Don't Forget the Frame IN Your Next Photo

Anyone who's a fan of ABC's "Modern Family" (like me!) knows about their great opening credits featuring each family framed within a frame within a frame (see picture). Framing is something that I know a little bit about, and since I've started watching "Modern Family" I've noticed that other people have taken this framing idea and run with it.

Milestone photos are common and people are always looking for ideas to make their portraits a little more creative and unique. Whether its a wedding, maternity or baby photo, bring a frame into the picture with you. People love the details in a picture, and by holding an empty picture frame, you can show people exactly what you want them to focus on.

There are plenty of bold, funky and fun frames on the market right now (we just got samples in that have faux giraffe and zebra fur). Or find one second-hand and paint it the color you want. Go the extra mile and frame the finished photo in the same frame you're holding in the picture. You get an amazing picture-within-picture effect.

Oval and round frames work great with round, baby-filled bellies or sweet little newborns all curled up. Or, as one example shows, frame a chalkboard with your own personal message or the child's name and include it in the picture.

There will always be wedding, maternity and baby photos. Liven them up with a fun idea. As mega-pixel cameras become more affordable and easier to use, formal portraits have fallen by the wayside. Get out your camera, tap into your creativity and have fun. But don't forget to include the frame, the possiblities are endless!

Don't Leave Items in Boxes, Closets— Do Shadowbox

I think spring may finally be on its way. Every year at about this time, I start to wonder if we'll ever have warm days again. Well, the bulbs are starting to come up and we have had a few sunny (and cold) days.
We're almost there.

We were busy at my house this past weekend cleaning up the last of our storm debris and starting a bit of a spring purge and cleaning the house inside. When I get into "purge mode," I always come across items that I want to keep: heirlooms, kids' art, mementos but I don't know what to do with them.
I usually take them out of their box a couple times a year, reminisce, then they're back in the box for another six months. You would think I would come to the conclusion at some point that if they're worth keeping, maybe I should also enjoy them more than twice a year? And maybe others could too?
I should take cues from our customers. Over the past several months, we have framed an heirloom quilt square, a piece of scrimshaw, an antique needlepoint sampler, a golf ball with tee and an Olympic sports jerseys.

The list goes on and on.
The point is, things that are important to us, things that we want displayed in our homes aren't always flat. No problem, because it can be framed!
People often ask me what kinds of things do you frame? My response is everything. If it can make it through our door, we can usually frame it.

Now is a great time to come in with your treasured items taking up space in boxes inside your closets. Lakewood Gallery & Framing is having its annual framing sale through the entire month of March. All custom framing projects are 20 percent off. Better than that, we love a challenge.
What is the story behind your item? Are there photos that go along with it that could be included? These usually turn into great conversation starters to have in your home.
Now I have challenged myself too! I'm going to frame my items at home that I love, but never get to enjoy. Stay tuned.... you may see those projects in progress on here! Happy spring, well, almost.

Is Your Framing Preserving Your Artwork?

Antique Photos - Before new mats and glass

Antique Photos - After new mats and glass

Once a piece of artwork is framed, it is framed for life—a common misconception that has taken its toll on many pieces of art. In fact, new framing products are continually being released to further the life of your artwork.

UV protecting glass, cotton rag mats and acid buffering materials were not commonly used or were cost prohibitive 15-20 years ago. It is a good idea to bring your framed art to your local framer about every 10 years to make sure your artwork is still in prime condition and to educate yourself on new products that may extend the life of the piece.

Glass
Arguably the best update you can make to preserve your framed art is an upgrade to conservation glass. UV protecting glass considerably extends the life of your artwork by minimizing fading. We never recommend hanging artwork in direct sunlight, but even indirect sunlight can cause fading. Your local framer can determine if the glass on your art is conservation or you may have a sticker on the back of your framing indicating what type of glass was used. Prices on UV proctecting glass have dropped to a range that is within reach of most consumers, and considering the value it preserves in your artwork, typically worth the investment.

Mats
All of the mats commonly used in framing today are acid-free or 100 percent cotton rag. You may be able to determine what mats you have by looking at the bevels on the opening cut in the mat - are they yellowed and brown? Or crisp white? Cotton rag and acid-free mats will be white, paper mats yellow or brown. Yellowing is caused by acid, which can be transferred to your artwork touching the underside of that mat. Conservation mats will preserve art on paper and photos (and you might opt to choose new colors for a fresh look).

Frames
The frame is typically the most costly part of custom framing. Thankfully, in most cases, the frame can stay on the artwork for as long as you desire. Your local framer can usually cut mats and glass to fit the artwork and the existing frame.

Restoration
If you find that your artwork is damaged, don't panic. Art restoration companies can work miracles to breathe new life into damaged art. Don't consider anything ruined until you speak with an art restoration expert.

How is your artwork doing? Have you taken a look at it lately? Remember, you framed it for a reason! It may have personal importance or monetary value, either way, consider taking framed artwork to your local framer who can easily help you with preservation and updating.