It's that time of year again, DIPLOMA TIME!  Here at the shop we take diploma framing pretty seriously, as you can tell from our sample display.  We have custom framed samples from the six universities closest to us.  Because we are in Charlottesville, Virginia, the one in the center is my actual diploma from UVA! And we have a Jefferson bust to keep all the diplomas company.



There are so many ways to frame a diploma


 

Typical Samples that would look great on a diploma

A close up of my diploma, I was going for an 'Explorer's Club' look with a super rich veneered frame and a gold beaded filet in the matting.

Artist Spotlights First Quarter Edition!

Another look at Shadowbox FAQs

Now is a great time to frame your 3-D items in a shadowbox, here is a post from 2012 that answers some popular questions about how it's done.

 

 

Can you frame a...

Framing 3-D items into a shadowbox is one of the most mysterious services a custom frame shop can offer, and the techniques used are closely held secrets that are passed on from framer to framer.

 Of course that isn't true, but I get asked more questions about shadowboxes than any other service we offer.  Here are some FAQs that should demystify the situation:

1. What is a Shadowbox?

A shadowbox describes any frame where there is a visible space between the glass and the mat. This space is often used to accommodate 3-D objects but even flat paper art can be framed in this way.

2. What can I put into a Shadowbox?

                                                  The most common items that we put into shadowboxes are clothing items (think sports jerseys) or small collections of similar items (think war medals), but pretty much anything can be framed in a shadowbox. I like to draw the line at perishable items because they could present a big problem in the future!

3. How are the items attached in the frame?

For the most part, items in shadowboxes are sewn down using a matching thread or clear fishing line. Items that can't be sewn can be attached using mylar strips, specially designed acrylic mounting brackets (think swords and guns), or as a last resort- a silicone adhesive.

4. Are Shadowboxes more expensive than regular frames?

The short answer- yes.

The long answer- Shadowbox frames are deeper than regular frames so they tend to be slightly more expensive. The big difference in the price of a shadowbox and a regular frame is the labor involved in attaching the items to the mat. So the more items in a shadowbox, the higher the cost. But a typical shadowbox will probably be 30-50% more than a comparable frame for flat artwork.

A well done shadowbox in your home or office will be a conversation piece that you can pass down for generations.  Come in to see what we can create for your special items!

Add Interest with a Picture Rail

Picture rails are perfect for walls that are tricky to put hooks into such as this brick veneer.


 

When we moved our store in October 2012, we decided to add a brick veneer wall (above) to demonstrate the use of a picture rail.  Picture rails allow tremendous versatility with zero wall damage, which makes them a great choice for people who change their artwork often. Picture rail moulding is straight forward to install and can be used in an entire room, or just for an accent. The following video from HGTV shows how to install your own rail!

Open For Business!

      Well it was a very stressful last week, but we are up and running in our brand new location (1860 Rio Hill Center) The official Grand Opening Party will be October 9th from 12:30 till 7.  Stop in and see us, because these photos don't do the stoer justice!

Week 2 (and a half) progress at the new store!

                                                                                    

So this was a busy week and a half at the new store! We finished the brick wall (thanks Dad!), and laid down the cork flooring in the front room (thanks Dad again!).  We also moved over the first piece of actual framing equipment (the drymount press:big gray flat thing on the fabric fronted table) and stained the work table a dark walnut to increase contrast when we're working on projects. Only one week left until our projected opening, fingers crossed!

Week 1 Progress at the new store!

     This past week was super busy at the new location, and we did make some noticeable progress.  In the front room we did most of the painting, the electricians installed the rail lighting system, and we are half way done with the brick wall.  In the back, most of the custom built work tables are in place.  I can't wait to see what happens next week!