Remember and Inspire.

Two of my favorite frame samples.

I love good frames. I appreciate the craftsmanship, labor, and expense that goes into building a high quality frame. I can always spot one that is well-made at a thrift store, garage sale, or antique shop. The joints have stood up to all the scuffle and shuffle that goes on in those places, and the weight tells me it's probably solid wood under the paint and finish. I don't like pressed synthetic...whatever that is they make cheap frames from.

Experience has taught me not to trust prefabricated frames at big chain stores. First, I don't yet have the skill to do the finishing work to my own satisfaction. Second, I've had frames break apart in my hands that were purchased from a famous (and shall remain nameless) art supply chain. This happened three times, one of them on the day an artwork was to be submitted for judging. In that instance, I took it to a local frame shop where framing and selling framed original art is all they do. They rescued me that day and I've used their services ever since. I feel that I have a closer connection to people who care about their craftsmanship as much as I do about mine. Surprisingly, their price and turn-around time were actually better than the big chain.

When I decided to put together some framing options for customers on my website, Village Picture Framing And Art Gallery was of course the only place I considered. Tom, the owner, and I poured over dozens of frame samples. I finally narrowed it down to three and asked my newsletter subscribers to chime in with how they felt about each. They helped me narrow it down to just these two. 

Some felt that the elegant, leaf-carved one drew attention away from the bird. Others thought it added a nice elegant compliment to the  simplicity of the small painting. The distressed barnwood frame seemed to be the favorite as most thought it fit better with the barn swallow theme. Just about everyone who offered an opinion was very firm about their choice. This tells me that it's important to offer more than two choices. 

This leaves me in somewhat of a quandary. I've seen other artists sell their work already framed, saving the buyer the headache of having it framed. This is all automated using a fulfillment company and a collector can make all those choices online and receive an artwork that is complete and ready to hang on their wall the minute it arrives. I wonder how well that works? I'm still trying to decide how I will go about offering to have my work framed for those who want it done for them.

Have you ever bought a painting online where the framing service was included or do you offer framing with your own artwork? How did that work out for you? Or do you prefer to do the footwork yourself to ensure it fits your personal style and decor? I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. You can shoot me an email or leave a comment below.