Memories Make a Special Mother’s Day

Choosing a gift for Mother’s Day can be difficult at best. Flowers? Another scarf? How do you find a gift that is both meaningful and original?

How about a collection of family photographs which deserve to be on display? What about other treasured items and are stored in a closet or attic that deserve to be seen and shared? It’ll be a one-of-a-kind gift sure to surprise and delight her.

The best thing is that it will be created just for her—and who doesn’t love a gift that’s personal? Family heirlooms make a beautiful presentation. Objects that belonged to older relatives, older photographs, and similar treasures are object stored in a box and rarely enjoyed. When framed, they come in life in an elegant shadowbox.

Pictured is a design we created for one of our customers Linda who wanted to honor her grandmother. Sunday chicken dinners were a delight for the whole family and were served on the “Chicken Every Sunday” platter in the center of the framed design. Among the other sentimental elements are favorite recipes, a collection of crochet pieces hand crafted by her grandma including gloves, booties and a beautiful center piece doily with pineapple design that symbolized her grandmother’s endless hospitality.

If Mom is a collector, then you can always choose a frame design to fit her hobby or interest. Some antique sewing tools, a special plate or piece of china, or similar item is idea for framing. Just think— you’ll not only be able to add to her collection, you can provide her with a way to show it off too.

For something more whimsical and fun, try photos of pets, grandchildren, or vacations. Or how about an original piece of art by her favorite artist? The ideas are endless, but if you’re still not sure, then consider a gift certificate. This way, mom has the chance to get something framed that she alone has chosen.

And don’t forget Dad! His day is right around the corner too. What is near and dear to him? What might he want to show off in his office or den? Again, think about hobbies, collections, or something fun he’ll love to look at again and again. Drag out his old football jersey from high school, or find his service medal and give them the recognition they deserve.

This year, take the time to create a personal, one-of-a-kind gift and you’ll get thanks all year long. Visit the Framewoods of Topeka for ideas on how to create a special shadowbox just for Mom or Dad.

Everyday is Earth Day at Framewoods.

Green - Forest and Eco Friendly Framing Material Available.

At Framewoods we are always eager to help our environment. We are conscientious of our waste products and recycle everything that is possible to recycle. "I hate to see things go to waste and knowing that they will be reused pleases me." says our Framing Manager Apollonia. Our recycling efforts include glass, cardboard, paper and even metal scraps. Mat board fallouts from the mat openings are offered to local schools for reuse and discarded frames are offerd to local artists. And if you haven't noticed the Framewoods logo icon says it all!

The desire to be "GREEN" extends to the mouldings we offer, several of our suppliers offer a variety of environmentally friendly options.

Topeka frame wholesaler Bob Victor's pioneered the development of environmentally safe finishing in the picture frame industry.   Today the finish Bob Victor’s has developed  is a finishing process that lets the Beauty, Character, and Integrity of the Fine American Hardwoods radiate through a 100% environmentally safe finish.  "The finishing materials we developed do not have a single ingredient in the formulation that carries a hazards label." Said owner Bob Victor during a visit to the Framewoods design studio.  "Our finishing process is environmentally safe.  This finish is as clear and smooth as glass."

Not only are their finishes eco-friendly all of their wood is milled from “Verified Sustainable American Hardwoods”. Which means they use sources that do not practice clear cutting and purchases timber from regions where the United States Forest Service said the timber is “SUSTAINABLE”. 

The Biltmore and Sorrento frame collections exclusively from Larson-Juhn are both PEFC certified. PEFC is the world’s largest forest certification organization promoting sustainable forest management. This important third-party certification provides you with confidence that you are purchasing forest friendly frames and demonstrates our commitment to responsible forest harvesting.

Framewoods also carries FSC certified Artique Matboards from Larson-Juhl. The presence of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo certifies that the materials used to produce the product were sourced responsibly. Every entity that touches the product – from the logger to the distributor – must be FSC certified.

The Rainforest Alliance works with the FSC to ensure that products do not negatively impact indigenous populations, come from conservation areas, come from genetically modified trees and are not illegally harvested.

The Lexington line from Omega Moulding is a collection of 8 classic profiles presented in stunning renditions of honey, walnut, mahogany and charcoal transverse wood grain finish. This eco-friendly moulding is made from fast-growing and sustainable plantation wood, which is grown for the specific purpose of production. The finish is created from non-toxic water-based pigments, making this collection one that is right in place with environmentally conscious products of today.

Finally, the "EcoCare" Blackwood and Sherwood lines of mouldings from Nurre Caxton . "A line of moulding that's easy on the eyes and the planet".
All woods are harvested from managed forests...areas that are carefully monitored, controlled and grown using a host of modern forestry techniques. This assures our forests will continue to provide clean air and water, stunning scenery, home for wildlife and jobs.

The colors of Sherwood and Blackwood are achieved with organic, water based stains. These stains allow for the beauty of the wood grain to show through. No oils, no chemical solvents are used.


So please stop in with your next project and we will design a frame for you that is not only beautiful but environmentally friendly! 

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Get Started on Spring Cleaning

When’s the last time you took a good look at the framed cross-stitch sampler in the spare bedroom?
RoJene Willard (pictured) brought in one of her beautiful cross-stitch pieces to update and dress up her home for the spring.

Have you ever considered re-framing your limited edition print in the living room? If you’re like most people, you haven’t given much thought to the framed artwork in your home. And that’s okay, because a well-made frame design shouldn’t need constant attention.

But it would be wrong to think that once artwork is framed, it’s safe forever. Framing materials and procedures are constantly improving, for one thing, and something framed ten years ago is no longer state-of-the-art. Art also changes over time: it may fade and discolor, or it might cockle and warp. It might even be vulnerable to attacks by pests. A close visual inspection of your art once a year will be enough to spot any potential problems. You can either bring your artwork to Framewoods of Topeka, or ask us what you should look for so you can inspect each piece yourself.

It’s also a good rule of thumb to re-frame artwork once every ten years. Not only does it give you the opportunity to preserve your art with the best in new materials and techniques, it’s also the perfect excuse to choose new matting to match your new decor.

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Framing Your Heroes

If you have a box filled with cherished memorabilia that could honor a soldier’s achievements, we have a great idea for you. We can create a beautiful frame featuring your photos, medals, patches, correspondence, and any other items you r might have. What better way to show how proud you are of special war hero?

There are many ways to preserve the past and present, and framing these objects and photographs will keep them in your thoughts forever. The quantity of these objects can often be overwhelming. But we can work with you to custom design the perfect memorabilia display. This display of your cherished military memories will not only tell a story but will also honor your loved one.

An exciting way to present medals and patches might be to flank a soldier’s photograph with these items. By specially mounting and presenting these items with colorful mats, all the important highlights of a career or mission can be the focal point of a beautiful frame design.

Having more than one photo may call for several mat openings in different sizes. This creates visual excitement, and interest is sparked with coordinating mat colors. Medals and patches can be displayed beneath the photo for added dramatic effect.

Old letters and postcards can also be preserved for posterity. Documents can be raised and mounted with a float effect. Softer earth tones can be used for mounting to complement the age of the materials. A dark frame with subtle, decorative ornaments can also add to the overall design.

Preserve and honor the memory of a loved one or of your own military experiences. Bring your unique memorabilia into Framewoods of Topeka and we will offer you personalized attention and create a one-of-a-kind frame design just for you.

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Design: What a Difference a Frame Makes

From fancy gold leaf to colorful textures, frames are now available in an incredible selection—but how do you choose the right one for your picture?

The style and size of the frame should be coordinated with the artwork and any matting or other decorative elements that will be used. The goal is a balanced design that enhances and provides a good presentation for the art, without overwhelming it.

Whether seeking period authenticity or eclectic flair, or anything in between, there is a line of frame mouldings to suit every style. Some people use narrow, contemporary frames on all of their art, while others enjoy the elegance and drama of wide, ornate mouldings, even on small artwork. The best framing for each piece of art evolves from a combination of personal preference, current fashion, and cultural traditions.

Framewoods has special software that can help you visualize the finished frame design. A corner sample just isn’t enough to give you the complete picture when you are framing art. Visit us today and let the Framewoods professionals show you how our technology will give you a virtual picture of your frame design—before you purchase it!

Visit Framewoods and try several different mouldings on a picture you want to have framed. Notice how different mouldings affect the appearance of the art: some look important, some look formal, others playful. There are many possibilities and looking is fun!
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