Mitchell Subaru's Cool Display

When you've got a cool product, it just pays to show it off. That's what Mitchell Subaru in Canton did with a couple of news articles about their excellent cars. I was in their show room recently and noticed a newspaper article from the Hartford Courant about the new Legacy. Someone had laid it on the windshield of the show room vehicle. Being a framer, you know, I couldn't let it just sit there. I had to explain the value of framing the article so that everyone who walked into the show room could see it, read it, and understand the value of that vehicle. I guess I sold them on the idea because now they have not one, but two excellent newspaper articles hanging just inside their showroom door. One is about the 2010 Legacy and the other is about the 2010 Outback. This is a picture of the framed article on the Outback and I've included a close-up of some "debossing" effects I added to the matting.

Debossing is pressing an image into the mat. In this case, I pressed in the words "2010 Outback" but it could be anything. I can add original designs or designs taken from your art. It could be subtle lines around the edge of the mat opening. Gee, the options are limitless. I just thought it would be nice to reinforce the "2010 Outback" brand.

There are many businesses and individuals who have nice write-ups done about them in newspapers and even on line. By framing those articles, you can preserve those moments for generations to come. And in the case of Mitchell Subaru, it was a product they sold. Hey, if you have a great product, why not brag about it.

OK, so what was I doing at Mitchell Subaru? It was just time for some regular maintanence on my Outback. I really like my little Outback. It serves me well with all the stuff I like to do, like canoeing, kayaking, bicycling and just getting around town, and I mean ALL around town. I do a lot of traveling around in the state. There's plenty of room for all my frame corners and matboard samples and finished pieces that I deliver. But I think I might like my husband's Subaru Impreza WRX even more! What a great little car it is. It's got tons of power and it's FAST. I like that... Not that I exceed the speed limit or anything... So if you're in the market for a new (or pre-owned) car, stop in at Mitchell Subaru in Canton and ask for Gary Thomsen. He's a great guy. You'll enjoy working with him.

And tell them all I said "Hi" and that you heard about them from my blog.

Colorful Custom Mats

With the holidays coming, I offered some gift idea in my earlier post. Now it's time to think about not just what to frame, but how to frame it.

Framing artwork can be fun. Posters, sports memorabilia, and animation art, children's art all send themselves to bright colors. Enhancing art with color is a refreshing change and brightens up any home or office decor.



If you are a collector or have any pieces of animation art, the first thing you'll notice are the vibrant, striking colors. And we're here to help you choose which colors in the artwork should be used for the matting and framing. In the example shown here, Fred and Barney come alive with smart color choices. A bright blue extends the sky, surrounded by a thin bright orange second mat to highlight Fred's outfit, with the third yellow mat pulling it all together to match Barney's hair. The bright orange frame completes the design.



Abstracts also lend themselves to powerful, colorful designs. We can make interesting, unique designs to perfectly fit each piece. This abstract piece was framed using bands of color instead of one flat mat. The blue, red, and yellow matboards picked up the colors in the artwork. Surrounded by a tangerine frame, the piece pops.





Even a traditional painting can be made to look up to date using a rich colored mat and metal frame. The wider, deeper blue mat was chosen to pull that color out of the painting and liven things up. A white frame surrounds the art, but it is followed by a thin beeswax color that is highlighted by the walnut and silver leaf frame.

We look forward to seeing your artwork and helping you decide on a colorful custom made mat and frame design.

Holidays? Already?!

Wow, it's hard to believe the holidays are upon us, but the hard truth is... the holidays are upon us. I saw my first TV commercial with a holiday theme this morning as I was watching the news. I was almost offended by that, then I realized that it's only 53 days until Christmas. Sheesh!

I don't know about you, but I've hardly given any thought to holidays this year. I've been busy with so many other things. And there are always some people on my gift list that I always struggle with. It seems they have everything they need or want so I always have to find something really unique. It must be something they will really appreciate.

Last year I found a collection of collector's cards of motorcycles that my husband had packed away. Because he's a motorcycle rider/lover, I knew he'd enjoy seeing those cards displayed so I devised a unique frame that could be viewed from both front and back so he could see both front and back of his cards. He loved it!


So, what's in your closet/drawer/attic that is the perfect gift for your loved one? Maybe it's some sports tickets that could be framed. World Series? Superbowl? Stanley Cup? Maybe you've got a sports memorabilia collector in your family. Have you got a signed jersey you want framed? When you're talking sports, the possibilities are nearly endless.

What about some mementos from your travels. Surely you took some great photos. How about framing some of those. What a great way to remember that trip.

Got an antimacassar that grandma made? These are really fun to frame and give to family members.

Was your grandfather a craftsman or a professional of some sort? Why not grab a couple of items that really defined you grandpa, frame them and now you've got the perfect gift for your mom, dad, or sibling.

Here's another idea: What grandparent wouldn't love to have an original painting, drawing, collage, or other art object done by their grandchild hanging in their home? Children's art can really liven up a room. And their art is so open and honest. It's hard to find anywhere else.

What about that counted cross stitch your wife made but never got around to getting it framed? Now there's a perfect gift! Remember, any textile can be framed too, whether it is a sewing project, costume, scarf, christening gown, whatever... Over the years, some of my favorite things to frame have been textiles.

What about military medals or memorabilia? Many people have had careers in the military where they have accumulated various certificates, patches and medals. What a great way to commemorate that part of their lives by displaying those articles in a beautifully framed piece.



Got an old family photo? Maybe it needs a little restoration. Don't hesitate to bring it in. We do photo restorations here and we can frame the finished product - one for each member of your family.

These are just a few ideas. Maybe you've got something in mind right now. Bring it in. Let's talk about what you'd like to do, then let's do it.