The Different Forms of Printed Media - and How to Frame Them (2 of 2)

6.  Etching: A printing process where an image is scratched into a plate. The plate is then dipped into acid, causing the scratched areas to be eaten away. Finally, the plate is inked and pressed into the paper to transfer the image.

7.  Engraving: A printing process in which lines are cut into a plate using a tool. No acid is used in this process. The plate is then inked and pressed into paper to transfer the image.

8.  Collagraph: A work of art produced by the inking of any combination, or collage, of materials, which forms a plate for printing the image on paper.

9.  Intaglio: A process which includes an all-metal plate engraving and etching processes in which the printed areas are recessed. This kind of process can include etchings, engravings, and mezzotints among others.

10.  Monoprint: A one-of-a-kind print made by painting on a sheet or slab and transferring the wet painting to a sheet of paper. The process, similar to a stamp, can be done by hand or by machine.

Why It Matters For Your Custom Frame

At FastFrame, the first thing we do is walk you through all your framing options with a personalized design consultation.

The type of printed art form you wish to frame matters for your frame and matting choice. You want a mat and frame that highlights your printed art, not overwhelms it. ‘

In addition, different print forms have different preservation requirements. While a new poster or photograph might not be very delicate, a historic lithograph might require Preservation Plus™ framing in order to protect it from harmful acids and UV rays.

Our experts work with you to determine the right design and materials for your custom frame based on the fragility, type, color, and size of your piece of art - plus the style of decor where the framed artwork will hang!

The Different Forms of Printed Media - and How to Frame Them (1 of 2)

There are many different styles and methods of printing artwork. Not all printers work the same, and not all printed media looks the same. A poster is different from a serigraph, and an art print is different from a photograph. Depending on the printing method used, you may want to explore different methods of framing.

This article is your guide to framing printed media - we have outlined some important definitions and considerations for you below!

The 10 most common technical terms used in printing are:

1.  Poster: An inexpensive, printed reproduction of a piece of artwork, generally containing some form of promotion in the margins (artist’s name, gallery or museum name,  event name).

2.  Photograph: This refers to an image captured on a camera of a real-life subject, and is often printed either on glossy paper or canvas in high resolution.

3.  Print: A generic term used to describe an impression made on paper from a variety of sources such as a block, plate or film negative. It generally contains no promotional information but may contain information concerning the artist, the medium and the date the original was created. Artwork is often replicated as a print.

4.  Lithograph: A generic term used to designate a print made using a flat surface (typically stone or metal) to produce copies. The art is etched into the flat surface, which can then be coated in ink and imprinted on paper in order to make replications.,

5.  Serigraph: A method of printing using a prepared stencil attached to silk or polyester fabric through which color (ink) is forced.

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5 Creative Wedding Gift Ideas, Using Custom Framing (2 of 2)

4.  Make a Collage with Multiple Frames

Another way to group together several important photos is to create a collage. Arrange the photos in a creative way with your framer to create a fun piece of art for their home together.

5.  Frame Romantic Prose

Don’t have the perfect photo or piece of memorabilia? The couple will always appreciate something that simply describes love. Maybe there is a love poem that reminds you of this couple? Or maybe a special quote that describes them perfectly? Print and frame these romantic words for them to hang in their home.

Bonus Idea: Post- Wedding Custom Frame

Another great idea is to give the couple a note saying you will have their favorite photo custom-framed in the style of their home.  After the wedding, our framing experts will work with you to turn a photo into a beautiful gift.

These are just a few of our favorite ideas - but there is really no limit!

We can frame 3D items, photos, art, memorabilia, and more. Once-in-a-lifetime keepsakes need one-of-a-kind custom framing - and we love being a part of the special day!

Each of our local FastFrame framers are committed to creating beautiful, memorable pieces of art for you and the people you love. Give a gift they will never forget - visit your local FastFrame to get started!

Finding the Right Mat for Your Custom-Framed Artwork or Photo

When you’re working with your personal design consultant on your individual frame design, one thing you’ll discuss is the mat. A mat is simply a border placed around the artwork that has both a functional and decorative purpose.

As a functional piece, the mat provides spacing between the frame’s glass and the object being framed, helping to protect your framed treasure from damage. It also hides the mechanics of the framed piece so that your art is simply presented with no distractions from hinges or dry mounts.

As part of the design, your FastFrame design consultant can help you select the mat that is just right for your picture or keepsake. Different colors or textures can draw the eye or make a particular part of the artwork stand out. It can also tie your artwork into the design of your house or office, keeping colors and style consistent.

The Best Material for the Mat in Your Custom Frame

There are four types of material used to make mats: paper, alpha cellulose, rag mats, and fabric.  Whatever type of material you select to best protect your artwork, you should only use mat boards that are preservation or museum grade.

Paper mats are cost-effective, but their color fades over time and when they break down, they can leave a burn mark on your artwork.  For this reason, we do not recommend using paper mats.

Alpha cellulose mats are buffered to maintain a neutral pH. They will not fade or “bleed” over time. They are preservation grade and will help protect your artwork.

A rag mat is made from cotton linters. Rag mats can be preservation grade or the highest quality museum grade, making them a good choice to protect and showcase your artwork.

Fabric mats can add a distinct elegance to your framed art.  At FastFrame, we can help you find the right fabric for your artwork. One disadvantage of using fabric mats is that many are not preservation-grade. We can also hand-wrap any fabric you choose over an existing mat, creating a perfect custom framing solution for your artwork.

Choosing the Right Colors for Your Frame’s Mat

When choosing the right color for the mat in your custom frame, there are a few things to consider. Typically, frames include both a top mat and one or two inner mats.

Using multiple mats helps create depth and open up the multiple colors in your artwork. We use the colors in the artwork as a guide; the top mat harmonizes with the entire piece of art, while the inner mats help bring out background colors.

How to Pick the Right Size for Your Custom Frame Mat

During your personal design consultation, you’ll also decide how wide you want the mat in your custom frame to be. There are two basic approaches to determining the right width for your frame. The first is make the mat equal on all sides, which brings balance and symmetry to the design. The second makes the bottom of the mat larger than the top and sides, which provides

the eye with a sense of stability, especially for artwork hung high on the wall.

For either style, the mat should be at least one inch wider than the visible width of the frame and always proportional to the art itself.

Mat boards typically come in a size of 32 x 40 inches, though you may also find oversized mats that measure 40 x 60 inches. A mat is generally about 2 millimeters thick, though we can help you find thicker mats for a more dramatic presentation.

You have many options to choose from. Our goal at FastFrame is to work with you to create a personal and unique design that you will love for years to come.

Wood Frame or Metal Frame: Which Should I Choose?

Deciding on a custom frame is a personal choice, which is why at FastFrame, we work with you to ensure that you love your frame. When you come in for your personal design consultation, we will help you determine which style is right for your frame design.

One important  choice is the type of frame: wood or metal. Wood frames are the industry standard, but metal frames have a distinct modern style. Each type of custom frame has unique qualities, so let’s break down the pros and cons.

Wood Frames

Most custom frames are made of wood, since there is a wider selection of colors and styles from which to choose. A wood frame can be painted or stained to any color, and you have a wide selection of designs that run from simple to elaborate and ornate. Wood frames are also sturdy, which helps protect your artwork.

If you’re looking to frame a more traditional piece of art or an heirloom, a wooden frame is a classic choice and a good place to start.

 

Metal Frames

Custom frames made of metal have modern, sleek styling. If you’re looking for a minimalist or industrial modern look for your custom frame, metal is a good choice. A metal frame can accent metallic tones in a photo, while a sleek metal frame can balance an intricate or busy piece of art.

More colors and designs are becoming available as new trends find ways to blend modern technology with design flair. One advantage to a metal frame is that they don’t dent or ding as easily as a wood frame, and if you do damage the frame, it can be taken apart and the damaged side replaced without having to replace the whole frame.

Choosing the Right Frame

The right custom frame for you will reflect your personal style. If you’re more traditional and you’re framing a treasured family photo, we might suggest a classic wood frame. If you’re all about sleek and modern and you’re framing a custom print of a city skyline, a metal frame might be more your style.

Our design consultants will get to know you and then recommend a frame that best enhances your art, photo, or keepsake.

Jersey Framing: Score Points for Well-Played Sports Displays

People who play team sports usually own a pullover custom jersey with their name, player number, and team logo emblazoned across it. The day will inevitably arrive, however, when it’s time to stop playing. On that day, they hang up their gear for good. Jersey framing can be a great way to make the memories from the playing days last.

Some people just tuck their custom jersey in the back of the closet. Others prefer to hang it up on a wall. Hanging a jersey on the wall of a den or bedroom is an easy way to remember your favorite times with friends on the field. Simply hanging it up may not be enough though. Making it into a memorabilia display gives your jersey a professional and sleek look.

Jersey framing keeps your favorite memories alive.

You can maximize the usage of your jersey with a custom frame. It’s a great way to do more with the original purchase and to give it a brand new meaning in your day-to-day life. Honor your playing days by continuing the legacy through your custom jersey display.

And of course, fans who purchase a jersey bearing the name of their favorite sports superstar can proudly show their loyalty using custom frames. Framing goes far beyond just 2D objects such as photographs or prints. Your jersey is one of the many 3D items that can be on display in your home or office. That means you can put your favorite team gear to use even when you’re done wearing it.

Custom framing jerseys and other memorabilia is an art form.

Properly displaying a jersey on the wall starts by mounting it within a frame. As you might imagine, jersey framing is an art. When it comes to even the smallest jersey, a custom frame is always best. That’s why you should talk to the framing experts at FastFrame before you go any further. FastFrame specializes in framing sports jerseys and tons of other memorabilia.

There are many ways to frame a jersey. The most basic approach involves laying the jersey flat and centering it against the frame’s backing. But, you can also position the jersey as far up inside the frame as possible in order to leave space at the bottom for one or more individually framed photos. For example, these can be photos of the player running, catching a ball, or jumping for joy after a big score.

Design experts customize all kinds of memorabilia projects.

FastFrame design experts who coach you will also walk you through a dizzying array of choices concerning frame size, shape, style, and color. With their help, the process of displaying your custom jersey unfolds with ease. A handcrafted custom frame catches the eye of everyone stopping by your home or office. Let friends, family, or coworkers admire your sports memorabilia.

Whether you’re remembering your own time on the field or showing support for your favorite sports team or player, jersey framing is the ideal memorabilia project for you.

Office Makeover: Impress Clients and Staff using Custom Framing

Your office is your home away from home. Given how many hours you spend there during the week, why not give it the impressive makeover that it deserves? Custom framing can add that wow that you’ve been looking for while on the clock. Here’s why you should consider a simple office makeover that includes custom framing.

One way that you can make your office feel more like home is by adorning its walls with meaningful photographs, colorful artwork, and familiar or thought-provoking items.

Your office needs to be as attractive and inviting as your actual home. Plus, because your office is commercial space, it’s appropriate to also display wall-mounted items that speak to your business experiences and vision. These items can include diplomas, licenses, certificates, awards, and mission statements – perhaps even that first dollar you earned way back when.

Display items can match the existing decor of your office.

No matter what you choose to hang on your office walls, make sure you place those items within frames that catch the eye. These frames should also compliment the room’s existing furnishings. You have a style. Let it shine throughout the entirety of the office. Your personality and approach to your business can come to life through the custom framed items you select for display.

Impress clients and staff with custom framing.

Choosing the right frame is essential. One that accomplishes its goal will impress clients, customers, sales prospects, and your staff. Anyone that steps foot in your office should be able to get a sense of what you and your business are all about.

Also found at any FastFrame location is expert guidance in selecting custom frames that powerfully speak to your business. Framing is not something solely intended to decorate the home. Anything from a small business to a commercial office space can take advantage of the benefits of custom framing.

When you consult with FastFrame design experts about custom framing for your office, one of the first things they’ll ask you is what you want to achieve in the way of a specific look. They need to know about the existing style of your office. Once they have a handle on it, they can provide all the framing options available to you. They’ll work closely with you to come up with a unique design.

Build upon your existing office style or totally revamp it.

The choice is yours. If you’re looking to rejuvenate your existing office, let the design experts know. You may like your current decor but feel that it is missing something. Simply displaying items such as certificates or photographs might help, but giving them a custom frame that makes the overall feel of the office really pop can make all the difference.

Design experts will handcraft your custom frames. Your artwork, documents, or display items will be flawlessly framed in practically no time. When they’re ready, all you need do is take your frames to your office, hang them, and enjoy the feeling of your revamped workspace.

Dry Mounting: When You Should Choose It

There are a variety of different types of mounting techniques and dry mounting is just one of them.

Before you decide to display any type of photo or poster, or mount any piece of artwork, you need to know which type of mounting method is ideal for you.

What is dry mounting?

Dry mounting is one of the three main techniques used for mounting a piece of art on paper or a backing board.

In general, mounting is the method used for holding your artwork in place within a frame. Custom framing allows for a few different types of mounting. If you want to permanently attach and flatten your artwork within a frame, then dry mounting is the method for you.

Dry mounting is permanent, whereas the other two major methods are either semi-permanent or incorporate the use of hinges. Semi-permanent mounting allows for the use of heat to remove a piece of art from its backing board sometime down the line. Both dry and semi-permanent mounting seek to simply flatten the artwork and remove creases or wrinkles.

Hinging is a technique used for more valuable items and attaches the artwork to a backing board or mat through the use of hinges or small pieces of tape. These materials allow for the mounting to be completely reversed at a later date.

FastFrame design experts utilize a heating method of application when it comes to dry mounting. Through the use of a vacuum press, backing board, and adhesives, designers fit your artwork into place.

The ultimate goal of this method is to flatten the artwork and remove any and all creases or wrinkles. It places the artwork permanently onto a backing board in order to reduce the ongoing effects of cockling or rippling.

What type of art should be dry mounted?

Dry mounting is most commonly used with open-edition prints and posters. The method fits a particular need when it comes to transforming an otherwise ordinary work into something more special.

The technique is mainly for aesthetic purposes.

Remember that it is NOT reversible. If you’re unsure as to whether or not you will need to undo a mounting, ask a local design expert before you consider any type of method. Let them know what type of artwork you are looking to mount and frame.

Some items to avoid when it comes to dry mounting include any artwork that is susceptible to melting or that may contain oil-based products, wax, pastel, or charcoal-based art, and signed posters or prints.

The goal of dry mounting is to allow you to frame and prominently display an item rather than simply pinning it up on the wall as is. It allows you to create something more with your existing decor. Once you’ve chosen dry mounting as your prefered method, you can then consult with a designer in order to find out what type of custom frame will work best with the piece of art.

Framing TVs: A Growing Trend

TVs? Most of us have them. Did you know that you can incorporate your TV into your overall decor using custom framing?

Framing Flat Screen TVs is a growing trend in custom framing

Technology is at the heart and soul of our daily lives. Our favorite tech can also be elegant and tailored to fit our unique lifestyles.

Finding a creative way to fit your Flat Screen TV into a design scheme can give your home that extra boost you’ve been looking for. Whether you want the TV to stand out as a bold focal point in the room or have it sleekly blend into existing decor, design experts are here to help you find the right approach.

Your style is important and you shouldn’t have to toss that aside when it comes to the television. Flat screen TVs allow for more in terms of design. They are dynamic and designers are already making use of that. Gone are the days of bulky television sets. Now, local framing experts can create a way to work the TV into your decor with ease.

Let your TV stand out, even when it is off

A TV does not have to look like it does when you pull it out of the box. Using a custom frame, design experts can create any type of bold, elegant, or sleek frame to fit your style.

This way, the TV can become its own work of art, even when it’s off. The style of your home can continue into the use of your technology. Find a way to work custom framing into your flat screen TV. If you need some inspiration on how to do so, consult with a local design expert to help you complete the room.

Stop by FastFrame of Santa Monica and ask our design experts about framing TVs.

Framing TVs: A Growing Trend

TVs? Most of us have them. Did you know that you can incorporate your TV into your overall decor using custom framing?

Framing Flat Screen TVs is a growing trend in custom framing

Technology is at the heart and soul of our daily lives. Our favorite tech can also be elegant and tailored to fit our unique lifestyles.

Finding a creative way to fit your Flat Screen TV into a design scheme can give your home that extra boost you’ve been looking for. Whether you want the TV to stand out as a bold focal point in the room or have it sleekly blend into existing decor, design experts are here to help you find the right approach.

Your style is important and you shouldn’t have to toss that aside when it comes to the television. Flat screen TVs allow for more in terms of design. They are dynamic and designers are already making use of that. Gone are the days of bulky television sets. Now, local framing experts can create a way to work the TV into your decor with ease.

Let your TV stand out, even when it is off

A TV does not have to look like it does when you pull it out of the box. Using a custom frame, design experts can create any type of bold, elegant, or sleek frame to fit your style.

This way, the TV can become its own work of art, even when it’s off. The style of your home can continue into the use of your technology. Find a way to work custom framing into your flat screen TV. If you need some inspiration on how to do so, consult with a local design expert to help you complete the room.

Stop by FastFrame of Santa Monica and ask our design experts about framing TVs.

FastFrame Owner Spotlight

FastFrame is all about personal interaction, and for one FastFrame owner, that’s the best part of the job.

Wilson Kam from the Santa Monica FastFrame store jumped into the custom framing business in 2016, taking over a store that has been around for almost 30 years. Connecting with his customers is his favorite thing about his day to day work.

“I like helping customers, and finding out the story behind their artwork,” he said.

He got into the custom framing industry because he liked the business model, saying that it fit him and what he likes to do. Since FastFrame stores are owner-operated, it gives him the chance to really interact with this customers.

When you’re working to create something so personal for a customer, the quality and craftsmanship are critical, but so is the story behind the project.

The in-depth, personal design consultation that every FastFrame customer gets is a chance to find out more about the people coming into his store and what they care about. Wilson talks to each customer, learns their story, and then helps them create the perfect design for their project, whatever it is.

Once he knows the story behind the project and has worked with the customer to create the perfect design, Wilson turns the project over to his expert framers. He enjoys being out front, working directly with the people who come into the store. That individual attention is the foundation of his store.

Every FastFrame store handles things that are important to their customers: memories, treasures, things that are part of their hearts and souls. And all of those items come with some kind of personal narrative.

We asked him about his favorite project so far, and he couldn’t pick just one, saying with a chuckle, “I like anything with a story behind it.”

As with any small business, the main challenge Wilson faces is increasing his client base. He noted that his main goal now is to grow the numbers of customers coming into his store.

Learning his customers’ stories is an important part of building this FastFrame store’s presence in the community. Keeping it personal and engaging is what Wilson does best.

Customers that are passionate about their projects get him excited about the work, too. And passion forms the core of his advice to other FastFrame store owners: “Stay passionate about what you’re doing; enjoy what you’re doing.”

Giving our customers that personal engagement and helping them tell their stories is what FastFrame, and Wilson, are all about.

Visit FastFrame Santa Maonica and begin working on your custom framing project today!

Thinking Inside the Box: Custom Framing 3D Objects (3 of 3)

Consider what one young mother did to preserve the memories of her baby’s birth: she purchased a shadowbox and proceeded to fill it with more than a half-dozen items, all of them associated with her blessed event.

Among those items were a wooden yardstick with the baby’s birth height written upon it in bright red ink; an alarm clock with the hands positioned to show the time of birth; the barcoded wristband worn by the newborn while in the pediatric ward; and baby’s hospital-issued swaddling. There also were two photographs: an ultrasound image and a picture of baby asleep in her hospital bassinet. Both photos were secured to the shadowbox backing with spring-fitted wooden clips, the kind that mothers long ago used for hanging freshly laundered cloth diapers on an outdoor drying line.

Life is Lived in Three Dimensions

Since the world exists in three dimensions and your life is lived in three dimensions, a frame like the shadowbox enables you to better reflect those realities. They should, for that reason, be thought of as an essential item for your wall or shelf.

Thinking Inside the Box: Custom Framing 3D Objects (2 of 3)

There’s actually a special type of custom frame for 3D objects, and FastFrame specializes in it. This frame is called a “shadowbox”.

Shadowboxes are different from regular custom frames only with regard to the dimension of depth. Regular custom frames – say, those that measure 8 inches wide by 10 inches high – usually have a depth of under an inch.

In contrast, 8-by-10 inch shadowboxes commonly have a depth of 3 to 4 inches, sometimes more.

This depth makes it possible to mount small objects – seashells, for instance – within the borders of the frame.

But, don’t think seashells are the only items that can go inside these special frames! Common shadowbox treasures include sports memorabilia (such as jerseys, autographed balls, trophies, ticket stubs) and family keepsakes (jewelry, silverware, preserved bridal bouquets, children’s arts-and-crafts projects, antique cameras).

Another great thing about shadowboxes is they allow you to be very creative with regard to how you showcase the objects within them. For one, you’re not limited to displaying a single object.

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Thinking Inside the Box: Custom Framing 3D Objects (1 of 3)

Stop ten people on the street and ask them to list things that can be placed inside a custom frame, and chances are most will respond with a photograph, a painting, a certificate or a poster.

However, a couple of those people might produce a much longer list. Much, much longer. And they’re right. Because, as thecustom framing experts at FastFrame can tell you, basically any three-dimensional object of a reasonable size can be fit within a custom frame.

Why would you want to put a three-dimensional object inside a custom frame? Well, just to cite one example, let’s say you vacationed on an exotic beach this past summer and came home with terrific photographs of all the fun you had frolicking in the water and lounging on the sand.

But, you also came home with a collection of unusual seashells that you gathered while lazily ambling along the shoreline. Now, every time you look at them you’re reminded of those wonderful days at the beach, so you want to set them out for permanent display.

What’s the best way to commemorate your trip? Mount both in a custom frame hung prominently on your wall!

The Solution for Framing 3D Objects

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Conservation Grade Glazing for Custom Frames: Vital in Rooms Brightened by Natural or Strong Artificial Light (3 of 3)

Conservation Grade Glazing is important, no question about it.

Especially in light of the continuing trend for more, and bigger, windows (as well as for brighter, artificially illuminated rooms). FastFrame experts understand glazing intimately, and they are eager to share their knowledge with you.

Start your project today!

Conservation Grade Glazing for Custom Frames: Vital in Rooms Brightened by Natural or Strong Artificial Light (2 of 3)

Conservation Grade Glazing Blocks the Majority of Ultraviolet Rays

Fortunately, there is a way to counteract the effects of ultraviolet exposure.

It’s called conservation grade glazing.

Using conservation grade glazing is essential in a home where ultraviolet rays from sunlight can, for any portion of the day, strike the surfaces of your framed pictures and works of art.  It is also essential in rooms where there are incandescent or fluorescent lighting.

Conservation grade glass utilizes a special film designed to reflect ultraviolet rays away from photos and paintings.  Conservation grade acrylic has the ultraviolet reflecting properties built into the material.

FastFrame stores stock conservation grade glazing rated effective for blocking up to 99 percent of those harmful rays.

By shielding your photos and other works of art on paper with conservation grade glazing and, by hanging your artwork in areas that receive little or no direct sunlight, you can protect them from ultraviolet rays for years to come.

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Conservation Grade Glazing for Custom Frames: Vital in Rooms Brightened by Natural or Strong Artificial Light (1 of 3)

The architectural design trend of making more liberal use of windows is seemingly more popular than ever before.

Why wouldn’t it be? Adding more and/or larger windows to a room makes the space feel larger and airier.

However, while the brilliant glow of sunshine may make a room more delightful, there is a downside to it. Natural light (and to an extent, strong artificial light) is damaging to photographs, paintings and works of art on paper.

The reason is the light streaming through all those windows contains ultraviolet rays. When these rays strike the emulsified celluloid surface of a photo or the oil-based pigment brushed across the canvas of a painting, they cause fading and deterioration.

This damage doesn’t occur in a single day because the effects of exposure to ultraviolet rays are cumulative – they show up after some span of months or years.

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Custom Frame A Gift For Mom

You want to get your mom something special for Mother’s Day - and you are in the right place! A custom-framed memory makes the perfect gift. Here are some custom framing gift ideas for mom to get your creative juices flowing:

Custom frames filled with memories of your favorite treats

Remember how Mom used to whip up delicious treats for you in her kitchen? If she still has that old mixing spoon lying around, you can frame it!

Add a handwritten note expressing your gratitude for her making your tummy happy for all those years. The bonus is that the note can go right next to the mixing spoon inside of the frame. If you don’t have a memorable kitchen item, notes work well on their own too! Do you have heartfelt letters, thank you notes, or birthday cards you wrote mom when you were a kid? All of them can be custom framed and put on display for her to enjoy all over again.

A collage of photos is always a wonderful gift

Custom framing can make any photo standout. You can get creative with the project and make it an entire set of photos, creating a collage. Dig up that old photo album and pick some of your favorite shots of the family. Instead of keeping these memories tucked away in an album, you can custom frame some of the best ones in a collage for mom. Remind her how much the entire family loves her this Mother’s Day.

Custom framing even works with memorable outdoor items

Anything from smooth stones from the backyard to seashells from the beach can be custom framed. Collect some items from the great outdoors that have special significance for your family, and turn them into a custom-framed treasure.

Make it something that evokes pleasant memories and get creative with how you assemble the project.

Does Mom have jewelry from years ago tucked away? Why not frame some?

You never know what Mom might have tucked away in the back of her jewelry box. Why not ask about some of her old jewelry? There are probably a number of pieces she adores but hasn’t been able to wear lately. Maybe they’ve gone out of style or newer jewelry has replaced them for certain occasions. Either way, you can mount them inside a custom frame and she’ll be able to cherish them in a whole new way.

Your mom is important. So is telling her how much she means to you. The best way to say it is with a creative gift mounted within a unique custom frame. Not sure which framing style is right for your special project?  They’re here to help you make your gift all the more meaningful.

How Custom Frames Can Complete Your Holiday Decorating (3 of 3)

HOLIDAY DECORATING IDEA 3. Picture frames are supposed to be mounted level when hung on a wall, but the holidays are the perfect time to get a little tipsy (we mean your frames, not you).  

First, take a two-inch wide strip of holiday ribbon. Cut off about a yard’s worth from the spool. Fashion a big bow from that length, but leave about 18 inches of the ribbon as a tail.

Attach the bow at any corner of a square, open and backless frame. Take the bow’s long tail and attach the end of it high up on a wall. Allow the frame to dangle from this length of ribbon. (If the frame is heavy and you don’t feel confident that the ribbon can support it, secure the frame first with a wall hanger of its own and then attach the tail to the wall.)

The frame will now appear to be diamond-shaped, rather than square. From the inside of the topmost corner (the one where the bow is), attach a thin ribbon and extend it down about three-quarters of the distance to the bottom corner. All along this strip you can attach frosted pine cones, small ornaments, or anything else iconic to the season.

HOLIDAY DECORATING IDEA 4. If you prefer a more traditional use for a holiday picture frame, begin by checking out the winter collection at your nearest FastFrame store.

Pick up a quantity of those frames and fill each with a photograph of family or adored friends gathered around the tree. Or opening presents last year. Or enjoying a feast. Or doing any and all of the memory-making things that fill your heart with peace, joy, and love at this time of year.

How Custom Frames Can Complete Your Holiday Decorating (2 of 3)

HOLIDAY DECORATING IDEA 2. Start with an open, backless white wooden frame (not solid white, but white with hints of the underlying wood showing through – this will make the frame resemble a patch of bare earth with a dusting of snow atop it).

Next, affix a lightly frosted Christmas tree branch to the upper left corner of the frame. A bushy branch works best. The branch should be just large enough to touch the bottom frame.

If you position and trim this branch correctly, a small part of it will extend outside the top and left of the frame, while the majority of it will fill half to two-thirds of the frame area. Use the remaining inside area (the empty space in the right half or third of the frame) to mount a candle, a stack of perhaps three tiny boxes bedecked in shiny blue or red foil wrapping paper, or any other holiday object capable of being seated on the bottom of the frame and rising no more than halfway up the inside space.

......to be continued......