|
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
5925 Wedgwood Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76133
817.292.7842
www.kenscustomframes.com
Wendy A. Williamson, Owner & President
wendy@kenscustomframes.com
Have a safe and happy holiday season! 5925 Wedgwood Drive Fort Worth, TX 76133 817.292.7842 www.kenscustomframes.com Wendy A. Williamson, Owner & President wendy@kenscustomframes.com
0 Comments
Frame the Kids! Newborn photography - Baby feet - Mother & child image - Hand-drawn portrait - Family tradition - Kid's art Any parent or grandparent will be thrilled with a present that showcases their children. Maybe your son is a new dad or your friend with kids is hard to buy for. Either way, you can't go wrong with a gift centered around their beautiful bundles of joy. There are so many frameable ideas...
5925 Wedgwood Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76133 817.292.7842 www.kenscustomframes.com Wendy A. Williamson, Owner & President wendy@kenscustomframes.com
5925 Wedgwood Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76133 817.292.7842 www.kenscustomframes.com Wendy A. Williamson, Owner & President wendy@kenscustomframes.com
QUESTION #1 Which mat color do you think works best and why? In this painting by Paul Cezanne, the tower is the focal point. In framing design, the focal point is what you notice first upon viewing. We always want to emphasize the focal point with as little competition as possible. Your mat colors should help draw the eye to the art, not the matting. In the first example, the top mat is the same color as the focal point. These colors compete, and your eye doesn't necessarily know where to focus. The second example uses the same color blue as in the art to extend the background, but because there is a lot of background already, it is not necessarily needed. However, since blue and yellow (the color of the tower) are complementary colors this particular pairing could work. The third example uses a neutral color found in the art, which may be what works best with your decor...but because the yellow focal point and tan mat are so close in color, the mat washes out the focal point. There is no wrong answer to this design question. It is a matter of what you want to see, and what works best for you. QUESTION #2 Match the color examples to its design style. VERSATILE - DRAMATIC - DECORATIVE There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to design; it all depends on what style you are going for. The black mat surrounding the art is the most DRAMATIC because it features high contrast colors - white on black - and creates a feeling of elegance and sophistication. The maroon coloring example is DECORATIVE; using such a bold color is usually done as a statement, to match accessories, or to be on-trend. Be careful with this choice, as that "match" may change in a couple of years. The beige example is the most VERSATILE due to its neutral tones allowing both focus and color contrast. QUESTION #3 What is the purpose of matting in a frame?
ANSWER: All of the above! Matting serves many useful functions and add to the appearance and preservation of your artwork. Matting enhances your art by creating visual "breathing room" between your art and frame, as well as emphasizing color. Pro Tip - If you want the very best, choose acid-free "rag" mats - they are 100% cotton! QUESTION #4 Which design highlights the kimono? Ideally, when you view art, you want to "get lost" in it. Sometimes an overpowering colored mat can take away from being able to do just that. In the first example, there is so little of the blue color in the art that it does not make sense to allow it to dominate. It is best to use it as a complementary accent (second or bottom mat). In the second example, the brown top mat creates such a strong contrast to the light background that it pulls your eye away from the kimono. The light-colored background becomes the focal point and the kimono secondary. In the third example, the two-tone neutral mats all but disappear and encase the kimono. That harmony makes you want to study the kimono further. Pro Tip - Sometimes the more colors and busier a piece of art is, the more "neutralized" it needs to be. QUESTION #5 When do you use a white mat?
ANSWER: All of the above! White mats can "neutralize" busy, colorful art. They give a clean, modern look to a piece of art or photograph. White goes with everything, so white mats can create a cohesive look to multiple pieces of art. Pro Tip - Make sure that the white mat is not brighter than any white in your art, or it will be a distraction. COLOR HARMONY: 3 basic color schemes and how they work for your art
5925 Wedgwood Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76133 817.292.7842 www.kenscustomframes.com Wendy A. Williamson, Owner & President wendy@kenscustomframes.com
![]() Hanging The Grouping Plan. It. Out. Having a set plan of how the grouping will hang will save you a wall full of nail holes! The ideal situation is to choose which pieces you want to have framed for this area, and get them all designed at the same time, so that you will have a cohesive look. Spacing between each piece should be proportional to the overall size you have available. If pieces are placed too close it will make the art look crowded; too far apart will make it feel disconnected. Varying spacing can seem chaotic and random. Generally, 2" to 3" apart is a good distance between each piece. Correct spacing sometimes depends on the amount of room you can devote to the grouping. After the images are framed, make a template of each piece to be hung. Trace around the outside of the frame on kraft paper, cut out the shape, and label it. Note on the paper whether the art is vertical or horizontal. Secure the templates to the wall with painter's tape. Stand back and look at the arrangement. Do you like it? Or do you need to rearrange? Once you have decided on a plan, leave them up there until the pieces are actually hung.
5925 Wedgwood Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76133 817.292.7842 www.kenscustomframes.com Wendy A. Williamson, Owner & President wendy@kenscustomframes.com Framing Your Travel Memories
5925 Wedgwood Drive Fort Worth, TX 76133 817.292.7842 www.kenscustomframes.com Wendy A. Williamson, Owner & President wendy@kenscustomframes.com ![]() Celebrate Pride Month 2023 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 LGBTQ+ community and champion the importance of diversity in the workplace and beyond. *Discount applies to select mouldings as indicated in-store. Discount valid in-store through June 30th, 2023. Discount cannot be combined with any other offer. Not valid on gift certificates or previous purchases. No cash back. 5925 Wedgwood Drive Fort Worth, TX 76133 817.292.7842 www.kenscustomframes.com Wendy A. Williamson, Owner & President wendy@kenscustomframes.com
Wedding Gowns Typically, your wedding dress gets packed away for several years, unused and forgotten, until your daughter wants to wear it on her own wedding day. When you unpack it, the fabric is yellowed, moth-eaten and unwearable. Why not prevent that damage and put it on display? You'll be reminded of your special day every time you see it, and framing will keep it safe from the elements. We only use reversible mounting methods so the dress will be in pristine condition should your daughter want to wear it one day.
Vintage Family Heirlooms Preserve your family's history by framing old wedding keepsakes you have tucked away. The old newspaper announcement, Grandma's lace gloves, and that charming vintage portrait will all be better preserved in a custom frame. Put your heritage on display so those precious family memories will not be forgotten. Museum Glass Is there anything worse than getting something framed and not being able to see it? That won't happen with Museum Glass. Not only does it have 99% UV protection, which keeps your art and objects from fading, but it has has exceptional clarity so that you can really see what is behind your frame! 5925 Wedgwood Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76133 817.292.7842 www.kenscustomframes.com Wendy A. Williamson, Owner & President wendy@kenscustomframes.com
5925 Wedgwood Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76133 817.292.7842 www.kenscustomframes.com Wendy A. Williamson, Owner & President wendy@kenscustomframes.com
Now that you've got an office to decorate and clients to impress, you can finally frame your diploma. That expensive piece of paper isn't going to do you any good hidden in a drawer or yellowing in a broken frame. Let your diploma be a silent sales tool, communicating your professionalism, credentials, and style. Custom framing your diploma is a great way to enhance its presentation and preserve it for the future.
Create a custom design that is as unique as your graduate! You can choose whatever frame moulding and style suits your personality and decor. Different design options completely change how a diploma looks! For an interesting twist, incorporate bold school colors, textured fabric mats, complementary fillets, or metallics that match the diploma seal. Consider including photos, class pictures, graduation announcements, tassels, and caps to personalize your framed diploma. Transform graduation memorabilia into memories your graduate will treasure forever. Classic Design High school and college diplomas have a very traditional, classic style. Ornate diploma fonts are generally paired with a metallic seal on an off-white parchment. You can design your project in any decor style you wish, but you can never go wrong with these classic looks. Preserve Your Diploma For Years To Come - Custom Framing Can Extend The Life Of Your Diploma Diplomas are meant to be displayed and enjoyed for years - sometimes even a lifetime. If framed improperly, your diploma could quickly show the effects of time, sun damage, and acid burn. Don't let this important document be ruined! Proper custom framing helps preserve your diploma with UV protected glass, and acid-free matboard and materials. This keeps the document in an environment that slows deterioration. A Few Tips on Storing Your Diploma Before Framing...
A Brief History Lesson... Diplomas used to be a work of art, featuring intricate calligraphy and designs, hand-lettered on sheepskin. They were traditionally rolled because if folded, they would crease and eventually break. It was also easier to handle rolled documents while traveling. The diploma was developed as a communication tool - traveling scholars needed to prove that they were "certified." Now it communicates your credentials to your clientele, still serving the same essential function. Today, degrees are commonplace; thousands of students earn some form of diploma or degree every year. Printing diplomas on paper rather than sheepskin is much more cost-effective. As technology advanced, diploma designs became more basic; embossing, colored ink, and metallic seals are now the norm.
5925 Wedgwood Drive Fort Worth, TX 76133 817.292.7842 www.kenscustomframes.com Wendy A. Williamson, Owner & President wendy@kenscustomframes.com Framing sports memorabilia is the perfect way to relive game-winning moments Sporting events, star athletes, and our favorite sports teams are important parts of our lives and represent so many amazing moments. Over the years, we collect all kinds of sports memorabilia, like pictures, ticket stubs, articles, game programs, and jerseys. These items remind us of the great game-winning memories and talented team players who have added so much to our lives.
You've got boxes and boxes of sports memorabilia, probably stored under the bed or in a closet behind the hats that you never wear. Not only have you forgotten the memories that brought such joy, but your items are unprotected from the ravages of time. That's no way to enjoy them! Bring that feeling back by framing these items so that you can look at them every day. Not only are you creating a conversation piece, you're also passing those memories along - some of them historical. And the bonus? Now they are protected from the elements that can age them. Conservation Framing We want your heirlooms to survive for a lifetime without change of color, damage from glues, or out-gassing from materials that are not acid-free. Our framers use the best materials for your projects. Father's Day Is Almost Here! Framed sports memories make a great gift! Show dad how much you appreciate your memories together by framing his: Jerseys Tickets Photos Autographs Scorecards Sports Equipment Varsity Letters Medals & Awards 5925 Wedgwood Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76133 817.292.7842 www.kenscustomframes.com Wendy A. Williamson, Owner & President wendy@kenscustomframes.com
If you answered YES to any of these questions, you need a custom framed mirror! We can help! TIPS & HINTS If you choose a mirror with a beveled edge, make the mirror large enough so that the edge does not interrupt the main reflection. Only use one large mirror per room. Too many reflections can be visually confusing. Avoid small "face only" mirrors - save the small mirrors for trays. A mirror should take up 1/2 to 3/4 of the viewable wall space if it is not bundled with other wall decor items. Balance your positive and negative space. For tight areas like bathrooms, measure your maximum available space and make sure your framer knows your size limitation. By simply changing the frame, you can design a mirror perfectly suited to your own personal style. Hang it right the first time! When you are ready to hang your mirror, consider these tips for proper placement:
Did you know? The most primitive "mirror" was looking at one's reflection in a dark pool of water. At one time, mirrors were quite expensive and rare. In 1835, German chemist Justus von Liebig applied a silver metallic coating to one side of a piece of glass. This process made mass production of mirrors available and mirror use became widespread. Some cultures cover mirrors after the death of a loved one, believing that mirrors would trap the soul of the departed and prevent them from going to the afterlife. Some believe that hanging a mirror (which represents the element water) over a fireplace (which represents the element fire) balances the elements of nature. A Custom Framed Mirror Can... 5925 Wedgwood Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76133 817.292.7842 www.kenscustomframes.com Wendy A. Williamson, Owner & President wendy@kenscustomframes.com
Conservation Framing We use the very best materials for your projects because we want your art and heirlooms to survive for a lifetime without change of color, damage from glues, or out-gassing from materials that are not acid-free.
Grandma's Scarf
Child's Hand Print
Dad's Passion
5925 Wedgwood Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76133 817.292.7842 www.kenscustomframes.com Wendy A. Williamson, Owner & President wendy@kenscustomframes.com
Using Viva Magenta in Your Home How are you going to use these colors this year? We can help! Art & Color Consultations |
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la! Decorating your home for the holidays takes time and can be stressful, but the results are oh-so-beautiful! Here are some tips to help make it quicker and more enjoyable. Limit Your Colors: Choose two colors for accent, such as classic red and green, or blue and silver, or try pink and lime green. Replace silk or fresh flowers, candles, pillows and blankets or throws with the colors. Just for fun, put colored ornaments or candy in clear glass containers of different heights. |
Music plays such an important role in our lives. Maybe you fondly recall the music that your parents played as you were growing up, or the music you played while doing homework. Dick Clark once said, "Music is the soundtrack of your life." Much like art, music can speak volumes; it is personal to each person who hears it. Thanks to custom framing, you can enjoy your favorite songs visually, too! Vintage sheet music and vinyl albums often have striking visuals that invoke nostalgic memories. Let us help you create a beautiful framed display for the soundtrack of your life. |
"For me, songwriting is something I have to do ritually. I don't just wait for inspiration; I try to write a little bit every day." - Sean Lennon For some, the music comes first, others start with the lyrics. Either way, poetry is a song yet to be. Frame the original lyrics or verbal inspiration for your favorite song. |
Grant Wood was an American painter best known for his paintings depicting the rural American Midwest. American Gothic was painted with oils on wood in 1930. The painting won 3rd place in a contest hosted by the Art Institute of Chicago, who then purchased it. The iconic house is in Iowa and is referred to as "The Dibble House." Wood intended the characters to be father and daughter. The man was actually modeled after Wood's dentist and the woman is Wood's sister. The general reception was very favorable, but Iowans felt it made them look dowdy. A Grant Wood landscape painting sold for $7 million in 2005, so you can imagine what American Gothic would fetch if it sold today. |
If you have it, we can frame it! Have you seen large 3D objects framed and wondered, "How in the world can that be framed?" Bulky or large items like musical instruments, sports equipment, baby shoes, or wedding dresses don't fit into the familiar 2D art framing plan. Here's the beauty of custom framing - ANYTHING can be framed. |
We start with the substrate, an underlying layer that provides strength and a surface to securely mount the items that are being framed. Consider it the backbone of the shadowbox to which the frame will be attached. Substrates can be many different products including foam core, Masonite, or plywood. |
Substrates typically aren't very attractive, which is why a background mat or fabric covers it. These come in a variety of colors and textures to match the items being framed. Matting or fabric can also line the sides of the box for a seamless look - you wouldn't want to see the unfinished inside of a frame moulding, so we carry the background through to all four interior sides. Items are mounted securely to the substrate or mat. This process could involve various techniques including sewing, wires, tapes, screws, acrylic fasteners, or a variety of custom-built mounts (to name a few). The size, bulk, and dimension of the object will determine the mounting method. Conservation materials and methods are used so your items will remain in their original condition. |
The ideal choice for a shadowbox frame is a moulding deep enough to accommodate the objects, such as the one shown here. It is nearly 3" deep! But frames of that depth aren't always easy to find; sometimes it is necessary to stack multiple frames together to create one deep enough. With creative thinking, there is always a solution. |
Have You Tried Acrylic? Acrylic glazing is available with the same UV protection to prevent fading, as glass. Most shadowboxes are larger and heavier than typical art being framed, so you may consider using acrylic glazing rather than glass for these two reasons:
|
How Many Items Can You Put In A Shadowbox? The answer is...as many as you want! But don't go too crazy - you want just enough items to tell the story. Remember, the more items, the bigger (and heavier) the box. For larger items like the guitar or violin, you will have a lot of negative space in which you can add supporting items...but don't add items just because you have the space. Sometimes one item says it all! |
Finding The Frame You'll Love Forever We know it can be a bit overwhelming when you walk into our shop and see a wall filled with hundreds of frame corner samples. Our designers are here to help de-mystify the design process, and show you some guidelines that will place the perfect frame on your art. |
Have Fun With It You can't deny how fun this art is! It needs a frame that can give it a musical vibe, one with movement. This frame design has a rhythmic element reminiscent of a drumbeat or piano keys. The blue tone of both artwork and frame encourages the viewer to relax and feel the chill energy. |
Art & Design Consultations | Poster Frames |
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. |
Museum Glass | Thinking about a Caribbean Cruise? |
Here's some trivia about the Caribbean (which includes more islands than you probably realize - 700 of them!)
|
"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. |
PRECIOUS AS GOLD | ADD A TOUCH OF GOLD WITH MATS & FILLETS |
|
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.
|
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 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? |
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. |
Wendy A. Williamson, Owner & President of Ken's Custom Frames
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
November 2022
October 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
Location |
|