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When framing a piece of art on canvas, take a look at a float frame for a different effect. Most mouldings have a lip to hold the art in the frame, but floats have shelf-like ledges at the back to support it. A float frame is especially important when framing gallery wraps or other canvases when art is painted near the outer edges. Most float frames are minimal in design, providing a simple edge to contain the artwork. Other float frames are wider and offer interesting shapes.

Float frames can stand alone or be used in conjunction with other mouldings, or liners. These frames mostly house contemporary art. However, more conventional pieces can be placed in a float frame with traditional moulding around it to create a more classic look.

Float frames can combine with other mouldings for a variety of width, texture and color. Mixing styles and color adds interest and creativity to any framing project, including mirrors. Float frames can also be used to create a shadowbox effect by recessing one frame behind another. Stop by and explore the design possibilities of a custom-made float frame.

When it comes to custom framing a photograph or print, there are a number of decisions - like color, material quality and size - that will determine how your finished project will look. These same decisions will also determine the final cost. We can help you find materials that fit your taste and your budget - whether it's clean and simple or rich and elegant or perhaps somewhere in between.

If you are starting with a smaller budget, the key to a successful design is keeping your frame, matting and mounting simple. Keep the focus on your artwork, then choose add-ons and upgrades as your budget allows. 

If you have a larger budget to work with, different design techniques and an upgrade in the quality of materials can add value and elegance to your frame design.  Simple enhancements, such as a hand drawn line and additional spacers, can create a more upscale look. Fabric mats, foamboard spacers and larger mouldings are also simple ways to take your frame to the next level.

When you can invest more money in your project, you can upgrade from a basic matboard to a hand-covered fabric mat, suede mat or multiple mats and higher quality mouldings. You can even embellish the design with decorative corner and cuts. Ask us about what options are available for your framing project; we'll work with your budget to create a design that fits your style.

Here are some of the recent framing projects we have done.

What do you need framed? Stop in and see what we can design that will truly be uniquely yours! Our talented designers are always available to help!

When framing your artwork, you have two options: choose a custom-crafted frame or buy one pre-made. Many people wonder whether custom-ordering frames are justifiable, as pre-made frames tend to be cheaper. Let's take a look at why custom frames are a much better choice for framing valued artwork than pre-made, store bought frames.

Disadvantages of Pre-Made Frames

Store-bought frames are mass-produced in standard sizes, allowing the manufacturer to create identical frames cheaply. However, this affects the consumer as decorating options are limited to existing frames. In addition, unusually-sized paintings cannot be easily fitted, entailing all-day excursions to various stores in order to find a single frame. Options are limited by store inventory, so you will likely have to settle for a frame that doesn’t quite suit you or your style.

Benefits of Custom Frames

When you purchase a custom frame, the employees of the frame store will begin by asking you exactly what you want. Providing customers endless choices is the number-one priority, so your options are only limited by your imagination. Choose everything from the frame material and design, the matting, and even the glass. Combine colors, glazes, and finishes to create a completely unique look, and even add protective coatings to the glass to keep your art in gallery condition for years to come!

Because your frame is made just for you, it will precisely fit your artwork in both color and size. Custom frames ensure that your frame adds to the look and quality of the painting, rather than distracting the eye.

Forget the hassle of pre-made frames—trust a custom framing store and you can be assured that you will get the right frame for your art, your style, and your home. Whether you are looking to frame an original picture or a priceless photo, stop in today for a free estimate.

We have a large selection of original art, limited edition prints, black & white photography and fine crafts by John Karl Claes, Donna Wayman, Bev Doolittle, June Carey, Roman Loranc, Bob Kolbrener and Larry Lew just to name a few. Stop and see this great selection!

For that hard-to-buy-for person on your list, coming up with creative, personal gift ideas for the holidays is easier than you might think.  There's a perfect solution for gift giving that's creative, personal and one-of-a-kind, custom framing! It's a great gift to receive and it's fun!

The options are endless as to what you can frame, so let your imagination run wild!  Here are a few ideas to get you started as you think about the special people on your holiday gift list. 

                         
•    Family Photos - reunions, group shots, camping or vacations trips, wedding or first child  
•    Children's Artwork - great for Grandparents or created as a special gift for an Aunt or Uncle
 
•    Memorabilia and Special Memories - ticket stubs, scrapbooking page, seashells, engagement or birth announcement, wedding invitation, diplomas  or certificates, collections, found art, antiques, medals, jerseys, even guitars & drumheads!

At First Street Gallery, we specialize in custom framing. We offer the finest and most comprehensive selection of frames and mats available. Our knowledgeable staff will help you choose the design that not only works best with your art or special memento, but one that also compliments your room, your personality and your style. Your project will be uniquely yours! Our helpful staff makes custom framing easy and, because of our wide selection, you are sure to find something that fits your budget.