Framing Picasso, Topeka Collegiate School Auction

For the last several years, Topeka Collegiate School has asked us to help with their annual fund raiser. They usually have at least one impressive work from a master artist that we frame for their auction. We are always excited to learn which piece was chosen. The artwork selected this year is a print, signed by the master himself, Pablo Picasso. This print is special and deserved frame design to emphasizes that significance.

Good things come in small packages, this one measures just 6"x 4". As always conservation is a high priority, acid free mats and museum glass for it's clarity and 99.8% UV protectionin.We surrounded the print with a Wheat colored liner mat and a fillet (a matching frame within the frame) We then used a 3" Taupe mat creating a larger presence. that draws the eye powerfully to the art, giving it special importance. Then the frame itself, a 4" Biltmore Black an ECO-friendly frame from Larson Juhl, inspired by the quality, elegance and craftsmanship of America's great home, the Biltmaore Estate. The coved frame draws the eye powerfully to the art, giving it special importance.

This process is special but not unusual and can be given to any object no matter what the monetary value. Framing small art is one of the hottest trends in picture framing today, according to The Art and Framing Council. “You and your framer can achieve a really dramatic, exciting piece that makes a large statement on the wall by treating something small in a new way,” says Kim Ahern, executive director of The Art and Framing Council.

Do you have a very small print, photo, or keepsake that you treasure? Would you like to display this piece so that you and others can appreciate it on a daily basis, yet are reluctant because of its size? Please, consider the many creative framing techniques which can emphasize these mini treasures. Bring them in, we would love to help you preserve and display your next framing project.

Framewoods.com

Topeka Collegiate School Auction

Online Reservations. (Click here to reserve your spot at the 2010 auction.)
Auction Acquisition Form 2010 Auction Advertisement Form 2010

The Topeka Collegiate School annual auction is scheduled for the evening of March 6, 2010!

For more information go to: http://www.topekacollegiate.org/auction.shtml

Creating a Picture Wall - displaying your collection artfully.

Creating a Picture Wall

A picture wall displays a group of framed items in a coordinated design. The frames may all be the same style or the same color, but most often a picture wall includes a variety of different frames. The artwork may be united by a theme: vacation photos, a collection of sports memorabilia, family portraits. Or they may be connected by subject matter: coastal scenes depicted in photos, watercolor paintings, old engravings, and other media. Color can be the unifying factor, and color-themed picture walls have a lot of impact, bringing the coolness of blue or the vibrancy of red strongly into the room. Collectors of posters, etchings, photographs or watercolors can develop a picture wall to show the variety within their collection. But some of the best picture walls display a very eclectic mix of sizes, colors and styles that reflects a range of personal preferences and experiences. And it doesn't have to be limited to pictures: an arrangement can be enhanced by including mirrors, shelves, or objects in the mix.

When placing several different sizes of frames and art together, arrange each piece so that one outside edge is in line with another picture next to it, either vertically or horizontally. This technique helps bring a sense of balance to the grouping. Keep the space between frame edges fairly small, typically about two to four inches; this will visually "gather the group together". The grouping can build from the center and spread out in all directions. Or you can plan to have it develop into a rectangular shape. An irregular shape is very useful if you are likely to add to the wall after the first design is finished.

One thing about a picture wall: it involves a few nail holes. If you are a bit anxious about making those holes in the right spot the first time, there are a couple of ways to determine your spacing before hanging: try organizing the picture arrangement on the floor in front of the wall where it will hang, then hang the pieces one-by-one. To get a more accurate visualization, cut pieces of newspaper to the size of the framed items and tape them to the wall with removable tape.

When hanging pictures above a sofa, be sure that the bottom of the lowest frame leaves clearance for the head of a seated person. But don't go any higher, or the pictures will seem to be floating instead of visually attached to the sofa. If there is no furniture against the picture wall, and there are a number of frames, the arrangement can cover the entire wall from ceiling to floor for a dramatic presentation.

Light is necessary to enjoy the picture wall, but avoid direct sunlight or other strong direct light on the art. Keep track lighting and overhead picture lights away from close contact with artwork-heat from the bulbs can cause damage to the art, and fluorescent lights (including the new compact curly bulbs) may cause fading of some artwork.

Choose a wall and gather a few of your favorite images and you will be on your way!

Framewoods also provides professional picture hanging services, so if you are not a DIY type of person give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you display your collection.

For the Love of the Game

Do you love sports? Do you remember the day when you or your child made the greatest catch in history, or scored the winning goal? Or that time you bowled a near-perfect game? You’re not alone! There is nothing more memorable, or important, than your very own athletic treasures. That high school football jersey, your daughter’s ballet shoes, that game ball from Little League. The items are priceless and the memories are forever.

Whether it’s a team accomplishment or a personal triumph, framing your sports memories will revive those feelings each time you see it. And don’t forget about the world of options that a shadowbox offers. We’re experts at preserving and designing sport s - related shadowboxes. As you can see from the picture here, the three dimensional frame design provide the ability to frame almost anything.

Your child will smile every time they see their first football helmet above their bed. You will love having your high school baseball glove beautifully displayed on your office wall. It has never been easier to immortalize your very own prized athletic memorabilia. Simply gather up your favorite items and bring them to our store. We have great suggestions for every room.

Personal, framed athletic mementos can make someone feel like an all-star. They’re great for birthdays, holidays, coaches’ gifts, homes, offices—anywhere and everywhere you can imagine. As with custom frames, we know that amateur athletes come in all shapes and sizes. We’ve designed frames and shadowboxes for Cub Scouts, ballerinas, fishermen, boaters, skateboarders… you name it. The options are truly endless. Come visit Framewoods of Topeka and let us show you the options!

Krista Lundy Patron is Drawn in by Wolves

Following is my small story of how I came to purchase Krista Lundy's Art:

I had been invited by a friend to a Mind, Body, Spirit Fair.  Personally, I had never attended such an event and didn't really know what to expect there.

Long story short...I went.  Picture this:  I'm meandering through this exhibit, my eyes are going to and fro, landing on nothing of particular interest to me.  I was beginning to lose interest in being there....until...I looked up toward the ceiling....I couldn't move!  I was captivated!!  I was spellbound!  My eyes interlocked with the eyes of these wolves.  I was standing there and tears began to well up in my eyes.  I marveled at how the artist Krista Lundy captured the freedom, the strength, their love for each other, and the beauty of these wolves.  It was like being "one" with the pack.  I was, in that moment, free, strong, knew a love higher than love,and became keenly aware of true beauty.   I was so drawn in by these wolves that I was moved to purchase them.  I didn't know what to do for charcoal on canvas but,  Framewoods of Topeka did.

Framewoods of Topeka did a most excellent job in mounting and framing "Out of the Darkness" and "Lovers".

Krista is still doing wolves and is also doing pet portraits.  I hope you'll want to contact her. (Artist information available on request from Framewoods) Because as soon as you hear her voice you'll understand where the beauty comes from.  As soon as you see her work, you'll also see where her gift comes from.

God Bless each and every one,
Lynda Martin