Custom Framing
DIY Framing Supplies
Framing Hints & Tips
Framing Specials
Why use custom framing?
There are a variety of reasons for choosing custom framing over using readymade or decorator frames.
- Limited size & Styles
Mass-produced frames are made in a set of standard sizes and most popular and/or cost effective materials. Many photographic prints and artwork do not conform to standard sizes.
- Special Features
Certain media, such as three dimensional (3D) art or memorabilia just don't fit or look right in most commercially produced frames.
- Archival Concerns
If you have a valuable or nostalgic piece to frame, you'll want to ensure that all materials used to frame your piece will not cause harm and will, in fact, protect the piece over the long haul.
- Need for originality
If you take months or years to produce your masterpiece or capture that perfect shot, why minimize your creativity by using a one-size-fits-all approach? Make your work stand out by choosing unique Custom framing options.
- Competitions & Galleries
Many juried shows and galleries require specific criteria for their entries. A custom frame shop can help you meet those unique standards.
- Profitability
In keeping with the need for originality, the way you present your work can make a huge difference in the amount your work will bring in a sale. If you're planning to sell something for less than $50, it's probably not worth investing in custom frames. Use a readymade or homemade frame instead. If you're asking hundreds or upwards of a thousand dollars, potential buyers will usually want "the whole package".
What is a custom frame? Custom frames are built using "sticks" or "lengths" of moulding that are cut to the exact measurements required to fit and complement your piece of work. The professional framer helps you choose appropriate moulding, mats, glass and other options.
We have some very nice frame stock on hand to handle emergency orders, but we also have access to hundreds of frame styles through established relationships with several frame supply companies. Between in-store corner samples and extensive catalogs, we will help you choose the style and fit that perfectly accents your artwork. Selections include wood, composite and metal frames. We may even be able to custom stain certain frames to provide a greater level of originality to your artwork.
We carry standard and larger sized glass as well as a wide variety of matboard, both of which can be custom cut to fit your frame. If we don't have the moulding, glass or matboard you want in stock, we can place a special order from one of many suppliers. We have hundreds of mat corner samples to help you choose the color or colors that are right for your piece of work.
Never tried custom framing? Don't worry! We are here to help. We will take your content, ideas and budget into consideration and help you make your selections. We don't have quotas or time limits for working with any one customer and we're not tied to a single supplier. We don't farm out our framing to a central production plant. We pull or order the stock for your item, hand cut and assemble each piece.
But I really only need....
No problem! We can mount a single photo in a cash-and-carry mat or custom frame dozens of works for you. No job is too small or too large. We may even be able to repair or restore your current frames or replace a dingy mat or cloudy pane of glass. We can even cut mats for you mount work onto yourself. Just ask.
We have a selection of hand-cut and bulk mat board, glass and some supplies available to cash-and-carry. See the DIY Supplies page for more information.