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Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Framing Newspaper & Printed Articles.

10/20/2020

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There was a time when the only way to receive news was through printed material such as a newspaper. Now newspapers and magazines have become collectibles. Why? Fewer and fewer newspapers are being printed in favor of online and digital sources. Despite our transition to digital media, there is something about seeing a headline in print that makes it feel permanent and important. Just like a photograph, when you see it, it jogs your memory back to a special time. So what do you do with a collectible? You frame it!
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How do you properly frame newspaper articles so that they can last forever? Carefully! Framing a newspaper is challenging – the paper itself is meant to self-destruct. Because a newspaper is printed on a lightweight, non-acid free paper, it needs all the help it can get to preserve itself. We use only acid-free materials that surround the paper to ensure no further damage will be done.
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There are numerous ways to mount a newspaper. If individual articles are cut to create a story, then dry mounting is recommended to prevent and remove wrinkling. Mounting is done on a dark backing such as foam board to prevent 'ghosting' (the reverse side text showing through). Because newspaper 'yellows' quickly, a UV protecting glazing is used to keep the fading to a minimum.

Looking for an old newspaper?
There are several websites that sell old newspapers. They are a great resource if you want a headline from a specific date like your birthday.
ebay.com
anydate.com
rarenewspapers.com 

Conservation Grade Materials
We want your newspaper articles, magazine covers, and other collectibles to survive for a lifetime with minimal change of color, damage from glues, or out-gassing from materials that are not acid-free. Our framers use the very best materials for your projects.
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Where Do You Begin?
Step 1:
Bring in the newspaper article
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Step 2:
We'll help you decide on a design
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Step 3:
Pick up your completed framed project!
 
If there are any additional headlines or pages that didn't make the cut, we can secure them in between the backing board & backing paper, or in an envelope on the back.
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Sometimes wrinkles are part of the charm, like in this old article about Mark Twain.
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Your grandparents' wedding announcement gets new life in a custom frame.
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Capture a moment in time by framing your favorite magazine cover.
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Vintage sheet music makes a great addition to your music room decor.
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Hide it with a Frame! Disguise your TV or wall safe with a custom frame.

9/2/2020

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You've spent lots of time and money to design your room and get it just right, but something is off. It's not the furniture, or the color scheme...it's your TV! Your flat screen has become the dominant focal point of the room. When it's powered off, it looks like a big black box. Thanks to advancing technology, televisions are much more stylish than they used to be, but visually they are still just a black box. We have clever framing options so you can hide your large TV!
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Two Ideas for Disguising Your TV:
Hide the TV Completely

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Use framed artwork to hide your recessed TV. The art should be large enough to fully cover the TV’s dimensions (we’ll help with measurements). After we frame the art, we can hinge it to the wall to open when the TV is in use. Voila - Hidden!
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Disguise the TV as Framed Art


Frame the TV itself! With a frame around the screen, the TV becomes a work of art. If you have a ‘smart’ TV, you can program it to scroll through your digital photo collection, allowing it to look like art and bring a smile every time you notice it.
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Hide Your Safe in Plain Sight

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Safes should be hidden because of the valuable items inside. You certainly don’t want to advertise that you have a safe. Hide it in plain sight. We can build a frame that hinges away from the wall to conceal your treasures.
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Lighting

Lighting your artwork is very important, no matter what it is illuminating. If you have covered your TV or safe completely, light the framed art so you can appreciate it.

Tip:
Install a dimmer switch for ambiance.

More Clever Ways to Hide Things with Framing!

Hide your keys or money:
We can build a frame that is easy to open and easy to hide small valuables

Show the record cover, but hide the record:
Frame your favorite album or CD cover, and in another attached frame, show the record disc. Best of both worlds!

Hide a door? Yes - you can hide a door!
We can frame a large piece of art and secure it to the door so it doesn't shift every time it is opened.

If you want it hidden, we can build a frame for it.

Are you working with an Interior Designer to complete the look of your home? Have them come visit us – we can implement their ideas.

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Framing Posters. Budget-friendly options for making posters, priceless.

8/4/2020

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Poster framing is just like framing any other piece of art, right? Not necessarily. Posters are mass-printed reproductions of photographs, artwork, or advertisements. You’ve seen them plastered on dorm room walls and movie theater halls. Because they are low-cost compared to original artwork, there are a few things to keep in mind when framing them. Your framing will ultimately depend on how you plan to use the poster - you still want it to look good!
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How is framing a poster different from framing other art?

Posters are typically printed on inexpensive, light-weight paper. This paper can appear wavy or wrinkly if framed improperly. Unlike original or limited-edition art, posters should be adhered to a backing board using a dry mount machine so that they appear smooth. No more wrinkly posters! It isn't necessary to use spacers to keep glass off of the art, and you don’t need to use the highest-quality frame mouldings to achieve the look you want.

Why do people frame posters?

Budget

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Yes, you can frame on a budget! We offer budget-friendly poster framing options that don’t look cheap. When you are framing a poster for your kid’s room or for a gift, you may not want to invest as much into framing it as an original piece of art. An inexpensive poster may not need a 24K gilded frame or archival quality mounting. Sometimes you just need simple and affordable. We have frames that would work well on your poster and fit into your budget.
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Poster Special

We have a special framing package and pricing for your poster. Come in and ask us about it!
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Decorative

You love Van Gogh, but the odds of you owning an original Dutch Master are pretty slim. Poster reproductions are the perfect way to bring famous, beloved art into your home. You want it to be designed as if it were an original piece of art to be worthy of a lifetime of compliments. Just because something was originally a poster doesn’t mean that it can’t look like a million bucks after a good framing job. Our designers are eager to help design that special piece.
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Temporary Displays

Posters are frequently used in semi-temporary displays. In real estate offices, hospitals, waiting rooms, and classrooms, it is not unusual to change art on a regular basis.
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Collections

In a room with a poster collection, it is easy and affordable to frame numerous posters similarly. This unites the collection and increases its aesthetic value. This is especially popular with travel, movie, and concert posters.
Too Good To Be True?
When a big box frame shop advertises “50% + 20% off”, it looks like a great deal, but is it really? What is the original price? Does 50% + 20% = 70% off? Let’s say the project is $500.00. If it were 70% off, it would equal $150.00. If it is 50% + 20% off, it would equal $200.00. Compare our prices!

Acrylic Glazing
If your poster will be hanging in a high traffic area (waiting rooms), a danger zone (kid’s room) or moving a lot (dorm room, apartment), acrylic glazing may be a better choice than glass. Acrylic won’t break and is light weight.

    Think outside the frame with us!

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Explain This Frame, Please. There is no such thing as ONE perfect frame design...

7/11/2020

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Do you think there is only ONE perfect frame for a piece of art? The answer is NO! There can be many 'perfect' frames for a piece of art. That's probably why it seems so challenging to narrow down the options. What's important is choosing the right frame for YOU. Let's break it down and show you how different frames can work with the same piece of art and why.
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WHAT DO THESE FRAMES HAVE IN COMMON?

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BLOOMING BLOSSOMS

About the Art:
Blooming Blossoms is a highly stylized photo of red poppy flowers blooming in a blurred grass field. This piece is a soft neutrally toned art with a bright focal point. It would complement any area that calls for serenity. When choosing a frame, be careful not to overpower the focal point.

About the Frames:
  1. White (upper left): It's hard not to notice the red flowers in the center, but by using a frame that extends the background, it highlights the flowers even more. Choosing a frame that has a flowing rounded design mimics the soft curves and lends a feminine touch.
  2. White & Red (upper right): Adding a hint of red is going to draw the eye to the red poppies, and emphasize that the flowers are the focal point. Paired with a clean white frame that extends the background, it gives the piece a subtle simplicity with pop.
  3. Blue & White (lower left): When you first looked at this piece, did you notice the soft gray-blues in the background? Now you do. It draws out other colors without taking away from the focal point.
  4. Silver & Gold (lower right): Many people shy away from ornate frames because they fear that they might make the art feel too fancy or strict. In this case, the warm gold/silver color combo and the soft, curved carving flows with the art and gives it a formality without stuffiness.
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Alphonse Mucha, was born in what is now the Czech Republic on July 24, 1860 and died there on July 14, 1939. He moved to Paris in 1887. Mucha painted in a style called Art Nouveau (French for ‘New Art’). Many of Mucha’s works reflect the flavor of modern life in the latter part of 19th century Paris and the blossoming use of print advertising. Many of Mucha’s advertising pieces featured a single figure or a woman against a halo-like disk, arranged harmoniously with flowers and other decorative motifs. Mucha not only painted, but he designed jewelry, carpets, wallpaper and theatre sets.
BIERES DE LE MEUSE
Alphonse Mucha, 1897

About the Art:
Bieres de le Meuse ("Beer of the Meuse") was a French advertisement typical of the Art Nouveau period. Art Nouveau is known for its elaborate use of color, flourishes, and graphic design style. It can pair well with ornate frames or frames with clean, elegant lines.

About the Frames:
  1. Gold (upper left): There are many gold tones in this piece, so you can't go wrong with surrounding it in more of the same color. The frame's soft, curvy design flows seamlessly with the art, which turns an ornate frame style into something whimsical.
  2. Black (upper right): A black frame is like black clothing - it goes with everything - but you have to be careful. For this piece, choose a smaller frame profile with a touch of gold. Adding a mat allows your eye to easily rest on the art without the black frame dominating. This has a traditional and universal feel so it will match any decor.
  3. Espresso (lower left): There is so much going on with this art; a wide, soft, dark brown frame helps calm it down. Notice the detail carved into the outer edge of the frame? That helps tie the design in the art to the frame. This is a transitional look that works well in an eclectic space.
  4. Copper (lower right): This frame has a coppery-gold finish and is carved in an Art Nouveau pattern. It speaks directly to the period in which the art was created. Matting creates a buffer between the art and the frame allowing each one to shine.
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Graduation is a Milestone in Life - Make it Last a Lifetime by Custom Framing Your Diploma with Pride

7/2/2020

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Here are some helpful tips for framing a diploma:

It's Worth Framing Properly

If there's one thing worth framing properly, it's your diploma. You've spent a lifetime achieving this, so it's worth more than a standard off-the-shelf, ready-made frame. Whatever it costs to properly frame it now will be worth every cent for decades to come.
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Preserve It

You only get one diploma, and you don't want to see it become damaged or faded over time. Request the use of conservation materials and glazing that will provide the best possible long-term protection from any permanent damage, such as acid or fade.
Choose a Timeless Frame

Your framed diploma is likely going to hang on your wall for a lifetime, so consider choosing a frame style that will be classic and timeless rather than something that may match your furniture or decor right now. Styles and trends may change, but your achievement will stay with you forever.
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Add a Distinctive Touch

A touch of gold, such as a fillet, can formalize and distinguish your achievement. You could also incorporate decorative embellishments to personalize your frame such as additional mat accents, a V-groove, or even a gold pen line. Also ask your design consultant to see some of our fabric matboard options, such as suede or silk, which can add a unique touch of texture and prestige.

You've earned this. Don't just frame it - frame it to last a lifetime!

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Ken's Custom Frames Update and News

6/30/2020

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We are open!
New store hours:
Tuesday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
(Closed Sunday and Monday)
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What's new
We are so grateful for your continued support during these challenging times. Business has been strong and we are working hard to keep up with the demand. We are currently experiencing a delay in the shipment of some of our materials and because of this (and the shut-down), we are currently estimating a 4-6 week processing time for most orders.* If you need a quick turnaround, don't worry! We can still make that happen with our big selection of in-stock materials!** Stop by or call us at 817.292.7842 to learn more.

Staying safe
Public safety is our top priority. In accordance with regulations, all employees and visitors to the store are required to wear a mask. Social distancing is enforced and we thoroughly clean and disinfect between customers and at the end of each work day. You can feel safe shopping with us.

How you can help.
If you love what we do, please help our small business grow and tell others about us. It's the biggest compliment you can give us and it will help our business more than you can imagine. Thank you!
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*Orders are processed in the order in which they are received.
**A rush fee is required for a guaranteed turnaround time of two weeks or less.
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FUN & GAMES - Capture Fun Memories by Framing a Board Game!

6/18/2020

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We hope that you and your loved ones have remained healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. For some of you, the stay-at-home order was extra time to spend with your spouse and/or children. What did you do to keep yourself and everybody else entertained? Did you put a puzzle together as a family project? Did you play board games or card games? Were you able to throw a Frisbee around in the yard? Activities like these always create great family memories.

Did you know that you can frame puzzles and games? Board games, puzzles, cards, and game pieces lend themselves very well to a framed display, especially considering most of them have eye-catching design and a flat profile. What a great way to remember a happy memory in the midst of troubled times.

BOARD GAMES

Don't let anyone forget that you won the epic 4-day Monopoly game! You can even include game pieces, cards, and money.
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Take an ordinary game...
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...and create a memory!

JIGSAW PUZZLES

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You did it! You finally finished that 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle you've been meaning to do for years. Such an effort needs to be rewarded. Frame it! (And you'll never have to put it together again!)

VINTAGE GAMES

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Elsie & Her Family
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Instructions
Look what you found while you were cleaning closets! An old game you used to play with your siblings. It's a little worn now to be played, so bring the fun back by framing it. Copy the rules and put it on the back or in a pocket on the back.
Did You Know?
  • In Monopoly, Jake the Jailbird is the guy behind bars and Officer Edgar Mallory sent him there.
  • Chutes & Ladders, a game about Karma, was invented in India in the 2nd century. It was originally called Snakes & Ladders. The phrase "back to square one" originated in the game.
  • The game of Clue was invented in 1947. Mr. Green was originally a reverend, but Parker Brothers objected to a reverend being suspected of murder, so he was changed to a businessman.
  • The Game of Life was the first and only board game invented by Milton Bradley, although he single-handedly launched the board game industry. Because using dice was associated with gambling, a 6-sided top was used instead.
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'SOCIAL DISTANCING' GAMES

Lucky you - it was warm enough to get outside and throw the Frisbee around. You had some fun and stayed six feet away from your friends! Capture the memory: get out a permanent marker, write something on the Frisbee to commemorate the time, have everyone sign it, and don't forget to date it. Then frame it!
GLASS OR ACRYLIC?
Sometimes framing a board game or puzzle can get large. Because of the size, it can also get heavy - especially if you use glass to protect it. Consider using acrylic instead! It is lightweight and non-breakable under most circumstances. Be sure to use the UV protecting acrylic so the puzzle or game board won't fade. And, if your piece will hang in an area with a lot of bright lights, ask us about our anti-reflective acrylic options.
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Celebrating Pride 2020

6/10/2020

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Celebrate Pride Month 2020 with Ken's Custom Frames' colorful selection of mouldings. Now through June 30th, we are offering 25% off select rainbow mouldings.* We're proud to celebrate with the LGBTQIA+ community and champion the importance of diversity in the workplace and beyond.
*Discount applies to select mouldings as marked in-store. Discount valid in-store through June 30th, 2020. Discount cannot be combined with any other offer. Not valid on gift certificates or previous purchases. No cash back.
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Memorial Day 2020

5/20/2020

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This summer, Ken's Custom Frames is excited to offer a discount on custom framing to honor men and women who have served in the armed forces.

Over the years, we've framed and shadowboxed hundreds of incredible military photographs, medals, uniforms, and other memorabilia. Framing helps to protect and celebrate these irreplaceable memories so they can be passed on from generation to generation.
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Now through July 7th, Ken's Custom Frames is offering 10% off all complete custom framing projects for military photographs and memorabilia.* We are so thankful for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for us, and we are excited for the opportunity to honor them.

Do you have a military item or a collection of items to be framed? Contact us today to schedule a complimentary design consultation.
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*Discount limited to military photographs and memorabilia only and does not apply to any other work. Discount valid in-store one time only through July 7th, 2020. Discount cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit of one discount per customer. Not valid on gift certificates or previous purchases. No cash back.
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Are the Walls Closing In? Framing in the Time of Coronavirus.

5/7/2020

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A pandemic has upended our entire country. You obeyed the rules, you stayed at home for weeks now, and you're all caught up on TV. What to do now? Does it feel like your walls are about to close in on you? Here are a few ways to keep your creative juices flowing and prepare your framing project for "life after COVID-19."
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EMPTY WALLS
Have you been staring at an empty wall this quarantine? If you can't figure out what would bring that space to life, not a problem. We can help you out! Here's what to do:
Step 1: Take a picture of your 'problem' wall.
Step 2: Tell us what your idea is for that space.
Step 3: Email it to us.
Step 4: We'll correspond virtually to propose a solution. Problem solved!
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LOST & FOUND MEMORIES
Maybe you spent your time at home cleaning and reorganizing your closets. How many shoe boxes of old photos did you find? Cherished keepsakes? Maybe an old memento that belonged to Grandma? Instead of hiding those heirlooms in the closet again, plan a beautiful display! Follow these steps to create a memorable project.
Step 1: Based on what you found, select a theme - such as "Grandma's Scarf."
Step 2: Gather all items that relate to your theme - photos mementos, letters, textiles - anything that's "scrapbook-worthy."
Step 3: Bring your items to us. We will help you arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
Step 4: We'll work our framing magic and present you with a completed framed project, so you can cherish your memories for a lifetime!
"Good times are a reminder and a reward for dealing with the difficult and challenging times we all go through. Always remember, good times await you after the difficult times pass..."
James A. Murphy
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FUN & GAMES
In an upcoming newsletter, we will feature framing puzzles and games. Puzzles and board games of all kinds can be framed and displayed! If you were one of the lucky ones to buy a puzzle during the great pandemic jigsaw puzzle shortage, save it as a memory of how you spent your COVID-19 quarantine. Stay tuned for more information.
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    Author

    Wendy Post Williamson, Owner and Operator of Ken's Custom Frames

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Contact Us

5925 Wedgwood Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76133
817.292.7842

www.kenscustomframes.com

Owner, Wendy Post Williamson
wendy@kenscustomframes.com

​Store Hours:
Tuesday - Friday, 8:30 am  - 5:30 pm
Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm
​Closed Sunday and Monday

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