Custom Framing Articles and Ideas Archives

December 17, 2019August 11, 2023

Getting Ready for the Holidays? We Have Last Minute Gifts and Last Minute Frames!

It’s the holidays and like many of our clients we’re getting our home ready for visitors and celebrations. We’ve been making Christmas cookies, Jeanette and I raided my mom’s recipes, to great cheer from my son, brother and father. To wrap presents last evening I had to clear off the dining room table. And our guest bedroom, well let’s just say that it’s where all matter of things are placed until such time as we need them or need the bedroom for guests.

Are you getting your home ready for the holidays, too? Need to clear out that guest bedroom and be able to set the dining room table for guests? Don’t stash that artwork you picked up on vacation under the bed, bring it to Village Frame & Gallery now and take advantage of our Golden Ticket offer – 10% off new custom framing projects – through December 31st! Your artwork will be safe and after the New Year you’ll have new artwork to put on your walls!

Last minute gifts at Village Frame & Gallery!

I walked into the mall last weekend, yes I did. I honestly haven’t “shopped” in a mall for years – why would I when there are so many great local shops in Multnomah Village and Hillsdale? Well, I went to the mall because I needed a piece of jewelry fixed and, perhaps, just a bit of curiosity. (Side note – I so miss Jones and Jones in the Village!) The mall was festive and the stores I walked into had very pleasant and helpful staff, just like the shops here in the Village. There is one BIG difference, the shops in the Village and Hillsdale are curated, owned and staffed by your neighbors!

At Village Frame & Gallery we have gifts for everyone on your list, hand made by local and regional artists. Beadwork jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, hand-turned wood pens and unframed original art. We can tell you about the artists and about the art – where they live and the processes they use – because they are your neighbors too!

Last minute framing options, now through Christmas Eve!

Precious family photos and framed artwork make wonderful gifts for the holidays and it’s not too late to create that special gift! Village Frame Gallery is pleased to carry 5×7 and 8×10 photo frames and a large selection of unique ReadyFast frames in standard sizes from 5×7 to 16×20, priced for holiday gift giving. As the name implies, framing projects with ReadyFast frames can be ready in as little as one day. Bring in those photos or artwork for that special someone and we’ll create a memorable gift, just in time for Christmas!

Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 97219 in the heart of Multnomah Village. Our regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm.

June 29, 2019August 11, 2023

Got Graduates? Save on Custom Framing Now!

It’s so much more than a piece of paper. It’s proof of hard years of work, a realization of achievement and the basis for dreams yet to come. Don’t put that diploma in a drawer!

Honor Their Achievements and Save!

Village Frame & Gallery can help. Stop by to purchase a gift certificate, or bring in your favorite graduate’s diploma. During our Construction Savings event save 10% off one and 15% off two new custom framing projects!

Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 97219 in the heart of Multnomah Village. We are open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm.

June 21, 2019August 11, 2023

Framing Projects Big and Small and Big Savings Now!

We are honored to frame so many special things…original artwork, heirlooms, memories and the like. Sometimes, even in the same week, we frame things that are completely opposite from each other. This very thing happened last week when we were completing a huge unfixed pastel, the feather above. Measuring over six feet wide and almost four feet tall this project presented specific challenges. Not only was it big and float mounted, the unfixed pastel meant that we could not turn the artwork over to mount it!

We completed the beautiful shadowbox presentation with TruVue Optium Museum acrylic because it is lightweight, resists scratching, is anti-static (so important for pastel), provides incredible clarity and most importantly, blocks 99% of UV light.

That very same week, we framed two postcards. The first, a childhood memory, was framed in a heavy traditional frame. We float mounted the postcard on a contrasting background to show off the pretty scalloped edge. The second, a reproduction of the client’s favorite painting, was kept small to fit a nook in their kitchen. To give the diminutive piece presence we added a fabric liner in a pretty green matching the colors in the artwork. Both pieces were framed with TruVue Museum glass.

What projects do you have in your home waiting for the right time to frame? A picture you like, but the framing doesn’t go with your new great room? A piece of street art from a recent vacation? Now is the time to bring them to Village Frame and Gallery!

Save Big with Construction Savings!

Village Frame and Gallery is offering 10 percent off one, or 15 percent off two or more new custom framing projects. We know it’s tough to park in the Village on the best of days and the construction doesn’t help. But here’s a hint…there is frequently empty parking on Capitol Highway right after the lunch rush on weekdays! So gather those projects, save BIG on framing and support the Village!

Village Frame and Gallery is located at 7808 SW Capitol Highway, Portland 97219 in the heart of Multnomah Village. We are open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm.

January 23, 2018March 20, 2018

Going to Portland Fine Print Fair? Make Village Frame & Gallery Your Next Stop.

Art Lovers:

It’s just about time for the Portland Find Print Fair. The quick and dirty deets are:

18 dealers from the U.S. and Europe will be selling everything from emerging artists to Old Masters.

Friday, January 26th, 6 – 9 pm is the benefit preview. You can get advance tickets at PortlandFinePrintFair.com.

Free admission is Saturday, January 27, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, January 28, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Free Tour schedule is:
Curator’s Choice with Mary Weaver Chapin, Ph.D.
Saturday, January 27, 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 28, 11:30 a.m.

Asian Prints with Jeannie Kenmotsu, Ph.D.
Saturday, January 27, 10:30 a.m.

Asian Prints with Maribeth Graybill, Ph.D.
Sunday, January 28, 1:30 p.m.

It’s in the Fields Ballroom in the Mark Building.

Mark Building of the Portland Art Museum — Mark Building, Portland Art Museum

Afterward, Bring Your New Prints to Village Frame & Gallery

Every year, we help Portlanders make the most of their new prints with framing that completes and enhances the artwork while protecting it from deterioration. Don’t make the mistake of stashing your new fine art print in a closet “until you have time” to bring it in. Come see us right after the fair, so we can help you get your art ready to show off!

We’re open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

January 15, 2018May 14, 2018

3 Things You Won’t Believe We Framed!

Font of Hatari by Henry Mancini in frame

Did you ever want to exhibit something rare or special? But you couldn’t because it would get destroyed unless it was kept hidden away in a storage box. You might want to revisit that idea when you see what three of our clients had framed recently.

Check out this groovy vintage LP we framed

This album got lots of play in the 1960s, but it’s over 50 years old now. It’s owner wanted to enjoy it, but also protect it. Properly framed, the cover is a great piece of vintage art that can be displayed, with a little secret …

We used an open-style back so you can not only read the back of the cover, the record can be removed on special occasions. How fun is that?!

Don’t want to walk on your antique rug? Frame it and hang it!

This is a 78″ x 44″ hand-knotted silk Persian rug we framed recently. I guess you can see why it’s owner didn’t want to lay it on the floor. Framed, it’s a stunning piece of wall art in a gorgeous, heavily carved frame.

There’s more than one way to frame a window

A lot of people buy antique stained glass windows as art for their homes, but then just contend with the fragility of their old frames, thinking they have no choice if they want to keep the original, distressed sash. If you have a piece like this, we can frame it with the original sash in place, like we did this next piece.

This was actually part of a door. We used a chunky hardwood frame and distressed decorative fillet to complement the original framing, which brings a lot of visual interest to the finish piece.

Like a sleeker look? The old framing can be removed entirely, updating and refreshing the look of your stained glass art as we did here with a new Art Deco frame. This is going to look great hanging in a bathroom window!

Have a project idea, but not sure if we can frame it? Bring it in!

Just about anything you can imagine hanging on your wall can be framed, so don’t be shy about asking. We enjoy using our creativity to help you find ways to display and protect your treasures.

We’re open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm or by appointment, at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

November 17, 2017August 3, 2018

5 Tips for Traveling Art Collectors

Brightly colored string art image of sun, moon, medicine wheel, maize, birds, and animals

We frame a lot of artwork our customers bring home from their travels. For art lovers, is there any better way to bring a special trip or place to mind? We think not! If you agree, here are a few things to keep in mind during your next vacation.

Do Collect Art When You Travel

Skip the cheap trinkets and forgettable souvenir stand offerings. A lot of it was made in China anyway. Art you love purchased from local artists will not only bring you joy for the rest of your life, finding it may produce some of your best memories of the trip.

Alternately, if you enjoy photography, make your own art. Hunting killer images will likely help you see things you would have missed otherwise. When you get home, we can help you turn your best photographs into an art exhibit you’ll be proud to show off.

Get to Know the Special Needs of Your New Treasure

Some art is particularly fragile. Depending on it’s age or the media used, it made need special care. It’s a good idea to learn what you can about the art you buy, so you can make good decisions for it when it arrives home.

The Huichol string art pictured above was a gift from a dear friend in Mexico to a couple from Oregon during their last visit south. Familiar with Huichol string art, the couple knew it was created by laying string into beeswax. Since this art is precious to them and will live in a home heated by wood, the couple brought it straight to Village Frame & Gallery. They were concerned about protecting the yarn fibers from soot, and the underlying beeswax from heat. But, they didn’t want glazing that would interfere with seeing the texture or vibrant color of the piece. Museum Glass inside a simple, black lacquer frame provided the protection they need with the clarity they desired.

Large Art Might Not be the Best Value After All

A big statement piece offered by a street vendor at a fraction of U.S. prices can be very tempting, but will it still be a bargain after you ship it home and get it framed? Anything larger than 16″ x 20″ is likely to put a serious bruise on your credit card before you get it on the wall, regardless of how cheap the initial outlay was. You might be much better off picking up a few small pieces that can easily be brought home in your luggage. You’ll save on shipping and framing and you will have spread the wealth among several artists.

Not long ago, a customer brought in this diminutive oil painting, which was purchased abroad. In the right frame, it makes a big statement and is a lovely reminder of our client’s trip.

Restretching Could Stretch Your Wallet

We often have folks come in with a rolled canvas they brought home in their luggage, only to find out it can cost more to restretch art than it would have been to ship it home stretched. Don’t end up with a nasty surprise — price shipping the canvas stretched before you take it apart. If the shipping is under $100, do it. If you have doubts after you know the shipping price, email us the size and some pictures for a ballpark estimate on restretching before making your final decision.

Don’t Wait to Bring Your Art to Village Frame & Gallery

Ever bring home a piece of art, stow in a corner for safekeeping until you can get to the frame shop, and then let it languish there for years? It happens, but when it does, you cheat yourself out of the joy of displaying your souvenir, and your art is at the mercy of the elements — unprotected from dust, light, insects, and temperature changes.

Next time, bring your art to Village Frame & Gallery before you unpack your suitcases. While you’re catching up with your inbox and sorting through your snapshots, we’ll get your new art ready to display.

We’re open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm, at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

September 15, 2017March 20, 2018

Framing Textiles: To Glaze or Not to Glaze?

Close up of antique sampler framed behind glass.

Traditionally, textiles have not been framed behind glass. But is that the best way to protect your textile artwork? Or a “rule” that can broken? Well, it depends …

There are Several Things to Think about When Deciding to Glaze or Not to Glaze

Where will your art be displayed? Will your textiles be hanging in direct sunlight? Or in an area where they will come into contact with dust, dirt, cooking oil, insects, or smoke? If so, opt for glass, or your textile art will soon be faded, decaying, and dirty.

Are you framing antique textiles? Over time, textiles become extremely fragile. Glazing can radically slow the pace of degradation, particularly if stabilization procedures are used before the piece is framed.

How large is your artwork? Glass can make very large pieces difficult to move. Plexiglas® may be an option, though.

Is the art three-dimensional or does it have drape? Glass may not be appropriate for wavy or formed textiles, clothing, or anything that is not flat. However, if the item needs protection from environmental hazards, discuss the possibility of a shadow box with your framer.

Your Most Important Consideration: A Framer with Textile Experience

Framing textiles is a specialty skill. Your framer needs to understand proper blocking, how to stabilize fabrics and fibers, the conservation needs of different types of textiles, and how to allow for adequate airflow between the artwork and glazing.

Village Frame & Gallery has been trusted by textile artists and conservators since 1999. If you have a fabric or fiber piece you want to protect and show off, bring it to our shop for a free consultation.

July 12, 2017March 20, 2018

Memories and Memorials

I’ve been going through lots of old pictures and keepsakes at mom and dad’s house lately, finding things I didn’t know still existed. My grandfather’s birth certificate, his parents marriage certificate. Pictures of my grandmother when she worked at Mars Candy Company in Chicago, dressed much like Lucy and Esther in the infamous candy conveyor belt scene. It’s rumored that they kept their marriage a secret so that she wouldn’t have to quit her job. I found stock certificates (one share each) from the Walt Disney company in my children’s names emblazoned with Mickey, Donald and the gang, and more.

It’s amazing how much we accumulate over time, scurried away in boxes and stashed under beds or in closets. Recently, one of our customers brought in keepsakes he found in his father’s house – an old photo and a document. To be more specific, it was a Presidential Unit Citation for the capture of U-505 during WWII and a photo of the US crew at sea on the bow of the submarine! The citation was in surprisingly good condition, however the photograph had considerably warped over time and repeated exposure to moisture.

Our customer wanted to preserve and showcase these precious keepsakes together in one frame. He chose a distressed leather moulding with a linen mat and fillet, and then we got to work. Using conservation methods and materials we mounted the citation. Given the fragile condition of the photograph, we created a space in the mounting materials where it would be secure and protected, but not constrained. The resulting presentation is somber, respectful and beautiful.

Mom always wanted to frame the Walt Disney Company stock certificates for my kids. I think she was waiting for them to get older, for when they would appreciate them. We all went on a Disney Cruise when the kids were little. It was a great trip enjoyed by three generations – I still have pictures. I think I know what my kids are getting for Christmas this year.

Do you have old photos you’ve been meaning to frame? Keepsakes you want to display, but you’re not sure how to do it? Bring them in, no appointment necessary, we would be honored to work with you!

February 16, 2017March 20, 2018

Get We the People Posters Plus Savings on Framing in February

Want Your Own Set of “We the People” Posters? Come to Village Frame & Gallery!

Three red, white, and blue art posters, one depicting a Latina that says "We the people defend dignity," one depicting a Muslim woman that says "We the people are greater than fear," and one depicting an African American woman that says, "We the people protect each other." — by Shepard Fairey

“It’s really about making sure that people remember that ‘we the people’ means everyone, it means all the people. I think the campaigns were very divisive, more from one side than the other. But (it’s) just reminding people to find their common humanity, and look beyond maybe one narrow definition of what it means to be American.”

— Shepard Fairey

Have you seen Shepard Fairey’s artwork for the inauguration? Were you touched by it? We were too — and I had to get a set. So, I got several 9×12 sets, which will be framed and available for sale in the Gallery starting tomorrow. I have limited quantities so get here before they’re gone! 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the ACLU.

Need Custom Framing? Save 15% in February!

Have something of your own you want framed? Now is the time to do it. Bring in this coupon (or just pull up this blog post on your phone) and we’ll give you 15% off your next framing order. And yes, we still have a few designer mirrors on clearance.

See You Soon!

As always, we’re open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm, at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

November 8, 2016March 20, 2018

Looking for a Unique Holiday Gift? Turn Your Favorite Tradition into Art

Cookie recipe, cookie cutters, and snapshot of grandmother and granddaughter making cookies in professional picture framing

Everyone has a favorite holiday memory they would love to preserve.

Maybe it’s a shared ritual, a beloved heirloom, or a particular time that was extra special. Whatever it is, this year, give yourself or a loved one the gift of enjoying that memory forever.

What memory do you want to preserve and give?

Gather the tangible pieces and symbols of it and bring them to Village Frame & Gallery. We will help you create a one-of-a-kind gift that expresses the joy that memory has brought you and the love you feel for the recipient.

Not sure how to get started? Call us at 503-245-8001.

Consultations are free and we have plenty of ideas to help you get started turning your favorite memories into art.

Don’t wait, the holidays are just around the corner!

To avoid rush fees, bring us your gifts needing framing by December 10th. Village Frame & Gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm, at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

Village Frame & Gallery is an owner-operated, full service, custom framing shop, proudly offering the industry’s only Conservation Grade Glass — True Vue — to ensure your framable memories will last and last.

To learn more, check out How to Choose Picture Glass Like a Pro.