost can be.  Have fun with your frame choices.  Look at everything and rely on the advice of experienced framers.  We can guide you to the perfect look.

What can Frame Designs create for you?

French mats, painted bevels, painted mats, etched glass, specialty cuts, hand painted frames, calligraphy, object framing

.....and....

we can also give you the guidance and service that you need.  We have discounts for multiple orders, for teachers and hospital workers, as well as senior citizen and artist discounts.

The first thing to consider is your framer.  You will need to ask some questions. 

Is the framer certified?  The Professional Picture Framers Association conducts certification exams to insure that the framer is knowledgeable in the proper way of framing your artwork.  There is much to learn to preserve as well as present your work to its full potential.

How much experience does the order taker and framer have?  Will the person that helps you choose the best framing design be from another department of the store or is framing their full time job? 

If this is a piece of work that you bought for a particular room, really look at the room.  You may want to match colors.  If so, it is best to bring something from the room so that the framer can match colors successfully.  It is very difficult to remember the precise shade of colors.  Also, you will want to be aware of any size restrictions for the piece.   Another thing to check would be the style of the room.  You will not want to put an ultra modern frame into an antique setting.  Many styles will blend effectively but if you have decorated every aspect of the room in a certain style, your framing should coordinate. 

You will want to have any documentation or information with you.  This can be placed in a pocket on the back of your work. 

Your artwork should be in a safe package to transport it to the store.  If you are planning to go to the frame shop after a long day at work, you may want to bring the art into work with you if it is a very hot or humid day.  Paper and canvas can be affected by extreme temperatures.   Quite often once a piece of paper has been rippled by humidity it can not be flattened successfully.

Lastly, allow yourself enough time to choose your framing style.  There are often 1000's of choices of mats and framing.  Because this is a decision that you will live with a long time, allow yourself at least an hour in most cases, to make the best choice.

Framing Terms

Dry Mounting - This is a method of permanently adhering your work to a board using a vacuum press. It keeps it flat and prevents buckling from humidity. Because it is permanent, dry mounting is not recommended for any original or signed and numbered pieces.

Methyl Cellulose - This is an adhesive that is totally reversible and free of any acid or harmful ingredients. Using this in combination with Japanese paper hinges is a recommended method for mounting valuable works on paper to their acid free backing board.

Ultra Violet Filter Glass - This type of glass will prevent fading from the harmful rays of the sun. It is available in regular and nonglare.

Fillets - pronounced fill-ays and also fill-ets. - Made from wood, these are very small frames meant to nestle inside a mat or inside the lip of a frame. They provide depth and visual highlights.

Faux Fillets - Made from hand colored marble paper wrapped around beveled foam core, these fillets serve the same purpose as wooden fillets.

This glue sculpture was created because of the way I join frames.  Many framers will dab on some glue and immediately put the frame in the v-nailer.  A v-nailer is a machine that drives a v shaped staple into the back of a frame.  It has been the industry standard for years.  I love my v-nailer but I believe the glue does most of the work.  I take the time to spread the glue over all of the exposed edges to be joined.  This ensures that there are no unglued pockets.  I then give the frame some vice time before taking it to the v-nailer.  This is to ensure no gaps! 

The sculpture was created from years of wiping the excess glue off of my palette knife.