Custom Picture Framing is part art, part craft, all passion.
Custom picture framing methods vary, depending upon your artwork. Some things call for matting, others can utilize a simple frame, while still others may require special mounting.
Matting
When helping you in your matting decision, my goal is to ensure that your finished project will look as good in ten or fifteen years as it does when you walk out the shop door.
Matting can not only enhance artwork, it serves to protect it by providing physical separation from the glazing (glass, acrylic). The simplicity of one mat, many times even a white or an off-white, can deliver an attractive accent without being distracting. When colors are desired, careful selection from the many choices available can bring out the most subtle detail in your artwork and create that something special for you.
I recommend mats for:
- Small and medium-size art work or prints
- Documents like college diplomas or special awards
- Anytime you need to create a focal point in a large wall space
Edge-To-Edge Framing
Edge-to-edge framing is just what it says. Instead of matting, your artwork is placed directly in the frame, with a special spacer that provides that all-important separation between the glazing and the artwork.
With a large or light-weight item, such as a map or movie poster, it is sometimes best to have it dry-mounted. This procedure will prevent the artwork from sagging over time, and can help to hide surface anomalies such as tears or wrinkles in an older piece.
I recommend edge-to-edge framing for:
- Items that already have large borders
- Over-sized art prints or photographs
- Posters
Special Mounting
There are just too many variations to this theme to cover here, but two that stand out are “floating” and shadow boxes.
When “floating”, your artwork is attached to a piece of acid-free foam board that is hidden behind it, but supports it within the space created between the glazing and the matting behind it. An additional mat may be cut and installed which surrounds everything. As a result, your art appears to be floating in the center of the frame.
I recommend floating for:
- Original works or paintings on paper
- Art with an interesting or irregular edge
- Special items such as a hand-written letter or that first dollar
Shadow boxes are used to enclose collections of items of special interest. They can be very large with simple contents, or small with complex arrangements.
I recommend shadow boxes for:
- Sports jerseys
- Collections of personal or professional memorabilia
- Presentation flags
Whether its a painting, a photograph, or cherished objects we can help you with the decisions that will provide a lasting memory.