Information
This page is updated regularly. It contains helpful hints and tips for your appreciation and understanding of custom picture framing.
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AV Framing Tips
The economics of Indypendence.
Maybe a misnomer, after all, I have a Theatre degree in Stage Direction, a far cry from economics. But I am, and was raised by, a small business owner. So I'm speaking from first-hand experience.
I don't have to tell you times are tough. When you consider where to place your precious dollars, think, "Be Indypendent". It's more than a catchy phrase. It's a movement in our fair city, and all over though they may not benefit from the catchy name.
In so many communities today, there is a groundswell of support for "local". We are seeing it in commerce, services, and food. There are many benefits to holding onto your money until you are certain that the recipient is going to provide you with a great value. That's what you can get from buying locally, or "Being Indypendent". Not only does your hard-earned money stay here, right in your own community, but also you have a face-to-face relationship with the "Indyvidual" doing the work. You can ask questions, check sources, provide feedback and learn what the value is for you.
Where custom framing is concerned, the value is easy to quantify. Econ 101 lesson:
Let's say you spend $250 on a beautiful preservation custom frame to keep your great-grandparents' wedding photo from deteriorating any further. That frame package should last conservatively 50 years (perhaps much, much longer). It's not $250 each year on the newest model of gaming box--you spend this money only once! So we divide $250 by 50 years and it turns out you invested only $5/year or 42 cents/month to keep Great-Grandparents' Wedding Day on display! There's your value.
But also consider the value to the community. Your $250 dollars stays here in town. It doesn't go to a national chain, headquartered elsewhere; or some global company with questionable labor laws; or an invisible Internet source with no phone number or real person to talk to. I alone answer to your questions and benefit from your feedback. And when you spend locally, those who own and operate small businesses understand the vitality of community spending and tend to keep their dollars locally as well. There's the groundswell.
It's our city's own economic stimulus! We can argue the virtues of billions to struggling giants, but no one can argue the virtues of propping up your neighbors.
Thank you, in advance, for considering quality custom framing with AV Framing Gallery over a strip mall box store! Whether it's an antique photo or a poster, your economic investment in your own art, in your own community, will pay-off for YOU! And as a further pay-off for reading this far, mention this article and receive a FREE Preservation Photo Frame with your next custom framing order!
"If it's worth framing, frame it once!"
Sarah Adams, CPF 317.356.3776.
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FRAMING IDEAS from the July Newsletter:
Hang pictures like a pro! This month AV Framing Gallery introduces WallBuddies picture hanging systems.
WallBuddies is a completely revolutionary way to hang a picture! With minimal measuring and no need for a level, installing your picture is a snap. Your art will hang flush to the wall and won't move! Ask Sarah to install WallBuddies hanging system on your next picture. Or call AV Framing Gallery at 317.356.3776 to schedule an appointment for Sarah to re-fit all your pictures!
FRAMING IDEAS from September newsletter:
It's school picture time...again!
Oh, I know! You had every intention of framing all those school pics and hanging them in the stairwell, right? But the numbers grow exponentially with every kid!
Here's an idea.
AV Framing Gallery can create a re-usable storage frame for you. Each year the new student photo (complete with braces and the latest hairdo) is featured on your wall, and the remaining photos are neatly kept in a preservation frame package in the back of the frame. Next year, you place (or bring it in and Sarah will do that for you) your kid's portrait in the frame and store the rest for safe-keeping!
Scrounge up all of the past photos and have AV Framing Gallery create one of these unique frames for you today! They're easy to get in and out of, so you can review each year whenever you want.
FRAMING IDEAS from the October newsletter:
"WOW, that's cool!" AV Framing Gallery is the only central Indiana custom frame shop to offer Paraflex picture frames! They provide a brand new way to view your art. Paraflex frames are created out of a continuous piece of solid acrylic. They come in dozens of colors, patterns and shapes. I order them in custom sizes just for your design; they are created one at a time. Paraflex is perfect for your hip-urban-slightly retro art! Totally fresh! You must come in and see these samples for yourself.
FRAMING TIPS from the December newsletter:
Gift-giving season! If you are considering giving art and framing as a gift (and what better ones are there?), here are a few things to consider to make your purchasing more enjoyable:
* Think about your recipient's tastes rather than your own.
Art is a subjective subject! Each person appreciates different pieces for different reasons. This month's show is the perfect combination of styles, media, and colors.
* Framing a gift?
Terrific! AV Framing Gallery is well prepared to handle your holiday treasures. Try to get in before December 15th for a full selection of mouldings and mats. And for the procrastinators...we stock 2 sizes of a smart, matte-black frame and mat boards in black, white and several colors. Just make sure to come in by the 19th for drop off and all pieces must be picked up by Saturday, the 22nd!
* Are you uncomfortable framing for someone else's space?
That's fine too! Consider an AV Framing Gallery Gift Certificate for framing to give along with the art! Your recipient gets to choose their own framing. These are available in any denomination you like.
* Are you giving pictures of your beautiful children?
Grandma and Grandpa will love it! AV Framing Gallery has a unique collection of Preservation Photo Frames in stock all the time. These semi-custom frames are already made and a quick pick-up in all the standard photo sizes. They feature: archival backing boards, UV-inhibiting glass, and archival mats to the next smaller size (example: a 5x7 frame will have a mat to fit a 4x6 photo--so you can use it for both sizes)!
FRAMING TIPS from the January newsletter:
Did you get fabulous photos of those gorgeous kids?
Hurray for you! Here are a few tips on hanging a family photo wall:
* Odds or evens? Visually, our eyes and minds find odd numbers of objects more pleasing. So try to hang 3, 5 or 7 photos on a wall. If you have an even number of kids, try a family group portrait to round out the odd number.
* "No stripes!" When deciding on how far apart each frame should be spaced, keep in mind that mantra. That's when the margin between the frames is the same width as the frame (also why I won't cut a mat that is the same width as the frame--looks stripy). Our eyes catch the pattern and ignore the subject of the art.
* Measure before you hammer! Lay out your grouping on the floor in front of the wall you want to use to make sure you like it before hammering the first nail. In the gallery, I start with the center piece of the grouping and place it on the wall where I want it, then measure to the left and right, above and below for the rest of the grouping.
If you have any questions, just give me a call. I'll be happy to help!
Sarah Adams 317.356.3776.
FRAMING TIPS from the March 2008 newsletter:
Add value and luxury to your framing with Hand-Wrapped Fabric Mats and Liners.
Hand-wrapped fabric mats create a sumptuous, textured border for your art. They are completely archival (at least the way we do them) and the look is really special.
Hand-wrapped liners can be done in a couple of different ways: mitered and seamless.
For a mitered wrapped liner, we literally wrap the fabric around the miter before we build it. This is effective for oversized frames that are larger than the width of the fabric. For a seamless liner, we build the liner first then wrap the fabric over it for a closed-corner look.
Hand-wrapped fabric really adds value to your frame design since you get a lot more look without spending a lot more money!
New samples are available at the design counter.
Framing Tips from the May Newsletter:
It's getting to be that time of year--when the humidity returns to our homes.
Here are a few tips to dealing with mold and mildew on your stored photographs*.
Mold and mildew are both fungi just like mushrooms. They feed by excreting enzymes that digest organic matter like paper or photographs. This digestion weakens paper and etches the surface of photographs. Molds can also ooze colored substances that cause stains. To grow, molds don't need light as plants do; all they need is high humidity (usually above 60%). Here are some steps to reduce the chance of mold damage on your stored photographs and art:
* Control the humidity. Reducing the moisture in the air around your items will significantly lower the chance of mold growth. Select dry areas of the home to store your albums and photos. Avoid storing such objects in the basement, as it usually is the dampest place in the house. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers can reduce the chance for mold by lowering humidity.
* Keep air moving. Moving air encourages evaporation of moisture from the surface of scrapbooks and memorabilia. Avoid closed closets and other closed storage areas, especially those with walls adjacent to the outside. Cold walls can cause higher humidity or even condensation, so if the door to the closet is kept closed, humidity can build up.
* Keep the area clean. Keeping storage area surfaces clean will also help prevent mold colonies from developing. Wipe down walls, floors, and shelving. Mold is not a monster and can be managed. The key is keeping things dry and clean.* From the Image Permanence Institute's Archival Advisor Newsletter.
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
AV Framing Tips
The economics of Indypendence.
Maybe a misnomer, after all, I have a Theatre degree in Stage Direction, a far cry from economics. But I am, and was raised by, a small business owner. So I'm speaking from first-hand experience.
I don't have to tell you times are tough. When you consider where to place your precious dollars, think, "Be Indypendent". It's more than a catchy phrase. It's a movement in our fair city, and all over though they may not benefit from the catchy name.
In so many communities today, there is a groundswell of support for "local". We are seeing it in commerce, services, and food. There are many benefits to holding onto your money until you are certain that the recipient is going to provide you with a great value. That's what you can get from buying locally, or "Being Indypendent". Not only does your hard-earned money stay here, right in your own community, but also you have a face-to-face relationship with the "Indyvidual" doing the work. You can ask questions, check sources, provide feedback and learn what the value is for you.
Where custom framing is concerned, the value is easy to quantify. Econ 101 lesson:
Let's say you spend $250 on a beautiful preservation custom frame to keep your great-grandparents' wedding photo from deteriorating any further. That frame package should last conservatively 50 years (perhaps much, much longer). It's not $250 each year on the newest model of gaming box--you spend this money only once! So we divide $250 by 50 years and it turns out you invested only $5/year or 42 cents/month to keep Great-Grandparents' Wedding Day on display! There's your value.
But also consider the value to the community. Your $250 dollars stays here in town. It doesn't go to a national chain, headquartered elsewhere; or some global company with questionable labor laws; or an invisible Internet source with no phone number or real person to talk to. I alone answer to your questions and benefit from your feedback. And when you spend locally, those who own and operate small businesses understand the vitality of community spending and tend to keep their dollars locally as well. There's the groundswell.
It's our city's own economic stimulus! We can argue the virtues of billions to struggling giants, but no one can argue the virtues of propping up your neighbors.
Thank you, in advance, for considering quality custom framing with AV Framing Gallery over a strip mall box store! Whether it's an antique photo or a poster, your economic investment in your own art, in your own community, will pay-off for YOU! And as a further pay-off for reading this far, mention this article and receive a FREE Preservation Photo Frame with your next custom framing order!
"If it's worth framing, frame it once!"
Sarah Adams, CPF 317.356.3776.
___________________________________________________________________
FRAMING IDEAS from the July Newsletter:
Hang pictures like a pro! This month AV Framing Gallery introduces WallBuddies picture hanging systems.
WallBuddies is a completely revolutionary way to hang a picture! With minimal measuring and no need for a level, installing your picture is a snap. Your art will hang flush to the wall and won't move! Ask Sarah to install WallBuddies hanging system on your next picture. Or call AV Framing Gallery at 317.356.3776 to schedule an appointment for Sarah to re-fit all your pictures!
FRAMING IDEAS from September newsletter:
It's school picture time...again!
Oh, I know! You had every intention of framing all those school pics and hanging them in the stairwell, right? But the numbers grow exponentially with every kid!
Here's an idea.
AV Framing Gallery can create a re-usable storage frame for you. Each year the new student photo (complete with braces and the latest hairdo) is featured on your wall, and the remaining photos are neatly kept in a preservation frame package in the back of the frame. Next year, you place (or bring it in and Sarah will do that for you) your kid's portrait in the frame and store the rest for safe-keeping!
Scrounge up all of the past photos and have AV Framing Gallery create one of these unique frames for you today! They're easy to get in and out of, so you can review each year whenever you want.
FRAMING IDEAS from the October newsletter:
"WOW, that's cool!" AV Framing Gallery is the only central Indiana custom frame shop to offer Paraflex picture frames! They provide a brand new way to view your art. Paraflex frames are created out of a continuous piece of solid acrylic. They come in dozens of colors, patterns and shapes. I order them in custom sizes just for your design; they are created one at a time. Paraflex is perfect for your hip-urban-slightly retro art! Totally fresh! You must come in and see these samples for yourself.
FRAMING TIPS from the December newsletter:
Gift-giving season! If you are considering giving art and framing as a gift (and what better ones are there?), here are a few things to consider to make your purchasing more enjoyable:
* Think about your recipient's tastes rather than your own.
Art is a subjective subject! Each person appreciates different pieces for different reasons. This month's show is the perfect combination of styles, media, and colors.
* Framing a gift?
Terrific! AV Framing Gallery is well prepared to handle your holiday treasures. Try to get in before December 15th for a full selection of mouldings and mats. And for the procrastinators...we stock 2 sizes of a smart, matte-black frame and mat boards in black, white and several colors. Just make sure to come in by the 19th for drop off and all pieces must be picked up by Saturday, the 22nd!
* Are you uncomfortable framing for someone else's space?
That's fine too! Consider an AV Framing Gallery Gift Certificate for framing to give along with the art! Your recipient gets to choose their own framing. These are available in any denomination you like.
* Are you giving pictures of your beautiful children?
Grandma and Grandpa will love it! AV Framing Gallery has a unique collection of Preservation Photo Frames in stock all the time. These semi-custom frames are already made and a quick pick-up in all the standard photo sizes. They feature: archival backing boards, UV-inhibiting glass, and archival mats to the next smaller size (example: a 5x7 frame will have a mat to fit a 4x6 photo--so you can use it for both sizes)!
FRAMING TIPS from the January newsletter:
Did you get fabulous photos of those gorgeous kids?
Hurray for you! Here are a few tips on hanging a family photo wall:
* Odds or evens? Visually, our eyes and minds find odd numbers of objects more pleasing. So try to hang 3, 5 or 7 photos on a wall. If you have an even number of kids, try a family group portrait to round out the odd number.
* "No stripes!" When deciding on how far apart each frame should be spaced, keep in mind that mantra. That's when the margin between the frames is the same width as the frame (also why I won't cut a mat that is the same width as the frame--looks stripy). Our eyes catch the pattern and ignore the subject of the art.
* Measure before you hammer! Lay out your grouping on the floor in front of the wall you want to use to make sure you like it before hammering the first nail. In the gallery, I start with the center piece of the grouping and place it on the wall where I want it, then measure to the left and right, above and below for the rest of the grouping.
If you have any questions, just give me a call. I'll be happy to help!
Sarah Adams 317.356.3776.
FRAMING TIPS from the March 2008 newsletter:
Add value and luxury to your framing with Hand-Wrapped Fabric Mats and Liners.
Hand-wrapped fabric mats create a sumptuous, textured border for your art. They are completely archival (at least the way we do them) and the look is really special.
Hand-wrapped liners can be done in a couple of different ways: mitered and seamless.
For a mitered wrapped liner, we literally wrap the fabric around the miter before we build it. This is effective for oversized frames that are larger than the width of the fabric. For a seamless liner, we build the liner first then wrap the fabric over it for a closed-corner look.
Hand-wrapped fabric really adds value to your frame design since you get a lot more look without spending a lot more money!
New samples are available at the design counter.
Framing Tips from the May Newsletter:
It's getting to be that time of year--when the humidity returns to our homes.
Here are a few tips to dealing with mold and mildew on your stored photographs*.
Mold and mildew are both fungi just like mushrooms. They feed by excreting enzymes that digest organic matter like paper or photographs. This digestion weakens paper and etches the surface of photographs. Molds can also ooze colored substances that cause stains. To grow, molds don't need light as plants do; all they need is high humidity (usually above 60%). Here are some steps to reduce the chance of mold damage on your stored photographs and art:
* Control the humidity. Reducing the moisture in the air around your items will significantly lower the chance of mold growth. Select dry areas of the home to store your albums and photos. Avoid storing such objects in the basement, as it usually is the dampest place in the house. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers can reduce the chance for mold by lowering humidity.
* Keep air moving. Moving air encourages evaporation of moisture from the surface of scrapbooks and memorabilia. Avoid closed closets and other closed storage areas, especially those with walls adjacent to the outside. Cold walls can cause higher humidity or even condensation, so if the door to the closet is kept closed, humidity can build up.
* Keep the area clean. Keeping storage area surfaces clean will also help prevent mold colonies from developing. Wipe down walls, floors, and shelving. Mold is not a monster and can be managed. The key is keeping things dry and clean.* From the Image Permanence Institute's Archival Advisor Newsletter.
