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

Framing Unusual Objects

Shadowboxes are a great way to creatively frame collectibles, mementos, and memorabilia. Special unusual objects are best presented in shadowboxes as they call attention to the article and are truly original and custom made.

Here is just a few of our customers at Framewoods who have had unusual objects framed.

"I just wanted to let you know that Doug loved his violin outfit and picture in the shadow box. He was surprised and excited at how will it all looked. He knows that our children will ask lots of questions about the original violin we had framed and now his outfit and picture. Doug is very proud of his accomplishments when he was so young, and now we can share that pride and history with generations to come. thank you for helping me turn part of Doug's past into our family's history" -- Lisa Bassett

"Recently, Jan mentioned she would like to have a shadow box to display a bouquet of roses that I had given her on our 39th wedding anniversary. Over three years ago a friend had the flowers dried for us. When I contacted (Framewoods) about building something, I never dreamed it would become the beautiful piece you created. We are extremely pleased. We have it mounted in a prominent place in our living room. That you so much for making our original idea into something we will always treasure. You guys are the greatest!" -- Ed and Jan Jenkins.

"In addition to the excellent work you and your staff did framing several pieces of art for our offices, I am writing to personally thank you for the equally fine work you did mounting my Viet Nam medals. The decorations had been stored in a box since 1971, the year I returned from my second tour of duty as a helicopter pilot. But it was my wife (who was three years of age at the time!) who decided these symbols of my service in Viet Nam should be displayed in a more fitting fashion. Accordingly, as a birthday surprise to me, Kristina had Framewoods mount these memorabilia in a display that, quite honestly, does far more justice to these awards than I could have ever imagined. You and your staff obviously gave very special attention to this project. And the results are very obvious to all who have seen the display.... which is now prominently and honorably exhibited in our family room for all to see. I salute you, Gary and that you for a job well done." -- John R. Dietrick, CEO and General Counsel, Monarch Management Corp.

So look around and see what unusual objects you might have in the attic and bring them in for us to design an eye-catching memory just for you.

Framewoods of Topeka is Helping to Fight Hunger in America

Tru Vue and Framewoods of Topeka have joined forces to help fight hunger in America through the Museum Glass® Feeds America promotion.  This campaign is designed to help make a difference in the lives of the 1 in 8 Americans now struggling with hunger. 

Every time, Framewoods of Topeka offers Museum Glass to its customers through the Scratch, Give and Win promotion, Tru Vue will match the donation revealed on the redeemed scratch-off card.  The Museum Glass Feeds America promotion makes it easy for framers and consumers to collectively make a difference. 

By participating in the Museum Glass Feeds America promotion, custom picture framers and their customers will help generate up to $25,000 in donations to Feeding America (www.feedingamerica.org), the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief charity that secures food and funding for local food banks in every state.  This equates to 175,000 meals to individuals and families in need.

To learn more about how you can help, bring in an item to be custom framed at Framewoods of Topeka or visit our website at www.framewoods.com.

And watch this short about Tru Vue Museum Glass® and their Feeds America promotion.

Use Art & Framing for Your Room Makeovers

The square footage of the average American home is 2,500 square feet. Of all the space in that home, the wall space is usually the most neglected.

So why not spruce up your home with some beautiful art and framing? It offers one of the most economical ways to give your living space a new look and will dramatically change the overall feel of your entire home.

Start by choosing a room that has a lot of empty wall space. Then call us—the room makeover experts. Let us add artwork and family photos using just the right matting and frame designs. We can provide framed wall decor that will fit with your furnishings perfectly and will enhance any room. We’ll produce all the elements you need to create an appealing balance that will make your home enjoyable to look at and to live in.

We are happy to make house calls and help you choose just the right art from our wide selection or reframe art you already enjoy. We will bring framing and matting samples so you can see firsthand how they will look in the rooms you want to liven up. We can also frame your own family photos or heirlooms for a hallway, den, living room, or bedroom, making them part of your everyday lives.

Let your eyes spend your hours at home looking at beautifully framed art instead of blank walls.

Whether your decor is traditional or contemporary, we can help you achieve a whole new look with custom framing. To learn more about what we have to offer go to www.Framewoods.com

Trio of paintings works as a unit
Three impresive Jamali paintings dominate the condo's living room.
United by artist, subject matter and frame style, the trio of paintings functions as a single, dramatic focal point in the large space. The colors also reflect those in the room's furnishings.

(RICARDO RAMIREZ BUXEDA/ORLANDO SENTINEL / October 14, 2009)

 Photo from:
Condo decor makeover: Artwork a key element in decorating plan - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Now Available: Certified Forest Friendly Frames and Matboards

www.framewoods.com We are committed to taking steps each day to ensure we are making a difference in protecting the future of our natural resources. As part of that commitment, we are proud to now offer certified forest friendly Larson-Juhl frames and matboards. The Biltmore and Sorrento frame collections 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. ARTIQUE FSC CERTIFIED MATBOARD We also carry FSC certified Artique Matboards. 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. For more information, visit www.fsc.org.