Buddha Shrine

Have you ever thrown caution to the wind and jumped into something that you knew was ill advised, but looked like so much fun you just could not say no?  The id kicks into overdrive and common sense is a casualty on the side of the road! This is how the story unfolded when the nice man walked into Wall Decor and asked if we could frame his 14th century Buddha statue. There was no way that I could say no. (What did you think this story was about anyways, we are picture framers that’s what gets us revved up!) So we calculated a price that we hoped would get the job - which we did! Then we took a deep breath and dove right in. We went on line to study shrines that would look authentic with this beautiful piece , we amalgamated several styles, threw in some of our own parameters, spent a few early mornings redesigning , too excited to sleep, laid out all the tools that we own and got to work. First step is off to the hardware store to pick up two 5 foot planks of Bolivian mahogany, a bucket of stain and some random hardware. 20 hours later we have the base and pedestal built, the door is assembled with Plexiglas and a pivot post instead of hinges and we are having a blast.

The statue would sit in an alcove with a light above it so we went with UV blocking Plexiglas on the top, the door and the two sides. We used a 6mm. mirror on the back and on the pedestal that the statue sat on. It turns out that the Burmese architecture of the appropriate time period favored octagonal pillars so we built them.

 We added some brass hardware that we antiqued using ammonia, and sanded all the edges to give a slightly worn, aged effect. At this point in the project we have come to realize that we have grossly underestimated the hours involved and we are actually working for the love of the challenge and Karma credits. Our profit and loss spreadsheet is extremely disappointed with us but the experience was priceless, and the end result is one of a kind.

 This post by Scott

The Framer's Wife - Blog #3 A cheery, cheesy poem!

T’was three weeks before Christmas

And all through the shop 

Every framer was busy 

Each in their spot!

The frames were all hung 

On the wall with a smile

To frame each portrait and painting

With the greatest of style!

The giftware was polished 

And put on the shelf

Waiting to be presents

From their little elf!

The sun was glinting

 On the fresh blizzard snow

The air was frosty

When the wind did blow!

When what to our wondering eyes should appear

But more parcels of giftware

To make our hearts cheer!

On candles and holders and wood jewellery cases

On Eco Fair bamboo speakers and mango wood vases.

On carvings from Kenya and solar powered globes

On puzzle boxes and bright colored orbs.

From around the world you’ll find a treasure

A gift to a loved one too lovely to measure.

As each framed picture was wrapped with great care

The giftware was boxed, ready to share.

Thank you for visiting our own Santa’s store, 

Merry Christmas from all of us at Wall Décor and More!

Kitras Art Glass

Ceramic Drawer Box

Mini Grandfather Clock 

EcoFair Santa Pin

Jewelry Cases

Boozik iPhone Amplifier

Stainless Steel Airplane Coin Holder

Vintage Auto & Train Engine

Metal Motorbikes

Metal Dinosaurs

Shadow Boxes: Removable Face

Framing is a great way to keep precious objects safe, but you may want access to them in the future. Stacking frames is a unique and stylish way to show off your keepsakes, while still allowing physical contact with the item. You can also use this method to switch out various objects on a rotating basis to keep your design fresh.

A narrow shadowbox frame is joined inside out to form a box that the object will be placed in.
The top frame is joined as usual to form the front of the shadow box.

This frame is also attached sideways to the face to form a deep box around the bottom frame.

The top two frames can now be lifted off to remove or replace the item. 

This piece is framed with museum glass for optimum clarity and minimal glare. 

This post by: Megan 

Know Your Framing: Glass

As the old saying goes, not everything is created equal. This is especially true for glass. Most of us are familiar with clear and non-glare glass, but did you know that glass is also graded by its conservation value? From Clear to Museum, the glass covering your artwork is every bit as important as the colours you choose to put around it. Be sure you are making an informed decision by learning about the different glass options right here!

Clear – 45% UV Protection, 8% Light Reflection, Over 90% Light Transmission
-        Works well in any presentation hung in a controlled lighting environment
-        Can be used with any number of mats

Non Glare/Reflection Control – 45% UV Protection, 8% Scattered Light Reflection, 89% Light Transmission
-        Ideal for minimizing glare and reflection when conservation grade UV protection is not a concern
-        Use on any framing project with up to two mats away from artwork without significant resolution loss

 Conservation (UV) Clear – At least 97% UV Protection, 8% Light Reflection, over 89% Light Transmission,
-        For protecting artwork against damage and fading caused by UV light, especially old or fragile items
-        Ideal for any framing application, if reflection-free viewing is not important

Conservation (UV) Non Glare/Reflection Control – At least 97% UV Protection, 8% Scattered Light Reflection, 89% Light Transmission
-        To minimize glare while protecting artwork against harmful UV light rays, especially old or fragile items
-        Use on any framing project with up to two mats away from artwork without significant resolution loss

Clear: 8% Light Reflection, over 89% Light Transmission
Museum: Less than 1% Light Reflection, Over 97% Light Transmission
Reflection Control: 8% Scattered Light Reflection, 89% Light Transmission

Museum – 99% UV Protection from every angle, Less than 1% light reflection, Over 97% Light Transmission, Optical Coating, Anti-Static
-        For virtually invisible glazing that will enhance colors, brightness and contrast levels of all types of artwork, even posters
-        For protecting valued diplomas or irreplaceable artwork against damage and fading caused by UV light
-        Ideal for framing applications, including shadow boxes, multiple mat or deep framing projects
-        Optical coating gives true colour transmission and the greatest colour neutrality 

Clear vs Museum
The benefits of Museum Glass are especially apparent on shadow boxes, appearing almost invisible. 

This post by: Megan 

The Cadillac Experience

In the 1930s Nicholas Dreystadt took over the management of the Cadillac Division of General Motors.  Cadillac was in dire straits and probably would have sunk like a stone but Nicholas took a new tact.  “The Cadillac Customer” he said, “does not buy transportation, he buys status!”  This statement would have been nothing but hot air except for one thing.  They could supply the quality to back up the claim.

A Caddy to the uninitiated looks much like any other vehicle, four wheels, seats, headlights, etcetera but it’s what’s underneath that takes the product to the next level.  I believe that there are parallels that can be drawn in any competitive service industry, so let’s take custom picture framing as an example.  On the surface most frames look basically the same: four corners, hangers and wire surrounding some worthy art piece.  But there is much more to it than that.

 

The obvious questions run something like this: Does the frame compliment the piece in color, texture and style?  Does the weight of the frame and the width of the mats or liner support the piece visually without overpowering it?  Is the whole package pleasing to your eye as the paying customer?  What’s underneath is actually more important than what is on the surface.  Cadillac would not have become an icon if it had built pretty cars that couldn't stand the test of time.

                                                                                                                                                    

Will the framing package that you are buying preserve that work of art or destroy it?  The quality of framing products varies widely and often the effects are not immediately noticeable.  Are the mats conservation quality or will they discolor and erode the artwork?  Does the glass block ultraviolet light which will damage the image?  More importantly can the person behind the counter guide you through the maze of what you need or do not need to give you the best product for the best value?

Framed $100 bill, Museum glass,Suede mat with debossing, Double frame with fillet.
An investment in status

The Cadillac experience begins on the showroom floor, where the customer is treated as a person of status.  Sales people are expected to be knowledgeable and courteous.  The product should please the eye while resisting the effects of time.  The entire experience should be completed as a dialogue that enables the customer to make an informed decision that satisfies the wants and needs of the purchase.  Every customer deserves that same experience whether buying a car, a picture frame or simply investing in status.
This post by Scott

The Framer’s Wife

Official Blog #2

The Art of Shopping

Eco Fair Trade purses and Salad Forks

As the wife of a framer/gift store owner I get a fantastic opportunity to shop.  Shop till I drop and not spend a dime of my own money…. Now that being said, I also don’t get to take any of my purchases home.  Well…I guess that is not entirely true, I purchase unique items for the store that I happen to love as well and maybe an item or two does find a way home!

Every year the Framer and I go to gift shows to find the most unique items to sell in our store.  Always on the hunt for handcrafted, distinctive giftware from Canada and the rest of the world, we drift from booth to booth – quite literally through thousands of purveyors eager to promote their latest and greatest items.

The first year was the most overwhelming!  We had blisters on our feet, cramps in our calves and headaches.  What to purchase?  Our store is only so big.  What will Lethbridge and area love?  Now 8 years later, we have honed our “shopping” experience.  We know which areas to concentrate on and have developed a way to see the most booths without getting the dreaded shopper’s blister!

Kitras Art Glass

We purchase with you in mind, our wonderful customers.  We invite you to come and see our latest lines of giftware like Kitras Art Glass which is proudly hand crafted in Canada!  Each piece shines with beauty catching the light and sharing its rainbow of colors on the world.  Guess I kinda like them!  I wonder which one will find it’s way home??????

this post by Melina

Oversize Framing: City of Lethbridge Maps

Scott peeks out from behind the City of Lethbridge

This large map of the City of Lethbridge measures in at 74” x 66”. Because of the size, the map was actually printed in 2 pieces, then dry mounted to foam core. We carefully trimmed the overlapping areas and taped them together from the back. To give this framing proper stability, the two map pieces are attached together horizontally and then two additional pieces of foam core are attached vertically and placed behind them as backing.

The piece is glazed with an acrylic called Lexan; a strong, lightweight plexi glass, and  hangs with 2 sets of metal security hangers.

This post by: Megan 

Shadow Boxes: "Cooky Book"

Shadowboxes are a great way to show off your precious items or to pay tribute to your favourite family memory. Framing your Grandmother’s cookbook and her favourite recipe will add a personal and unique touch to your kitchen area.

This recipe book is attached in a conservation manner with Mylar film. The film is cut into straps and wrapped around the back of the book and all pages. The adhesive only contacts the Mylar and is attached to the bottom mat.

The recipe is photocopied from the book, raised up with foam core to the height of the book and framed with acid free mat board to give it more definition.

The offset spatula is sewn down using fishing line at two anchor points. No adhesives are used.

The sides of the frame have also been lined with the same mat board that is used for the backing to give clean edges. 

Museum glass is the best option for shadow boxes as it provides the greatest reflection control with the most clarity. 

This particular piece is glazed with regular clear glass, which provides 48% UV light protection. If your items are very fragile or valuable, conservation glass would be recommended. Clear Conservation glass blocks 99% of UV, but has no reflection control. Non glare glass is not recommended for shadow boxes, as the farther the glass is placed from the objects, the foggier the contents will appear. The ideal glass for shadow boxes is Museum glass. Museum glass blocks 99% of UV light and is coated with an anti-reflective layer that allows less than 1% of light reflection and over 97% light transmission. This provides the optimum protection and viewing of the object. You can learn more about museum glass at www.tru-vue.com. 

This post by: Megan 

The Working Man

Have you heard the words of the working man? The humble man? The quiet man? No grandstanding for him, his politics are his own, his beliefs rock solid. No need for debate. 

Lethbridge High Level bridge

The sales call, the cold call, the margin call, these are for other men. Not in his wheel house, not on his wish list. No chrome spinners, no loud exhaust, the spot light holds no allure. In by 8 and home by 6, snow shoveled, hedges trimmed and everything in its place. 

Stark master circuit analyzer in glass display case

But still, he does play the game. As a living, breathing human being the need to be noticed is the nature of the beast. Head down, nose to the grindstone his hands speak for him. His legacy will not be some polished soliloquy, some candy coated breeze. What he does is who he is. 

Tools of the Trade. 

Metal, wood, leather and wires, transistors, chips and a million other things molded by his touch, bent to his will, these are his voice, the mirror that reflects what you might not have noticed before.  Quite literally the ghost in the machine.

This post by Scott. 

Oversize Canvas

Artwork that is painted or printed on canvas must be stretched around a wooden bar, known as Stretcher Bar.  Stretcher bar is available is various thicknesses and quality levels. It is always important to use a good quality bar, but the issue is of higher concern on larger size. Oversize pieces can become heavy and put a lot of strain on the bars. When artwork is very large, it is important that the stretcher bar is braced correctly…or THIS can happen!

We received this canvas from a customer who had recently moved to the city. Even though this canvas was of regular weight, the original braces were weak and when the artwork was transported, the braces broke apart.

It is important to note, that in this case, it was not just the braces that failed. The fragility of the wood used for the stretcher bar may have gone unnoticed by the original framer or artist. Even small knots or imperfections in the wood can be exacerbated by a change in temperature, especially in our dry climate! Using a strong, high quality stretcher bar is every bit as important as constructing and correctly placing solid braces.

We removed the canvas and a new stretcher bar was built with extra braces at key pressure points. We then re-stretched the canvas around this frame.

This second piece is the largest canvas that we have ever framed! It is also the heaviest, not just due to its size, but the material itself was thicker than normal. We built braces for it as described above and cut triangles from a strong board and attached them at each corner for added strength.

This beautiful canvas by local artist, Amy Dodic, provided a fun challenge for us. It was a team effort, requiring two people to stretch it and maneuver it around in our, suddenly, very small work area!

An additional factor for this canvas was the frame size. The standard length for framing material is 10ft - 12ft. Because the frame is cut at 45 degrees, wider frames require more length beyond the inside measurement. We made sure to select a frame available in a 12ft length and just barely made it!

Transportation was the final issue to address and we waved goodbye to this piece as it drove away in a horse trailer to its home at Fort Whoop Up National Historic Site, here in Lethbridge AB. 

This post by: Megan

NO! The end.

No! It makes a short story, doesn't it? 
No is the beginning of a relationship so short that it can be lost within the content of a tweet. No is the word that is never spoken in improv because there is nowhere to go from there. The same can be said in business. Why would you ever say no to a customer that is requesting something different!

Six frames attached together to make a single six foot by six foot wall hanging.

 Of course we can’t stretch time or circumvent the laws of physics. YET. We are looking in to it. However, we have ten years of experience, a closet full of power tools and a small library of books on the subject of framing. Books brimming with new ideas as well as strict guidelines on the care and handling of materials of all types. So we will find a way. We may even check out the internet to find the idea that will help an art piece sing its own unique tune. (All internet suggestions will be cross referenced with the, common sense / what were they thinking, sliding scale).

Whale Baleen in a black wood frame with acid free mats

In the end it is the project that stretches our imagination, tests our creativity and lurks in the back of our mind long past closing time that becomes our badge of honor. It is the building block for the next triumph, and how can you say no to that! 

The pitch was captured in ten frames across the top.
The memory captured will last a lifetime

This post by Scott

The Framer's Wife

Blue. Ardent Blue? Flemish Blue?
Balmy Blue? FOG?!

The year was 2003.  The date was July 2. The time 9:30 am. The frame store was ready to open for business for the first time.  Ever.  But where was the framer?  How could I possibly unlock those doors and (gasp) let in customers?  Would I pick the right mat and frame combinations?  Would "Sam I Yam" orange matting work or should I go with "Electric Blue", or "Water Fall"….(yes these are actual mat names!  Whatever happened to blue, dark blue, light blue I’ll never know!)  Did I choose the right glass – and seriously who invented this many types of glass!  Would the Wizard automated mat cutter work for me?  

The Wizard Computer Mat Cutter
flying through its paces. 

So many questions that first morning, but I survived.  The Wizard decided to take off and cut a mat while spinning it and getting stuck and making the most horrific bull moose mating call ever!  But, I survived and cut another mat.  The framing orders did come in and I chose with the help of our amazing and patient customers, some great framing combinations, with all types of glass.  Did the ordering computer program cause mental breakdowns?  Well, of course it did!  Did I lose any hair?  Well maybe a little....But I survived!

Now… about that framer…well he was attending classes; studying and aspiring to be the best picture framer around!  It is hard to believe that 10 years have passed since that first scary day and now when it is 9:30 and time for the store to open, if the framer is at a meeting I’m not afraid to greet the day and paint it and mat it and glass it and frame it……….

We have over 650 mat board samples to choose from.
That is 72 different shades of black or white and
72 different shades for each color of the rainbow!

This post by: Melina

Know Your Framing: Mat Board

The first thing that comes to mind when most people think of mat board is: “What colour(s) should I use?” This is a very important question, but there is an even more important issue looming in the background, and that is “What KIND of mat board should I use?” With this question, we refer to the actual content and make-up of the board. Have you ever wondered what those boards are actually made of? The quick answer is, “Why, paper, of course!” This is true; many mat boards are made of wood pulp, but there is more to it than that. Wood pulp, or cellulose, is a naturally acidic material and can cause fading and other damage to artwork. Mats made of wood pulp must be  coated or chemically treated to remove the acidity. This is referred to as “buffering” and it is a relatively new process in the framing world. Take a look around your house for older framed pieces. Look carefully at the beveled edge around the image. Is it white or has it turned yellow or orange? 

Acidic mat boards showing their true colours. 

This image has three mat board layers. The middle bevel is still white and crisp, while the layers above and below it have both turned yellow with time. This is a quick indication that the middle mat board is Acid Free, while the other two are not. When these mats are removed from the image, the paper underneath will vary in colour from where the mat has been in contact and where it has not. 

Alpharag - 100% Cotton Mat Board from Bainbridge

1. 100% Cotton
The mat board of the highest conservation value is made of 100% cotton.  Cotton is naturally acid free and provides the best protection over time. (The Egyptians used cotton for preservation.) Cotton mats are generally more expensive than other acid free mat boards and are limited in colour to a few shades of white, but will provide the greatest longevity for your images. 

100% Cotton Core with Buffered Surface Paper from Crescent.

2.Cotton Core, Buffered Surface Paper
Because 100% Cotton mat boards have a very limited colour selection, buffered mats are a great option for adding colour to your framing without compromising on conservation standards. Buffering wood pulp is the most common method of creating acid free board. These boards, however, are not created equal. The highest conservation value in a dyed mat board contains a cotton core and a buffered surface paper. This allows a dyed paper to be visible and complement the image, while retaining a high conservation material as the contact layer. This type of mat board is perfect for protecting high value items, such a limited edition prints, or original artwork, while still allowing your style to show through with your colour choices. 

3. Buffered Cellulose Core 

Artique: Buffered Cellulose from Larson Juhl

The last type of Acid Free mat board contains a cellulose/wood pulp core, buffered to an appropriate pH level, as well as buffered surface paper. This is the lowest conservation value and is  great for posters and other “lower value” framing projects that you want to protect, but which do not require the utmost protection. 








This post by: Megan

Edit: Originally Posted on September 10, 2013

Congratulations!

You have searched high and low to find that perfect piece of art. As you gaze at this new found treasure you can feel your heart rate slow as you are immersed in the peaceful scene that has touched your soul (or perhaps your heart races with the unbridled excitement that the artist has injected into the image).Either way this piece is an extension of your psyche, a statement of the ideology that makes you who you are. You let your eyes drift through this masterpiece, finally wandering to the outside edge. Hmm… Could be better. It’s true that the artwork is a reflection of you… But that frame? Really? Really is that what the artist had in mind to complement this labour of love? To cap the hours of toil and the years spent honing creative ability and technique? Well it was handy. And the price was right. It was lying right there, behind the furnace or maybe in that Big Box bargain bin. Maybe it doesn't match, or fit quite right, but it was handy. The clothes may make the man, but does the frame define the artwork?

A simple silver or black frame
will look good...

...and go with any decor,
but it isn't the only option. 

Let’s assume for a moment that you are the artist. Or perhaps you are. Perhaps it is your own mastery of the camera, the palette and paint, the needle and thread, or the paper and paste that you are putting on display. You probably know exactly the mood that you are trying to convey, the best way to compliment the essence of the piece.

Using "Integrated Framer" simulation software, we can
project the look of many framing options....

With hundreds of styles and colours of frames available, combined with even more choices in liners and mats, there are mathematically millions of choices available to frame any given image. But there are usually not that many perfect options. There will be a lot of bad choices, some good choices and a few that are very good. It is in the artists’ blood to think of the balance of materials, of composition and of colour. Everyone has some degree of artistic ability and with the proper investment of time and patience anyone can dress this image to impress. But if you don’t have the time to study the science that supports the art, then perhaps working with a professional picture framer is the best way to get that image on the wall in a timely and elegant fashion. 

...From bold colours to simple and traditional, you can
"try on" any frame to make sure it fits "just right."

 The right choice of framing will not make the picture sing, but it will help it carry the tune. If care and attention are given to the presentation, that carefully chosen image may become a part of you that outlasts the curtains, the carpet, the couch and the chair.

If the piece holds meaning it deserves to look its best. It’s an investment that will pay dividends for many years to come. And most importantly it is a reflection of you. 

"Made to Last"

Stuart Peterson

This framing combination consists of 2 frames layered 

together with a shiny black mat around the image. 

Museum glass sits between the two frames, 

adding depth to the image without a loss in clarity. 

This Post By: Scott

Edit: Originally posted on August 30, 2013