Frame Designs Gallery

Here we have an illustration of the difference frames and matting make. At top is a simple metal frame, hugging the work. In the middle we have bright green and orange mats with a white metal frame. It pops on the wall. On the bottom 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 it uniquely yours. 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 art can 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.

Before You Frame. 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 is 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 gallery.  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 thousands of choices between 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.