Viva Magenta is Pantone's Color of the Year! Viva Magenta! The top color forecast for 2023 has verve, and that is exactly what we need right now. Pantone has declared the color to set a trend this year because it merges the warm strength of the natural world with the rich, open horizons of the digital world. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, joyous and optimistic, powerful and empowering. It is assertive, but not aggressive; dynamic and bold, but fun; warm but also cool. The red color family is an energetic group, encouraging experimentation and self-expression. Viva Magenta represents a positive future in an uncertain world. This color provides a psychological power and grace, giving us the verve we have been grasping for.

WORD OF THE DAY: Verve: (noun) enthusiasm or vigor; vivaciousness; liveliness; spirit PANTONE 18-1750

FUN FACT: The origins of the magenta shade can be traced back to the cochineal beetle, which produces red carmine dye, one of the most precious natural dyes. Image credit: Huge / Pantone

Using Viva Magenta in Your Home

Many of us have neutral-colored walls and furniture. It is safe, but sometimes can be a bit boring. Make a stand-out statement with Viva Magenta! Neutral spaces often beg for a focal point - something as simple as changing out sofa pillows with magenta ones might do the trick. What about a fabulous piece of magenta colored art? Or a colorful chair? Or a floral arrangement? Or will you be daring and paint a single wall Viva Magenta for a dramatic look? Last year greens were the it color, and many of us embraced them; they were a soft, soothing shade. Red and green are complementary colors, so try pairing Viva Magenta with Valspar's color of the year, Green Trellis. The result will be a calm vibe mixed with an energetic pop. Add polished silver hardware or a frame and you're set!

Art & Color Consultations
Do you want advice on how to use color in your home? It can be overwhelming to put a color scheme together. We can help! Our design experts will help you pick our color that match your space and style.

Color Trends Through the Decades

The Roaring 20's were a decade of indulgence. The walls were neutrals and accents were bright.

Smoky, dusty colors were the norm. Soft, subdued yellows, pinks, and hazy greens were accented with deep colors.

Pastels ruled. They were even incorporated into appliances and bathroom fixtures.

The "Peace, Love & Rock 'n Roll" decade brought bright, clashing colors. Black and white were used to neutralize them.

Earthy colors dominate. Beige, rust, avocado, and harvest gold play together for a decade.

Miami Vice and "country" come together with mauves and blues. I bet you know a house that is decorated in those colors.

A new take on earthy colors with a deeper, richer feel and Tuscan influences. Beige dominates, followed with terra cotta, sage, and earthy reds.

Soft and relaxing colors are popular to create a spa or coastal vacation feel in everyday life accentuated with pale blue and aqua paired with beige and white.

Gray and any version of it is king! With the tech generation in full swing, gray was everywhere; paint furniture, flooring, appliances, fixtures, and of course, laptops.

Of all the amazing color trends for the last 100 years... ...which decade do you like best?

Taking A Shadowbox Project From Conception to Completion Shadowboxes are sometimes called "Memory Boxes" for a reason. They are the perfect way to showcase special objects and photos that celebrate a memory, achievement, event or person. What better memories are those made on a beloved vacation? Relive those wonderful memories every day by putting them on display. We are experts in creating artistic presentations from your memories. All you need to do is bring them to us and we will create a one-of-a-kind framed shadowbox.

Step 1: Choose a vacation memory, such as the Caribbean Cruise you went on last summer.

Step 2: Gather all the mementos and souvenirs that relate to your theme - photos, tickets, clothing, medals, coins, maps, certificates...the more the better. We can curate while we design the project.

Step 3: Bring all of it to us. We will help you arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing way. Once we narrow down your items and layout, we can help you pick a suitable mat and frame.

Step 4: We'll work our framing magic and present you with a framed memory to last a lifetime! Now it's ready to hang so everyone can relive that magical Caribbean Cruise with you.

Let's take a closer look at our specific project:

A t-shirt form was cut from foamboard/matboard to hold the shirt taut and in place.

Maps were included to show the area visited.

Individual mats were cut to mimic a framed look for the photos inside the shadowbox.

A sand-colored linen fabric was chosen for the background. At the bottom, a framed "beach" of sorts was added, built up with a spray foam and cut to accommodate items.

If you've used Museum Glass, you know how wonderful it is. If you haven't yet, now is the time to try it! When you want to be able to see each and every item, Museum Glass will provide amazing clarity while protecting these amazing mementos from UV rays and fading.

Here's some trivia about the Caribbean (which includes more islands than you probably realize - 700 of them!) If you want to surf or snorkel with sea turtles, look at Anguilla or Barbados, which also has over 15,000 Rum shops. Bermuda has pink sand beaches. If you like to hike, the Dominican Republic has the highest mountain in the Caribbean - Pico Duarte. St. Vincent in the Grenadines provides many hiking trails capped with active volcanos. Are you a foodie? Don't miss Grenada. It is called the "Spice Island" for its nutmeg, allspice, clove and cinnamon production. On the Turks and Caicos' islands, you'll find some of the best beaches in the world. Grace Bay Beach is famously beautiful. Chocolate addict? St. Lucia has a centuries-old tradition of cacao production offering "bean to bar" estate tours, chocolate spa treatments, and cafes and bakeries doling out sweet treats. Music lover? In Jamaica enjoy live reggae while eating jerk cuisine. The Panama Canal is one of the largest and most difficult engineering project ever built. But don't be in a rush - it takes and average of 12 hours to pass through.

"The Gold Standard" is the example by which everything else is measured. It's the best. When you see a gold frame on an art masterpiece, you might think it looks timeless, luxurious, and valuable. How can you bring that quality look and feel into your home? Here are a few examples of using gold in your art and framing.

SHOW OFF WITH GOLD ARTWORK

You most likely have seen Gustav Klimt's The Kiss, in which the use of gold-leaf is prominent. Klimt was heavily influenced by Byzantine mosaics during his Golden Period.

These gold collector medallions were meant to be shown off. Because the medallions are small, we united them with a creative mat design and used a gold frame to balance the look.

The use of gold brings this artwork to life and enhances the detail. Because we didn't want to overpower the art, a contrasting frame was used.

This is an engraving made on a piece of gold metal plate. It is a beautiful and unusual piece of art that belongs in a frame to protect it from bending and other damage that can happen to a soft metal.

MAKE AN IMPRESSION WITH GOLD FRAMES

When a piece of art is this small (6"x6"), it needs a little help from a mat so that it doesn't get neglected. The art is modern and high contrast, so it is best to keep the surrounding elements the same. A simple black mat and sleek gold frame does the trick.

Veterans, thank you for your service! What a great way to honor your favorite veteran by framing their important military papers. Veterans Day is every day!

Art isn't always flat. This beautiful three-dimensional sculpture is surrounded by an equally beautiful gold frame, creating a show-stopper.

Maya Angelou said, "To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow." Show the mother in your life how much you care. Frame a cherished memento for her.

Use gold mats when you want to add a luxurious touch or sparkle. A little goes a long way - gold can be subtle and still get it's point across. This wedding invitation is subtle yet striking. The muted golds and silvers are soft and opulent without being gaudy. Do you notice that small inner gold frame? That's a fillet (pronounced "fill-it"), and can provide a finishing touch to your art. Notice how your eye is drawn to the focal point of the art.

A wedding lasts only moments but your love is unending. Frame your cherished wedding day memory.

A diploma is more than just a piece of paper; it represents years of hard work and deserves a frame worthy of the effort. Frame those gold tassels!

Military service is honorable and steeped in tradition. Tasteful use of gold can exemplify that service.

The gold medal is the goal of the Olympics. If you were lucky enough to attend the Olympics event, go for the gold when framing your memories!

...To Use Your Local Framer Thanks for being a loyal customer! We think you're pretty amazing, and we hope the feeling is mutual. Here's a reminder of some of the reasons you keep coming back to your favorite local framer (that's us).

10. You know us and we know you - we've been around for more than 53 years and we're always available for a friendly chat. We've probably framed for your whole family at this point!

9. Your art never leaves the building. It's safe and sound with us. All of our work is done on the premises.

8. We've got hundreds of frames! Check out our impressive moulding selection. We'd love to help you find the perfect frame.

7. We're just around the corner - stop in on your way to pick up your morning latte or cookies from the bakery down the street. Bonus points if you bring us some.

6. In a hurry? You can talk us into getting it done quicker - rush orders are available if you needed your project finished, like, yesterday.

5. Our expert craftsmen boast a combined 85 years in custom framing and related industries and are ready and fully capable to execute your challenging, difficult, and visionary designs. We “think outside the frame”!

4. There is no harming of art in the making of your project. We only use the best materials for our framing, like acid-free matting and UV-protected glass.

3. We're not a big, faceless conglomerate that sells everything from jingle bells to yarn. We're a proud, small business that puts our community first.

2. We set the bar...no, not for your favorite cocktail...for quality craftsmanship, superior customer service, and creative design.

...and, the #1 reason to use Ken's Custom Frames...

1. You can count on us to get it right. Period.

Earth Day is April 22 We love the earth - it's the only one we've got, so let's protect it. Our vendors love the earth too. Many of them are involved in reforestation to replenish what has been harvested. Let's all do our part to help our planet.

Mother's Day Mother's Day is not far away. What are the top ten reasons you love mom? Put a smile on her face by framing a picture from the past. Be aware - it might bring tears, too. Who doesn't love chocolate chip cookies? Make mom her favorite with this recipe for the classic Original Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.

Red-Carpet Worthy Picture Framing It's award season! The Oscars might get all the attention, but our creative picture framing designs are a winner every time. Break out the champagne, dress to the nines, and keep scrolling to view our red-carpet worthy projects.

BEST MATTING Look Magazine was published from 1946 to 1970 and this issue featuring Marilyn Monroe is definitely a collector's item worthy of framing. The Look logo has a black and gray background, so we used the same colors and pattern in the matting for a creative design.

BEST FRAME Although she was in 47 films, Jean Harlow never won an Oscar. Known as the Blonde Bombshell, she became one of Hollywood's most enduring actresses despite a relatively short career. What frame is movie star worthy and works with a boudoir portrait like this one? A mirrored frame, of course.

BEST TV MEMORY Several generations have grown up watching The Andy Griffith Show. It was nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Comedy Show three times but never won. We think this framing is a winner, though! This autographed photo from the show was framed with a rustic, vintage design to match the era and outdoorsy nature of the program.

BEST DESIGN Picture framing can be wonderfully creative! The award for best design goes to this movie buff ensemble including a clapboard, film canister and film. We made the matting resemble actual frames of a movie reel. What a great conversation piece for a home theater!

BEST DRAMA Andy Warhol painted Marilyn Monroe in the early 60's and became known as a leader in the Pop Art movement. The bright usage of color in this silkscreen brings to life Marilyn Monroe's iconic status and celebrity glamour. For our frame design, we wanted something bold and dramatic. Black never fails for drama, and the curvy gold frame emphasizes the curls in her hair.

BEST REPLICA Movie posters are widely available these days but framing them doesn't always have to look generic or cheap. We wanted the framing of this Frankenstein movie poster to replicate the look and feel of the original 1931 classic. By stacking three golden frames together, we replicated the drama and glamour of 1930s Hollywood, the bygone era of the gilded movie theater.

BEST ACTOR This little movie star deserves an award-worthy frame! Turn the stars in your life (your kids, grandkids, parents, best friends, etc.) into legends by framing photos of them. Look through your favorite pictures, find the ones that have the most "Hollywood" glam, and frame them to match that star's personality. How would you frame this photograph?

BEST EMPLOYEE Robert Rodriguez has been a member of the Ken's Custom Frames team since 1986. He is an expert in the field of custom framing and specializes in shadow boxes and creative frame designs. Robert is a customer favorite and truly loves his job and meeting new people.

The Academy Awards

Did You Know?

OUR AWARD TO YOU IS... Because you are a valued subscriber, our award to you is... ...10% off your next complete custom framing order!* Simply mention that you saw this promotion in the award-themed newsletter. *Promotion expires 3/31/2022. Good for one complete custom framing order only. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Not valid towards the purchase of gift certificates.

“We mostly see what we have learned to expect to see.” Betty Edwards It’s always fun to see something in a different way – especially when you are framing a piece of art. Maybe the final design you decide upon wasn’t what you thought it would be. We love showing you the possibilities of how color, frames, and matting can change the look and feel of what you frame. There isn’t just one way to frame a treasure! Here are different ways to frame the same art.

DIFFERENT IS GOOD!
You don’t want your framed art to look like everybody else’s.
Come in today and let us show you the possibilities for your art.

Fresh New Year - Fresh Color Palette For over 20 years Pantone has selected a "Color of the Year" based on design trends, socioeconomic conditions and our global culture. This year, for the first time, a new color was created to reflect the challenging, changing times we are all going through. Drum roll, please...

Introducing...Very Peri! How do you describe Very Peri? It's a dynamic blue with violet-red undertones. Pantone describes it as blending the faithfulness and constancy of blue with the energy and excitement of red. While Pantone concentrates on an all-encompassing color trend, paint companies who determine "Colors of the Year" use the same criteria geared towards home interiors. Playing on last years "calm me down and help me feel secure" colors, it's unanimous! Green is THE home decor color of 2022! Green is a calming color and represents regrowth. With that in mind, let's look at colors the major paint companies say will be everywhere next year.

Guacamole by Glidden Just like our favorite appetizer, Guacamole is relaxing and refreshing. It brings an organic energy to any space. Olive Spring by PPG This is a crisp, earthy color that mimics nature's resiliency and can blend into any environment. Breezeway by Behr Like a breath of fresh air, Breezeway is a cool, Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams Combine green and gray with a hint of blue and you get a versatile and calming hue. It's simple and sophisticated. October Mist by Benjamin Moore October Mist is a muted shade of sage green that can carry a look with drawing too much attention to itself.

What Palette Do You Pair Well With?

You're a down-to-earth, calm person who enjoys a relaxing vibe. This palette combines Behr's Breezeway with Rainy Afternoon, Snowbound, and Ultra Pure White. Pair it with warm silvers and light woods for a modern, cozy space.

You're an earthy, natural person and you like anything organic. This is a perfect palette for you. Sherwin-Williams pairs Evergreen Fog with Neutral Ground, Dried Edamame, and Ethereal White. Top it off with light colored woods like maple.

Try This Trick When you are visiting Disneyland or Disney World, have you noticed the trash cans or fences? No? That's because they are painted "Go Away Green." This proprietary paint color is actually several different shades depending on the area and what they are trying to conceal. Want to hide unsightly areas in your yard? Try these paint shades.

Color & Art Consultations Do you want advice on how to use color in your home? It can be overwhelming to put a color scheme together. We can help! Our design experts will help you pick out colors that match your space and style. We offer complimentary design consultations. No appointment necessary.

Create drama, style, and space! Are you hosting a holiday party and need to dress up your decor? Do you want to add some drama to a nondescript space or room? That's easy - add a mirror custom framed with a touch of glamour!

Mirrors & Space A floor to (almost) ceiling mirror can make a room look taller. If you place a mirror at the end of a hall, the hall will appear longer. Placed in an entry, the mirror can visually double the space. Mirrors creating space work especially well in small rooms such as dressing rooms and bathrooms.

Mirrors & Size One of the biggest mistakes when creating a mirror is going too small! A mirror needs to be large enough to: Reflect your face (and perhaps outfit) Reflect a scene or a view Bring in light Make a statement Small mirrors work when you are framing multiple small mirrors together to hang as a grouping - more of a decorative look. TIP: Is your new mirror going above the mantel? It needs to be the same width as the mantel or just a few inches smaller on each side. Cover at least two-thirds of the space. To make a ceiling feel higher, be generous with the height of the mirror.

Mirrors & Light Looking for a natural way to add light to your room? A mirror can do that! Place the mirror where the light naturally falls to increase illumination. Another trick is placing the mirror adjacent to a window (opposed to opposite it). Voila! More light! What about rooms that have few or no windows, like a dressing room or an entry? Place a lamp or sconce adjacent to or in front of the mirror to double its lighting effect. For glamour, hang a chandelier, but keep the wattage down for mood lighting. Remember, the larger the mirror, the more light you see!

Mirrors & Frames When choosing a frame for a glamorous look, the tendency is to go toward silver or metallic frames, similar to the Hollywood Glam style. Don't rule out darker colors, though. This mirror was framed with a pink-hued gold to blend with the other pink tones in the decor. When you walk in this bathroom, all you see is what's in the mirror, beautifully framed.

Mirrors & Hanging

How to Create a Glamorous Mirror Determine which room(s) needs a mirror. Do you need more light? More space? More glamour? Take a picture of the space. Measure the space. Take additional pictures of the room decor. Come to us - we'll help you design the perfect mirror, with the exact measurements.

Small Business Saturday Small businesses are at the core of every successful neighborhood, and because of these unprecedented times, now more than ever, local businesses need your support. Shop small!

Remember your vacation every day! Travel, souvenirs and memories - they go together like a hand in a glove. Some of the best memories are triggered by the souvenirs you bring back from vacation. They tell a story. By preserving those souvenirs with custom framing, you can have that memory forever. What's your favorite travel story?

TRAVEL STORIES

Poster from Yellowstone Vacationing in America's first National Park was on your bucket list, and you finally made it! You couldn't believe how much wildlife there was to see up close and personal, or how impressive Old Faithful truly was. Now you have the framed poster to remember the great time you had.

Papyrus Grass Art from Egypt The papyrus plant is a tall, leafless aquatic plant that can grow up to 16' high and is native to Egypt. The white pith inside is used to make the paper, which is used to paint on. It is an old-world craft, from an old country. But the paper is brittle and needs protection, so you were wise about getting it framed.

Etching from Italy While strolling the avenues of Florence, you found a street artist who was selling etchings of the very view you were looking at - the Piazza Del Duomo. How could you resist? Now it hangs in your office to give you a mini vacation from work.

Redecorating Your Home Office?

Postcards & Photos from Hawaii You know postcards are meant to be sent in the mail, but these images were frame-worthy! You made a great choice choosing a frame that looks native to the islands.

Wedding Necklace from Africa It was hard to choose from the many necklace styles that were handmade by the villagers, but you liked this one the best. What a great conversation piece you created by having it framed.

Bringing Art Home from Vacation

While on vacation, you fell in love with a painting that had already been framed. The question is...do you ship it home that way? How much do you love the frame? Will the dealer or artist reduce the price if you don't want the frame? How much would it cost to ship it home framed?

If you decide to bring the painted canvas back unframed, ask the dealer or artist to remove it from the frame - DO NOT cut it off the frame! Take the staples out of the stretcher frame. Cover the painting with glassine and roll it up (not tightly) and put into a tube - plastic is best. That is the least expensive way, and then you can have it framed exactly the way you want it when you get home.

If it is a piece of art on paper, and fairly small, cover both sides with glassine, and secure between 2 pieces of cardboard. If it is small enough, you should be able to transport it in your luggage. If you cannot, shipping it will not be a financial burden. Once it is safely home, remove it from the cardboard and take it to your framer.

Use color to bring out a range of fun feelings! Not all art is serious! Some art is just FUN, and color is a big part of that. Have you noticed how color can greatly influence the vibe in a room or the tone of art? Do you know how to choose art and decor that can create a certain feel?

Reds & Oranges Reds and oranges are energetic colors. They are used to stimulate the body and mind, promote power, and increase appetite. That's why many dining rooms and gyms have one or more red or orange walls. Painting by Andre Derain, L'Estaque, 1906

Yellows It is believed that yellow stimulates the nerves and purifies the body, lifting your spirits and reducing stress. Is it any wonder many kitchens are painted yellow? Painting by Claude Monet, Water Lilies, 1919

Blues & Greens Blues and greens are restful, stable colors with a stress management quality. They create a soothing feeling, encouraging calmness. Does it make you think of spas or medical offices? Painting by Georgia O'Keefe, Blue & Green Music, 1921

In this image there is an energetic orange flower. Adding its complementary color blue brings out the best in each.

It's fun to watch the yellow and orange flowers sway in the breeze, but the blue background makes this image so relaxing.

The red inner frame emphasizes the passion of this fun Las Vegas print.

According to Color-Related Studies...

White Mat or Black Mat?

Colorful Mouldings
Sometimes it's fun to use a colorful moulding - here are some examples of what we carry.