Custom Framing
This year, I've really been inspired to decorate my home #athomewithtabithasewer. My home has been a blank space for so many years because of my lack of motivation and inspiration. I found it overwhelming to try and decorate an entire house on my own. One room at a time! Not sure why it took so long to learn that concept. LOL!
Anywho, with each space that I take on, I've really fallen in love with details. The small details are what brings the space together. It's the one thing that most people look over and it always feels like something is missing, but you’re not sure what it is. Well, I’m letting you know now….its the small details.
Let’s talk framing! I would like to say that I’m pretty creative and well-versed in a lot of things, but framing is one area that I lack knowledge of. I know the basics of choosing a frame but because I really wanted to elevate this space, I decided to take some of my photography to a framing professional.
The Process
So this is not the first time I’ve gotten anything framed professional, but I SWEAR to you, this experience was the most informative and best learning experience I’ve ever had. Did you know that Joann Stores does custom framing? I took my photography prints to the Joanns framing department in Sterling, VA and I was greeting by a wonderful woman named Peggy. Peggy is extraordinary! Prior to working at Joanns, Peggy had her own framing business for many years. She knows EVERYTHING about framing. I love that she is extremely passionate about her job. She answered every question I had and made me feel so comfortable with this process. When choosing the matting, frame, and glass, Peggy lead the way and I followed close behind her because she made this experience so much fun! If I chose a frame or mat, she would take my idea and elevate it to something I would have never thought of if it weren’t for her and her experience. I’m telling you, she was incredible! Who knew that framing would be this much fun and educational?!
This is how the process works when choosing custom framing:
You bring your art or photos to the Joann Framing Dept. (Not all stores have a framing department. You can visit your local store and ask them which stores do.)
Browse the many options of frames (approx 200), matting (they have several hundred)
Talk to the professional about the space you're hanging this art/ photo in and what you had in mind in terms of choosing a frame.
The professional will share the best frame and matting options with you. With the help of the framing professional, you’ll narrow down your options.
From here, you have the option of adding a fillet. What is a fillet? A fillet is a small piece of moulding that fits inside a larger frame or, typically, underneath or in between matting, used for decorative purposes. It adds an extra elevated touch to the design of your frame.
Next, you’ll choose your glass. There are a few options here:
Glass- Conservation clear 99% UV protection
Museum Glass- 99% UV protection and anti-reflective
Optimum Museum Acrylic- 99% UV protection and anti-reflective, antistatic, scratch resistant, and shatter resistant
The final step is showing you what it will look like once it’s finished. This step was really cool! They take a picture of your art/photo and type in the framing options you chose. Their program pulls it together and gives you an output on what the final product will look like. So cool!
After you’ve ordered your frames, it will take between 2-4 weeks before you can go back and pick it up. They will call you and let you know when it’s ready.
On the day of pick up, your frame will be wrapped beautifully in a brown paper and they will present it to you to see if it’s to your liking. (Top notch experience here!) You inspect everything and you walk away happy with a product you helped to create.
Guess what?! I filmed my entire experience. Check it out here on instagram and while you are there, make sure you hit the follow button to join me on all of my crafty adventures.
When hanging the frames in our home, we couldn't help but be so proud because we knew the time and care that goes into designing the frame. If you’ve ever purchased something that was handmade, you know exactly what I mean. You handle your purchase differently because it’s handmade.
Huge Thank you to Peggy from the Joann store located in Midlothian, VA. I would do this process all over again with you because you made it so enjoyable. Your knowledge and experience in framing is quite mind blowing. My husband and I really were fascinated by you.
I highly recommend getting your art/ photo(s) framed at your local Joann stores that participates in framing. You will not be disappointed.
