I’ve been talking about my commissioned art work by Erin Donahue Tice for what feels like ages! So I’m thrilled to show you what it actually looks like and what frame we went with!
Since this was a commissioned piece to perfectly compliment our living room design, it was IMPERATIVE we did something striking with the frame. It’s definitely different and SO cool!
One of the nice things about working with our interior designer, Melissa, is she knows the best of the best when it comes to experts. I was initially considering Hobby Lobby or Framebridge but Melissa quickly re-directed me to her “go to” for all things framing – Bob of DuPage Framing Center. She uses him for her clients and also one of the featured professionals in her “House To Home 101” program. I was SOLD.
Now having gone through the process, I NEVER really knew how much went into framing. I’ve always wondered “why is framing so expensive?! It’s just four pieces of wood right?” Nope.
The craftsmanship and expert advice I received from Bob and his team was astronomical. I believe he enhanced our piece even MORE. I can’t wait to show you how it looks hanging in our living room!
In the meantime…Bob agreed to an interview to help answer all my dire questions about framing. He also gives advice for picking out a framer (even if you don’t use him) and things to consider so you can make a fully educated decision when it comes to tackling that stack of art/photos just laying around!
If anything, I hope this inspires you to switch from big stores (like I’ve always used) and go local. I think you’ll be shocked at all the benefits you get from going to an expert and how to make it affordable too.
Last but not least, if you live in the Chicagoland area, DuPage Framing Center is located in the Western Suburb, Wheaton and a MUST!
Okay Bob…take it away!
Bob we are so happy you’re here to debunk some common myths about framing! But before we get into the weeds, tell us about you and your business…
Framing has been a family business since 1976 beginning with my sister, SuAnne, who now owns West Annapolis Artworks & Fine Framing in Maryland. I started in 1978 in the Wheaton area and two of my siblings, Chris and Theresa were framing in California as well. Melissa, my daughter, joined me 6 years ago and you can find my grandson, Ashton, helping at the shop after school.
DuPage Framing Center has been in the same location since 1989 and is the only local independent Frame Shop in the area. We have over 50 years of framing experience combined and we love what we do. Creating custom framed art for our clients never feels like work. We believe your walls tell the story of your life: Your Walls…Your Story.
Personally, walking into any frame shop feels intimidating. Plus framing has the stereotype for being pricey. Can you talk about this and spill the beans?
First of all, we recognize people come in with perceived ideas about the cost. Some places have such big gaudy pieces people think… “I can’t afford all this!”.
A frame is the equivalent of a piece of furniture and much more labor intensive than people realize. And just like furniture, it can be as expensive or inexpensive as you want it to be. It just depends on what materials you choose. Let me break it down for you…
The price of framing is determined by several components: moulding, type of glass, the archiving materials and the labor involved. For example…
The more expensive moldings are European and handcrafted – which requires many hours of workmanship, painting and design. Do you want standard or museum glass? Do you want archiving materials on the front and back so it lasts for generations?
It’s a lot to think about so we make people less intimidated by working with your budget and ask lots of questions like…
- How did you find us?
- Have you ever worked with another custom frame shop?
- Is this an investment piece?
- Will it stand alone in a prominent spot?
We can show you less expensive choices and how a small increase would create a BIG difference. We have samples in store so you can visualize lots of options.
We’ve also created a casual feel to the shop that makes you feel at ease as soon as your walk in. From the comfy couch, to the custom furniture I designed. I even built a children’s magnetic table to keep little hands busy! That way parents can concentrate!
How can one make their framing experience more affordable?
Giving a budget is very much appreciated. Don’t be shy either! We aim for repeat clients so we want you to feel comfortable with the price. We will show you different frames, mats and glass options and walk you through the entire process.
If you’re concerned about cost, we can use ‘on hand remnants’ {AKA leftovers} because we build our own frames in house. This is how we’re able offer more affordable options. The great thing about remnants is you still get quality wood frames {versus plastic} with a modest style in your price range.
What we’re selling also lasts forever. Once clients come here they are our clients for life because we overdeliver every step of the way.
Why would someone go to a local framing store {like yours!} over a Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics, Frame Bridge, or have art framed where they purchase it?
We offer affordable options at even better quality, along with handholding beyond the frame {like hanging}.
People go to big box stores for framing because they THINK they’ll get a better price {a lot of times they have a coupon}. But they often find the coupon has restrictions, doesn’t apply to the artwork they’ve brought in or it’s only on certain frames and materials.
We are able to offer custom, high quality frames in your budget because we hand cut all our own moldings in house. Since we must order our materials in larger quantities, we have beautiful over stock.
Last but not least, your artwork and photos are safe and secure. We do EVERYTHING in house so you don’t run the risk of your prized processions getting damaged or lost during transport.
How can you use a mat and frame to transform your art/photos for your space or style?
There are all kinds of ways to make the old feel fresh, new and modern! Wish you would have ordered that bigger Gray Malin photo? No problem!
Adding a large mat to a small print is a great idea. Not to mention wide mats with narrow frames are really big right now. We like to sometimes fill the mat void by adding a subtle detail layered look to fill in the space.
Another trend is putting wider moulding on smaller pieces in lieu of matting. We have several samples in the shop.
Last but not least you can add a pop of color by using a double mat, solid core mats, or a fillet {which is a small trim piece we insert into the frame}. We just received new metallic, alloy and sleek moulding samples that can transform your old paintings into new decor.
What are some framing ideas?
We can frame anything! Here is just a sampling but the sky is truly the limit! Here are 15 examples.…
15 “Out Of The Box” Framing Ideas
- Shadow Boxes: Hole in One, Pipes, Grandma’s recipe
- Magnetic Board with fabric of your choice
- Paint Brushes from an artist
- Collections: Stamp, Vintage Purse, Buttons Grandpa’s Medals from the War with Images Children’s Poem
- Your Father’s Architect Drawings
- Great Aunt’s Hat Pins
- Racebib
- Playbill
- Wedding Vows
- Ancient Artifacts
- Newspaper Headlines
- 7’ Boa Constrictor Snake Skin
- Eagle Scout Collage
- Burlap Coffee Sacks
- Vintage Bus Banners
their custom magnetic frames allow you to easily display and swap out your kids art projects!
What is a “go to” winning formula for your typical photos/art?
A “no fail” combo is…
Black and White…White, charcoal, or a black mat with a black frame is a great jumping off point. Then eliminate the mats one by one. Then try a black frame that has more detail and then test out solid core mats and double thick mats.
Do you help with gallery walls?
Yes! We have two very helpful resources, plus lots of gallery walls in the shop for immediate inspiration. Our two resources many don’t know about are:
- We are very visual and we know you are too! So we create FREE cardboard templates you can mock up on your walls at home! This will save your walls from errors and accidental holes.
2. We will save you hours of time and the headache of formatting and sizing your photos thanks to our in house photo printing. By eliminating the step of you having to print your own photos, the process is seamless!
Let’s say your best friend lives in Iceland and she wants to get a very expensive piece of art framed. What advice would you give her?
- Make sure she’s using an independent frame store that does everything in house.
- That they’re using the highest quality mat board, conservation materials both front and back, as well as conservation glass.
- Not do anything permanent to the artwork. You want it to be completely reversible if it’s taken out of the frame in the future.
- Make sure the colors don’t compete but compliment the art.
Any rules of thumb or helpful resources on how to hang your art/photos?
Most people hang things too high. Here’s what we recommend:
- For 8 ft to 9 ft ceilings, 60” to 62” off the floor to the center of the completed frame.
- For 10 ft + ceilings, 64” to 68” off the floor to the center of the completed frame.
- Make sure the artwork is visually offset from doors, windows moldings, mantels, etc.
- Call a good installer, we have someone we recommend.
What makes DuPage Framing Center Different?
- We are Independent Family owned and operated with over 50 years of experience.
- All work is done by hand on premises so nothing is sourced out.
- We care that our customers are happy because we want them for life.
- We offer 100% satisfaction Guarantee.
- We don’t do anything permanent to your artwork…if something has to be held in place it’s gently handsewn.
- We have the largest selection of frames and moldings in the area.
- We design custom Magnetic Frames included with super strong magnets. Great for quickly swapping out your child’s latest craft!
- We can personalize your frames with an engraved plate or story pocket.
- We also have an Epson professional printer so we offer in house photo printing to make the process seamless.
Your Questions Answered!
Before Melissa suggested Bob, I took an Instagram poll on where YOU go. I received a significant amount of feedback and questions, so I had him address those as well!
- “So hard to pick {frames} and not spend a small fortune”
After doing this for so long we are able to diffuse that right away through a series of questions. It’s definitely an issue for people, but not for long because we’re good at listening and choosing a jumping off point quickly to get started.
2. “Ugh I have a stack of art to be framed but so intimidated by the process”
We are quick at helping you choose the best option because we’ve been doing this so long. We’ll ask you what you’ve been holding onto the longest or if you have a favorite and start there. It’s easy to chunk it out so it’s not overwhelming. And if you choose “in stock moulding”, you’ll SAVE money!
4. “When are anchors with screws necessary over typical tack nails?”
We have all types of hanging hardware, Wire, D Rings, Z Bars, we also have adjustable corner brackets. We can show you in the shop how we hang things or we have a professional installer.
Of course, we provide a custom measuring shim that will help ease the process and does all the math for you so you can just put holes in the wall…it’s a marriage saver!
5. “Does it make sense to hang artwork with one or two holes in the wall?”
It depends…how heavy it is and where it’s going.
6. “Is it better to hang art on a wire or D-rings?”
No wire on mirrors, Z Bar is preferred.
7. SO many of you said how much you LOVE and swear by Framebridge. I asked Bob to reiterate the difference again so you can make an educated decision on which place makes the most sense for YOU.
Lots of people use Framebridge because it’s easy and less intimidating.
However, we can set ourselves apart from online frame services because we offer:
- On site creation…your artwork is safe and secure.
- Custom design services…your framing is as unique as your art.
- Reuse/Repurpose…cut and reuse your antique frames so you have this wonderful family heirloom for generations.
- Custom framed mirrors…any size with any material.
- FREE templates…cardboard templates can be cut to any size to take home.
- Hanging Services…we have plenty of tips in the shop as well a professional installer we work with if you need help hanging your artwork or gallery.
- Local Designers…we work with over 12+ local designers if you’re looking for help with a big wall or room project.
- We also have an Epson professional printer so we offer in house photo printing to make the process seamless.
Isn’t Bob a gem?! And how shocked are you by the amount of thought, time and craftsmanship that goes into custom framing?
While I was there, Bob “unveiled” my piece of art! It was SO MUCH FUN and such a surprise.
Melissa helped with the selection of this European gray frame at our previous appointment (since she has the entire vision of our living room in her mind). She was so excited with what we picked out , she wanted to be there too! P.S. Tomorrow is the LAST DAY you can sign up for her “House To Home 101” program!
For more tips and tricks and how to get your art looking fresh now, be sure to check out DuPage Framing Center today!
A huge thanks to DuPage Framing Center for collaborating on this post! I received a discount for the custom frame however all opinions are my own.
